A panel of comedians compete to complete the strange tasks set forth by a megalomaniacal game show host and their assistant. Who can complete the challenges with the most creativity and panache? Based on the British game show. Participants: Lee Harris, Tim Wick, Nick Glover, Duck Washington, Shannan Paul, Windy Bowlsby, Jeremy Stomberg, Melissa Sue Kaercher
Dr. Jim Kakalios, physicist, and Chris Kluwe, retired NFL punter, will discuss and demonstrate the physics of kicking (punting) a football. Participants: James Kakalios, Chris Kluwe
Four "experts" must each give a PowerPoint presentation with slides they have never seen before, and the slides make no sense! Participants: Melissa Sue Kaercher, Tim Wick, Shannan Paul, Lee Harris, Gregory Parks, Andrea Ropella
Ready to run away to the circus? Escape to MainStage for a cirque-style celebration of fantastic fandoms and creative cosplays as performers dance, climb, spin and astound! Participants: Shadowcat Sophie, Sarah Herda, Sara Su, Rev Dominic, Anjela, Dewfeathers, Jayne Aer, Thayer Slichter, Foxxi Stiletto, Sasha Rapacz, Hot Tang
Reverend Matt’s Monster Science: They Might Be Halflings - A History of Player Character Species 2022 CONvergence Guest of Honor Reverend Matt returns to the Mainstage with a compact history of non-human adventurers in role-playing games! From the days when "Elf" was a character class (and Gary Gygax was grumpy about it), through to the modern day, where every single character is maybe a pony! Mutant animals! Moody vampires! Various humanoid ducks! At least two whole games where everybody is a dinosaur in outer space! And much, much more! Tons of information about the history of role-playing games, plus so many comedy jokes, and even PowerPoint! Participants: Matthew Kessen
What happens when real life goes full critical fail? You roll with it—laughing all the way. Join Miss Shannan and a party of hilarious guests as they bring you a one-of-a-kind blend of stand-up comedy and storytelling, celebrating the glorious mess of existence through fandom, resilience, and pure nerdy joy. Whether you’re facing a plot twist, a parenting side quest, or just trying not to TPK your own week—this is the show for you. Because when chaos hits... we roll initiative. Participants: Shannan Paul, Matt Dooyema, Diane Sieber, Joe Cocozzello, Wendy Maybury
Vilification Tennis is a horribly offensive show that isn't appropriate for anyone. Least of all the discerning attendees of CONvergence. However, if you don't mind a bunch of geeks insulting each other, that's exactly what you are going to get! Participants: Nick Glover, Tim Wick, Pher Sturz, Colin O'Donnell, Duck Washington, Dave Rand-McKay, Molly Glover, Hedy Rand-McKay, Laurie Richardson Sweep, Stephanie Hammon, Ad Surmak, Caitlyn McGrath, Eric Thompson, James Fairbairn, Amanda Nerud, Nikki
