Love hanging out at GeekGirlCon all weekend long? Love being in the know? Have talents you want to put to use for an organization you love? We’ve got the shindig for you!

Come volunteer with GeekGirlCon ‘13! Our illustrious volunteer program manager, Jex, is awaiting your responses at our volunteer form.

Join the fun for an awesome weekend celebrating the contribution of women in all aspects of geek culture! (You might even get to take a photo with Chewy!)

 If you’ve joined us today, I’ve been speaking with Joanna Gaskell of Standard Action. You can find the first part of this awesome interview here.

Joanna Gaskell

Q. Has SA helped YOU grow as an actor?

Oh, definitely. What really helped me grow and learn as an actor was doing a lot of other roles on set. Producing, editing, being involved in the whole process really helped me understand the nuances of how the actor’s role fits in with everyone else’s. I recommend to any actor to try other roles on set, it will give you a new and invaluable understanding of how you can help the final project look or sound better with your performance, and how specific choices work or don’t work on screen.

You are one busy Canadian! What’s in store for the rest of 2013 and can you share a little of what can we look forward to in 2013 for SA?

2013 is absolutely chock full, already. We’re going to be shooting SA, Season 3, of course. Plus, I’m at a vast number of conventions this year: PAX Prime, GenCon, San Diego Comicon, PaizoCon, Berzerkon, and hopefully GeekGirlCon in October!

Q. That’s a lot of conventions! I enjoyed running into you in Boston at PAX East as well. What else do you have on your plate?

For SA, our webcomic will be out this year, hopefully starting in the next couple of months. Our card game will be up for sale pretty soon as well, and we will be (fingers crossed) launching our first Pathfinder RPG module at GenCon. Second season DVDs should also be up for sale within the next few months!

Concept art by Seattle-based Thunder Frog Studios

In terms of new episode content, I would love to have Season 3 launching before the end of this year, but no promises ‒ we’ll see how the shoot schedule pans out! How fast we can get going on it also very much depends on how much better we do on our Kickstarter in the next two weeks. What you’re going to see in Season 3 is a close to this particular arc in the story. Seasons 1 through 3 are very much a trilogy, and we will see some stuff tied up. Not everything, though; I’d love to leave us room to grow into more stories if we decide to move forward into a Season 4… and beyond.

The Woman in White…

Tune in tomorrow for Joanna’s advice to those aspiring to do their own web series and she shares what she’s been geeking out to! Thanks for reading, y’all!

Greetings, readers! Have you heard about Standard Action? If you’re down with RPGs, you will enjoy this earnest fantasy/comedy web series for geeks of all kinds. Since they have launched a Kickstarter to fund their third season, I thought what better way to introduce them to our audience than with a chat with producer, writer, star, and co-creator, my friend, Joanna Gaskell! So please, follow along today for the first in a three-part interview with Joanna! Today, we’ll focus on SA and their first Kickstarter.

Joanna Gaskell

Hi, Joanna!

Hi, Kristine!

Q. Let’s begin with an origin story. Tell us a little about yourself and what you do for Standard Action (SA)?

A. Sure thing. I’m the writer and producer of SA, and I also play one of the lead characters – a Elf Barbarian named Edda. I work on a variety of different projects in Vancouver, BC, mostly in an acting or voice over capacity, but I’m also producing a bit more now, and writing when I can. I’ve been in Vancouver for about six years, but I’m originally from Victoria, and I did my acting training in London, UK.

Q. I am familiar with the coolness of SA, but can you explain it to those who might now know?

SA is the fantasy webseries for geeks of all kinds. It’s a bit like Lord of the Rings if the entire party was made up of Pippins. It has the humor and the intelligence of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld or The Mighty Boosh, and the campiness of the old Hercules, Legendary Journeys show. It’s full of references to nerd culture and gaming, but it’s accessible enough for anyone to find the humor in it.

The story follows four inept, misfit adventurers who find each other and set out on a quest full of bumbling hilarity that tests not only their fellowship, but everyone’s perception of what a hero should be. It’s heartwarming in places, very silly in others, and it appeals to anyone who ever rooted for the underdog.

L-R: Ferdnando (Edwin Perez), Wendy (Tara Pratt), Martin (Daniel S. Johnston), and Edda (Joanna Gaskell).

Q. Do you have to have played an RPG to get the humor?

Our show is full of references to nerd culture and gaming, but it’s accessible enough for anyone to find the humor in it. We don’t just stick to gaming, either; we have Easter Eggs in there for Browncoats, Trekkies, Star Wars fans, Tolkien lovers, Monty Python addicts, and more. It’s really a story about interesting, relatable characters and their journey through the mishaps of a fantasy world. You don’t have to be a nerd to enjoy it, but every once in awhile you might appreciate a joke a bit more if you’ve ever been a gamer, or part of a fandom.

