Do you love Joss Whedon? Are you longing for a Season 2 of Firefly? Do you wish we were given a Whedon Wonder Woman film? How excited are you at the prospect of a Batgirl flick? You won’t be graded on your answers. However, if you responded positively to all of the above questions, you might have a Joss addiction. Thankfully, a fan convention known as WhedonCon has the cure for what ails ya – more Joss. You can receive this cure Friday May 19th-May 21st at the Warner Center Marriott Hotel in Los Angeles.
WhedonCon had its premiere run last year. Described as “intimate by design,” WhedonCon allows fans to interact with talent on a personal level through various special events. Imagine engaging with Whedonverse actors, writers, producers, etc. beyond simply listening to them speak behind a table. There’ll be screenings, panels, parties, workshops and demos. Their vendor’s room is dubbed the “Sunnydale Mall,” in reference to Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
Here’s another fun fact to peak your interest: every year WhedonCon chooses dual charities to send donations. For 2017, they’ve chosen two wonderful charities. The Al Wooten Jr. Heritage Center provides free and low cost after school and summer programs to children in grades 3-12. They gained longtime support by the late Ron Glass. My Friend’s Place provides assistance to homeless youth, as well as a safe space for LGBT youth. So, not only do attendees get to revel in all things Whedon, they also get to support incredible charities in the process. Who wouldn’t love that?
Now, some background info – an origin story, if you will. WhedonCon is the brainchild of charity organization Fandom Charities and news site Whedonopolis. Marsia Powers, co-founder of Fandom Charities and founder of Whedonopolis, is the brain-mother to all these brain-children. She also happens to be the Chairwoman for WhedonCon. Beginning a mere ten years ago, the fruits of her labor culminated into a fan convention full of whimsy.
So, what kinds of special events can you expect at WhedonCon? Firstly, there are 250 hours of programming, including panels. Cocktail parties will dominate Friday and Saturday evenings – namely, “Women of Whedon” and the “Wolfram & Hart Company Party.” For $60, attendees will get two drinks, light appetizers and the chance to mingle with four celebrity guests for two hours. There’s also “Prom at The Bronze,” one of the main events of last year’s WhedonCon. Attendees can cosplay or don formal wear for the occasion, with a Costume Contest rounding out the evening’s festivities. And, because a Whedon convention wouldn’t be complete without a little Firefly, expect a “Big Damn Shindig” party on Friday night. Not to mention, a script reading of Joss’ Wonder Woman flick is also slated for Friday night. For more info on the programming schedule, go here.
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Have you ever attended a Meet & Greet at other conventions? WhedonCon takes the concept of a Meet & Greet and turns it on its head. Instead of the typical “I love your work” and “Thanks for watching” dialogue one can expect at these things, attendees will get to play Cards Against Humanity with talent. The game that really reveals someone’s true (and maybe deranged) sense of humor. You could have inside jokes with them!
Now, you’re probably wondering, “Who’s attending this WhedonCon?” Glad you asked. This year’s Guest of Honor, writer/producer David Fury (Angel, 24, Lost), for one. Also joining him is writer/producer Tim Minear (Firefly, American Horror Story, Feud). Nicholas Brendon (Buffy the Vampire Slayer), Gigi Edgley (Farscape), Miracle Laurie (Dollhouse), Camden Toy (Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel) and James C. Leary (Buffy the Vampire Slayer) are some of the actors attending as well. Go here for more info on the guest list.
So, if you happen to be in Los Angeles, join the fun! Memberships purchased through WhedonCon’s Eventbrite are only $45 for the weekend. Quite a steal, if you ask me. You can purchase said memberships here. Also, don’t forget to find them on Facebook and Twitter, both @WhedonCon.
Brace yourselves for a bloody good time as WhedonCon raises the stakes for Year Two!
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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