Sonic-Con to welcome accomplished Christian audio storytellers in November

Weekend and daily passes are now available for Liberty University’s third Sonic-Con audio theatre convention, to be held Nov. 16-18. The event will offer audiences and special guests alike the opportunity to connect with veterans and aspiring newcomers in the audio storytelling industry, learn more about the various opportunities and career options, and celebrate their shared interest in the unique entertainment format.

Whereas guest speakers at previous Sonic-Cons have largely been voice actors — such as Rob Paulsen and Maurice LaMarche from Warner Brothers’ “Animaniacs” and “Pinky and the Brain” or Katie Leigh and Kimmy Robertson from “Adventures in Odyssey” — this year’s convention will be more focused on the artists behind the scenes.

“The focus this year is mostly on those who create and make audio, those who are a part of creative teams — producers, writers, directors, and so on,” said executive director Chris Nelson.

This year’s featured guests have been involved in projects ranging from radio dramas like “Adventures in Odyssey” to fiction podcasts, commercials, television shows, stage theatre, and more.

Guests who will teach masterclasses at the convention include writer and dramatist Paul McCusker; writer, director, and voice actor Phil Lollar; writer, director, and producer John Fornof; sound designer Todd Busteed; actress, singer, and voice artist Kera O’Bryon; composer Jared DePasquale; audio producer Sue Zizza, and audio producer David Shinn. A full list of the masterclasses will be released on Aug. 15.

“These people have done some incredible work, and they are still very engaged in the creating and developing of new (content), so I’m really excited for people to meet them,” Nelson said. “The audience for Sonic-Con (includes) those in the field, who do collaborate and love to gather here to connect, but it’s also for people who are eager to get into the field and have stories to tell but don’t know how to do that. It really is a place to come to if you have an idea and you want to talk to people about it.”

A new works festival will also be held during the convention, with a submission deadline of Sept. 1. Exhibitors are also invited to participate in the convention.

Rather than organizing an event that caters to broad audiences and interests, Nelson expressed his desire for Sonic-Con to revolve specifically around Christian audio storytelling.

“We were never created to be the new Comic-Con; we want to be a place where people can go to masterclasses, hear from professionals, network with them, and host the niche of the family-friendly, faith-based side of the industry,” Nelson said. “It really is a niche, and I think it’s another way that (Liberty University) can lead in an area that allows us to have an influence.”

WEEKEND PASS: includes all convention events and activities throughout the weekend, Thursday through Saturday. Does not include meals, lodging, or merchandise.

• Adult (18+) – $80
• Military/Faculty & Seniors (55+) – $70
• Student (8-18) – $60

DAY-ONLY PASS: includes all convention events and activities for day(s) selected.

• Thursday Only – $20
• Friday Only – $40
• Saturday Only – $40