Fernando and Edda get their groove on.

Q. Your Kickstarter will be funded with less than a day left. Congratulations on your funded third season! Has its success been a surprise?

Thank you! One thing about being on the web is that we have pretty close connections with our fans, so we knew we had a lot of support out there. But I have to admit I was pretty blown away by the first week of our Kickstarter. We hit our base goal in just three days, and it certainly gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling to see the generosity from the fans, and the obvious appreciation for what we do. It’s always great to know as an artist that your audience wants to see more! We’re trying for a big last push as our campaign comes to a close, though ‒ the more we raise, the longer our season will be, and I’d really love to have a lot of episodes for Season 3.

Wendy, Edda, and Martin listen with apprehension.

Q. What you do when you’re not rocking as Edda?

Ha! I seem to wear the Edda ears and costume really, really often, so people always look surprised when I show up not in costume at a panel, or at another job.

Kaja Sadowski and Joanna Gaskell

Currently, I have a bunch of other projects on the go. I co-host a board game review show called Starlit Citadel Reviews, which has become very popular; we’re in our second season, and have over 60 episodes out. I’m doing a stage show here in Vancouver called the Critical Hit Show ‒ live D&D on stage ‒ which always gets a great audience. I’ve been working a bit with Zombie Orpheus Entertainment, the great troupe who made JourneyQuest and the Gamers movies. I’ve finished filming on their next feature (Gamers: Hands of Fate), and next up is a web mini-series called Humans and Households. And there are two sci-fi projects I’m co-producing at the moment: one of them is uber-low-budget sketch comedy show Space Cab, which I’m pretty darn excited about; and the other one… I can’t talk about yet.

Oh, then there’s my day job. I have one of those, too.

Tune in early next week for part two of my interview with Joanna! We will chat about how SA has helped her hone her craft and where you might find Edda and her crew this year!

GeekGirlCon announces the appearance of Chaka Cumberbatch at GeekGirlCon ‘13 on October 19 and 20, 2013.

Chaka Cumberbatch

On February 4, 2013, Cumberbatch authored a piece on XOJane called I’m a black female cosplayer and some people hate it responding to an uproar over her professional cosplay career. In addition to being a professional cosplayer, she is the Associate Brand Manager at FUNimation Entertainment, and a freelance journalist/blogger. Her writing has appeared on numerous sites, including TheMarySue.com and NerdCaliber.com.

Cumberbatch cosplays as various superheroes, in full character, at comic book conventions. Cumberbatch’s cosplay has become such a large focus in the media, she says she expects to never enter a job interview without also discussing her hobby. If you want to talk about back issues and current issues of comics, she is the person to see!

“GeekGirlCon is excited for Chaka Cumberbatch to attend our third annual convention. We look forward to hearing her speak on social, race, gender, and sexuality issues within the geek community and seeing her cosplay,” said Jennifer K. Stuller, Director of Programming and Events.

Visit Chaka Cumberbatch’s Facebook page or follow her on Twitter to learn more about her.

GeekGirlCon ‘13 is partnering with Homewood Suites and W Hotel.
GeekGirlCon ‘13 is seeking fabulous Vendors and Exhibitors (through June 1).
GeekGirlCon ‘13 is looking for your programming and events (through May 15).
GeekGirlCon ‘13 has press pass information.
GeekGirlCon presents GeekGirlConnections at the Con (apply now) and year-round.
GeekGirlCon offers fantastic events throughout the year that you don’t want to miss!

Don’t miss any exciting updates, schedules, and more for GeekGirlCon ‘13! Buy your passes now!

GeekGirlCon Nerdcore Benefit Concert featuring the returning Jonny Nero Action Hero, Canadian rapper Nursehella, and GeekGirlCon’s own Shubzilla!

The Details:

• Date:         May 17, 2013
• Time:         9 p.m.
• Price:         $8
• Where:    White Rabbit, 513 N 36th St, Suite E (Fremont)
• Transit:    N 36th St & Dayton Ave N

Join host GeekGirlCon to welcome three fantastic musicians to our Benefit Concert at the White Rabbit in Fremont!

Jonny Nero Action Hero has performed for us before; he has been performing for fifteen years, and writing his own material for ten years.

Nursehella was born and raised in British Columbia, Canada; this will be the Canadian rapper’s first performance for GeekGirlCon.

Shubzilla, GeekGirlCon’s own Public Relations Content Producer, debuted at NerdcoreNow’s First Annual Vocalist/Producer Challenge.

