I am a nobody. Well, a nobody with a name and a history and personality with dreams. But certainly not famous. However, there are small niche crowds that are obsessive enough to give a healthy fiber induced poop about the voice actors in games, anime and cartoons. I got lucky. I was cast in a few. The result? I get to occasionally have a summer like I did this year.
No tour bus, cocaine or orgies (that I can remember), but certainly some lovely moments with, dare I call them, fans? Yes, I dare to and the Gods be damned!
First up was Comic Con Palm Springs! A newer convention with sweet folks on staff and an opportunity to hang with/keep up with Carlos Ferro. Also my first con with über talented Jon Bailey.
Also my second time hanging with Tom Kenny (SpongeBob)! Our first time was for a 4 hour commercial session. This was far more entertaining!
[NOTE: Instagram embeds are all videos]
Of course, the best part is the fans…
Next up was my most favorite con in the world – DRAGON CON, BABY!
This is the largest fan-run culture con in the USA. It’s 5 hotels in Downtown Atlanta. If you are a fan of cosplay, this is your Burning Man.
And, of course, Carlos Ferro was there, too!
I have to give Dino Andrade a lot of credit for getting me to participate in his Improv show a second year in a row. Improv scares the bejesus out of me… But having Mark Meer, Quinton Flynn, Keythe Farley, and Adam Croasdell as my teammates it was much more fun than when I was twenty-two and desperate for the love of a jaded audience.
And, of course, my Notorious [zombie related] Erotic Fanfic Show! We were standing room only and I was told they turned away up to 200 people! Next year, the Peachtree Ballroom, y’all!
Followed by too much free time for me to get into trouble…
Yeah, I know. Sorry.
Next up was Optimus Comic Con Bristol in the UK! REALLY sweet people run this con. It was small but very warm and friendly. The only downside was that I had picked up a bug from Dragon Con and ended up sleeping whenever I wasn’t on the convention floor. But I stayed a few extra days so I could explore the city – which is really quite lovely.
Then it was on to Canada… Oh, Canada… First I stole two days in Toronto. I. Love. Toronto. Though the first morning there was very hard given my jet lag and this lady:
I love that you can walk in any direction in Toronto for miles and find something cool on every block… Like New York stretched out 5 times larger and populated with slightly nicer people. (Bring it, New Yorkers, I’m ready!)
I wandered alone for the whole trip but met two kind Italian cousins who I pontificated to on the subject of bad nose jobs. (Feel my pain, people.)
Then I flew to the easternness eastern part of North America – Newfoundland – for Atlanti-Con! Another small con run by super sweet people in one of the most beautiful woodland islands I’ve seen in person. It was the perfect way to end a whirlwind 11 day trip.
When I was a kid I had dreamed of being an actor so I could fly to different parts of the world to shoot films and have new experiences. While my film career has only led me to Houston and Philadelphia (which I did enjoy) it was that other career I never imagined I would have – voice over actor – that has stepped up and filled that childhood dream. Every day is a day to be grateful when you have your health. Add in traveling to cons and meeting strangers who feel a connection to you for doing your job? Freeakin’ priceless.
Next up?
Are you a con looking to book me? Why don’tcha click on over here.