We are thrilled to announce the man, the myth, the legend, Chris Shrewsbury will be a guest at Ret-Con 2023! Check out our Guest Q&A below to learn more about Chris, his comedy and advocacy work, and what his all time top Star Trek series is, straight from the expert himself.
- - - - - ____________________ If someone was interested in your work, what would you recommend they check out first? - Professionally- Jump into anything dealing with disabilities and accessibility. Start with one issue or condition, so as not to become overwhelmed. Personally- Absolutely anything Star Trek! My start came with the original series and I cannot recommend it enough, but every incarnation has its own merits. Comedy- Go see LIVE stand-up and improv shows. Immerse yourself in the culture and atmosphere of performing before an audience. ____________________ What is your most popular or best-reviewed work? - I think the biggest impact was the creation of Accessibility Services at Animazement. I was able to build something important there, and it survived after I left. Currently, people are really enjoying my improv game Whose Con is It Anyway and the ever-changing Geeky Rants. (I’ve had to postpone all future pole dancing performances after my wheelchair tragically killed three audience members in Chattanooga.) ____________________ What are you working on right now, and will it be out by Ret-Con (the last weekend of February 2023)? - Well, I just got a 500 piece puzzle. Post-Covid I’m getting back to working with events and venues in their accessibility efforts. I’m also resuming my own performances. I’ve done some workshops and benefits, a number of awesome roasts, and the panels and games I do at various conventions. ____________________ Who or what are your influences or inspirations? - I try to gain something from everyone I encounter. We can learn and grow so much from other’s experiences, and they from ours. In comedy, I’m all over the place. I idolize Don Rickles and Robin Williams, for obvious reasons. I also really enjoy Bill Burr, Chad Daniels, Janeane Garofolo, Nate Bargetze, Taylor Tomlinson, Tom Segura, Eliza Schlesinger, Lewis Black, and Kathleen Madigan. ____________________ What are you reading, watching, listening to, playing, or otherwise enjoying that you'd recommend to Ret-Con attendees or your own fans? - Streaming Is Life! Right now there are five new Star Trek shows being produced on Paramount+, and honestly, Strange New Worlds is probably the best Star Trek ever done. On Hulu, The Orville is a great show, and pretty much everything Star Wars and Marvel going on over on Disney+. ____________________ Is there anything you'd like to share with our social media followers that isn't included above? - Well, I’m having to re-evaluate my tap-dancing career… I just hope that by encountering me, your day has gotten better. I’d love to make you laugh, hope to make you think, and be humbled if you can give those things to others