Add these three talented performers together, and we get a smashing nerd concert. Proceeds go to benefit GeekGirlCon and our mission. Tickets are available at Brown Paper Tickets; get online and buy yours now!

Ready to gather with your favorite movie lovers at Central Cinema? Come kick off GeekGirlCon’s on-going programming and events this year and watch the Director’s Cut of Supergirl!

Have you ever seen a movie so bad, you love it? Many people said that about Supergirl, an awkward translation of comics to screen filmed in 1984. Helen Slater stars in her debut film as Supergirl against villain Selena, played by the deliciously evil Faye Dunaway. They may be campy, but they sure are fun to watch.

When: Monday, May 27, 7:00 pm (one showing only)

Where: Central Cinema, 1411 21st Avenue, Seattle (21st Ave and East Union Street)

Price: $6 in advance–get your ticket here! / $8 day of the show

Walk, drive, cycle, or take the bus! The #2 bus stops just around the corner at 20th & Union. The #48 stops at 23rd & Union two blocks away.

Been to a TV Dinner but not a feature film at Central Cinema? Never fear, your instructions are here. The superheroes suggest you arrive early and settle in, peruse the menu, and place your order with the wait staff. What do superheroes eat? Whatever you choose, it will arrive and you can enjoy your food and your show. Visit Central Cinema for more information.

Don’t miss other GeekGirlCon and Central Cinema team-ups in July, September, and November this year! And don’t miss GeekGirlCon ‘13 – buy your passes today!

Saturday, May 4: Free Comic Book Day!
From the website: “Free Comic Book Day is a single day – the first Saturday in May each year – when participating comic book shops across North America and around the world give away comic books absolutely FREE* to anyone who comes into their stores. *Check with your local comic book shop for their participation and rules.”

Saturday, May 4: Beginning Puppetry
From the press release: “In this fun, dynamic class, you’ll learn the foundations of good stage puppetry ‒ focus, physical commitment and basic puppet operation. We’ll focus on how to make your puppet seem alive and connect with the audience. You’ll get lots of hands-on time with professional arm-and-rod puppets plus a simple practice puppet to take home so you can keep working on your skills. No puppet experience required. Please dress comfortably and be ready to move. Class size limited to 16.”

Wednesday, May 8: Girl Power Hour: Let’s Get Social! The Power of Social Media
From the events page: “Make sense of what’s happening now in new media, a staple for individuals and brands looking to make their mark and cut through the noise in today’s ever-changing world. Panelists will include local social media stars and women doing big things. You’ll get social over cocktails and desserts before and after a 40 minute Q&A.”

Wednesday, May 8: Dungeon Crawl Classics at Gamma Ray Games
From the events page: “You are no hero. You’re an adventurer, a reaver, a cutpurse, a heathen-slayer a tight-lipped warlock guarding long-dead secrets. Join us as the Dungeon Crawl Classics RPG World Tour 2013 rolls through Seattle. “Learn to play” sessions will be run by Goodman Games’ writer, Jobe Bittman. No experience necessary!”

Thursday, May 9 – Friday, May 10: Minxes of Middle Earth: One Simply Does Not Strip Into Mordor
From the Facebook Page: “One Ring Has Been Found! Rumors circulated late last night that after the 111th birthday party of, now missing, Mr. Bilbo Baggins that the ONE RING has surfaced after centuries in hiding. No one would come forward with any concrete details but with a parade of unlikely characters showing up in the once quiet Shire anything is possible. Recent reports suggest that Sauron’s chief lieutenants, 9 Ringwraiths have been dispatched to take matters into their own hands. Discover the truth as the cast of Minxes of Middle Earth shimmy our way out of the Shire, shake our way past foes, bump n’ grind up to new friends and tease our way into Mordor to destroy the One Ring for good. Or will we? NOTE: This event is 21+”

Saturday, May 11: Intermediate Puppetry: “Finding Your Puppet’s Character”
From the press release: “In this fun, intermediate puppeteering class, you’ll learn the basics of characterization – voice, physicality and emotion – and how to apply them to your puppet. You’ll get tons of tips for making character choices and see what a big impact they can have on your puppet’s performance. Beginning puppetry class or equivalent puppet experience recommended. Please dress comfortably and be ready to move. Class size limited to 16.”

Saturday, May 11: Little Shop of Horrors at Wayward Coffeehouse
From the Meetup page: “Can a man’s strange passion cause a flower to kill? How will his madness end!? If you’ve never seen the original Little Shop of Horrors, join the gang at the Wayward Coffeehouse on Saturday, May 11th for a fun evening out.

Thursday, May 16: Geek Bingo at Gamma Ray Games
From the event page: “Seattle’s Browncoats bring you another great opportunity to have fun and support local charities on the third Thursday of every month.”

