You hear them. You love them. But did you know you can meet them too? Meeting voice actors (VAs) is often the highlight of people’s experiences at conventions. But, what should you know before going to meet them?
Anime Fire has put together a guide on what to expect when meeting voice actors, as well as attending their panels.
Meeting Voice Actors
Do your research
Conventions will tease guests on its social media or website in the months leading up to the event. Follow or check back frequently to see if your favorite VA will be coming to your local convention. You can also look around at other nearby conventions for their lineup of guests.
Be prepared to wait in line
The most popular and well-known voice actors will have the longest lines. VAs such as Bryce Papenbrook, Christopher Sabat, Cristina Vee, and Maile Flanagan generally have lines ranging anywhere from 1 to 5 hours, depending on the size of the convention. Lines may be capped by the convention in order to not block pathways. So plan to arrive early, wait in line, or be prepared to come back later. Some conventions offer a VIP option for a shorter line, while others only have one line that everyone must wait in.
VAs will typically attend most or all days of the convention, and will step away from their tables to take breaks or speak at a panel.
Bring something to for them to sign
Once you make it to the front of the line, it is time to decide what you’re going to purchase. Do you want them to sign your most precious memorabilia from your favorite franchise? Do you want a photo with them?
The most common items for purchases at meet and greet tables are autographs, photos, quotes, voice recordings, and autographs on Funko Pops. Most VAs also offer combo packages, such as an autograph and photo, for a discount. All VAs have different pricing, and the pricing is listed at their tables. Sometimes, they are listed on the convention’s website beforehand. From personal experience, the average voice actor charges $40 for an autograph, $40 for a photo, or $60 for both.
If you don’t have any merchandise for signing, VAs will have a lot of posters to choose from. These are included in the autograph price, and they will be of their most popular characters. If the character you like isn’t a big role of theirs, then it’s best if you bring your own merch of that character to be safe.
Know what you’re going to say
It’s common to get flustered or forget what you want to say to your favorite VA. After all, they are celebrities! These meet and greets are often fairly quick, depending on the length of the VA’s line, so you will have to say what you need to say within a couple of minutes. Jot down your message on your phone or note card so you don’t forget what you want to say to them!
VAs love when you cosplay one of their characters, and sometimes will ask to take a photo with you! It’s a great talking point and way to connect with them.
Photo Ops
Some conventions will offer photo opportunities (photo ops) with VAs, where you can get your photo professionally taken and printed on site with the guest at a designated time. Some conventions will allow you to pre-purchase a spot, and others may tell you to pay in person when the time comes. These are not meet and greets, so you will not be able to have a full conversation with them or have them sign merch.
Attending panels
Another highlight of the convention experience is the panel experience. This is a time where voice actors who work in the same anime, cartoon or other demographic will come together for a panel. They discuss topics ranging from how they broke into the industry, what it was like to voice the characters they are known for today, their past experiences, and so much more. Fans have the opportunity to present a question to VAs in front of the audience. Here are some do’s and don’ts of panel etiquette:
Do’s
- Check the panel schedule prior to going to the convention. It will allow you to plan which panels you want to attend throughout the weekend.
- Arrive early if you want to ask a question. The earlier you arrive, the better the seat, and the better chance you have to line up at the microphone to ask your question.
- Ask positive questions about their career, what they enjoy about voice acting, favorite characters, memorable moments.
- Make it short and sweet to allow the voice actor time to expand on their answer.
- Thank the VA(s) for answering the question.
Don’ts
- Ask inappropriate questions, such as their love lives, politics or other sensitive subjects.
- Ask a question you can find on Google, such as “how long have you been a voice actor?” or “Who else do you voice?”
- Ask the same question someone else asked.
- Be rude. They’re people too.
- Dominate the time / giving a lot of background to your question. Other people want to ask their questions too, and panels are limited to a short time block.
Now that you are prepared to meet your favorite VA, it’s time to look if they are coming to a convention near you! Anime Riverside is right around the corner! Follow their social media or check their website see if your favorite voice actor is attending!
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