Thursday, May 16: Seattle Girl Geek Dinner
From the event page: “Light a Fire with IGNITE! Seattle Girl Geek Dinners and IGNITE are excited to partner in our first fundraising event to support IGNITE’s mission: to educate and increase exposure of STEM related careers to young girls..”

Friday, May 17: GeekGirlCon Benefit Concert
Nerd music concert to raise money for GeekGirlCon featuring Shubzilla, Nursehella, and Jonny Nero Action Hero

Wednesday, May 27: Central Cinema Presents: Supergirl with GeekGirlCon
From the events page: “GeekGirlCon is back with a screening that will make you believe a GIRL can fly! Starring Helen Slater, Faye Dunaway, Peter O’ Toole and hunky Hart Bochner, SUPERGIRL is one high flying and soaring fantasy adventure! Join GeekGirlCon and SUPERGIRL for an evening of awesomeness! We will be screening the 138 minute director’s cut!”

Don’t forget to check the calendars of some of your favorite geeky hangouts for ongoing events. Here are a few links from some GeekGirlCon partners:

*Ada’s Technical Books
*Card Kingdom
*Fantagraphics Books
*Fantasium Comics
*Gamma Ray Games / Raygun Lounge
*Wayward Coffeehouse

What nerdy activity are you going to do now that the days are longer?

If you’d like to see your event up on Geek About Town, please email shubz@geekgirlcon.com for consideration. Please note that we reserve the right to either approve or deny your request. All submissions must be in alignment with the GeekGirlCon mission statement.

Kelly Sue DeConnick will be appearing at GeekGirlCon ’13

GeekGirlCon proudly announces Kelly Sue DeConnick will be appearing at our third annual GeekGirlCon convention, October 19 and 20, 2013!

Kelly Sue DeConnick has worked in the comic book industry for the last decade, writing comics and adapting manga into English including the scripts for Kare First Love, Black Cat, Sexy Voice and Robo, and Blue Spring (among others!).

DeConnick’s best-known comic credit is her involvement with Marvel Comics and the evolution of Ms. Marvel, a character with beginnings in the 1970s as a feminist character named Carol Danvers, into Captain Marvel. The role of Carol Danvers has grown through many personal hardships, from identity crises to alternate reality disasters to alcoholism. DeConnick emphasizes the character’s strength in overcoming and living through these challenges, and focuses on the amazing woman who has become Captain Marvel.

“Kelly Sue DeConnick is a talented writer and a strong advocate for women in comics,” said Jennifer K. Stuller, Director of Programming and Events. “We are thrilled that she is coming to GeekGirlCon ’13!”

For more information on her fantastic catalog, check out Kelly Sue DeConnick’s author page on Amazon for information on her available titles.

GeekGirlCon ‘13 is partnering with Homewood Suites and W Hotel.
GeekGirlCon ‘13 is seeking fabulous Vendors and Exhibitors.
GeekGirlCon ‘13 is looking for your programming and events (through May 15).
GeekGirlCon ‘13 has press pass information.
GeekGirlCon presents GeekGirlConnections at the Con (apply now) and year-round.
GeekGirlCon offers fantastic events throughout the year that you don’t want to miss!

Don’t miss any exciting updates, schedules, and more for GeekGirlCon ‘13! Buy your passes now!

GeekGirlCon is seeking programming submission ideas, performers, and professionals for GeekGirlCon ’13. Are you interested in being a part of our convention this year? Please fill out one of the forms listed below!

Programming Submission Form: for all convention programming

GeekGirlConnections Submission Form: for our GeekGirlConnections room, a resource to help professionals connect with and mentor convention attendees

Events Submission Form: for musical talent at the convention

Do you have any questions? Please direct them to programinfo@geekgirlcon.com.

We’d like to invite you to join GeekGirlCon for a fun Twitter chat on Monday (April 15) during the PBS premiere of Wonder Women! The Untold Story of American Superheroines. Wonder Women! is a fantastic documentary that examines representations of powerful women in popular culture. GeekGirlCon is a big fan of the film. We hosted a panel with women featured in the film at GeekGirlCon ’11 and screened the finished film during the closing celebration at GeekGirlCon ’12.

Now, Wonder Women! is being brought to the masses. We’re really excited to watch the film again. Find the screening time in your area, and take a peek at the film’s trailer below.

GeekGirlCon staff will be tweeting away as we watch, and we hope you can join us! Don’t forget to follow @GeekGirlCon and use the hashtag #WonderWomen as you watch the documentary to be a part of the conversation. We’ll be watching at 10 p.m. PDT when it airs in Seattle. We look forward to hearing your thoughts on the film.