CHUCK: How do you prepare for a role? Do you watch the Japanese original? Have you met any of the Japanese actors of any characters you've done? And were there any parts you really wanted to get, but didn't?
TIFFANY: Hmmm, Chuck. I think that's more than one question! I'll answer the easiest one first. I have never been fortunate enough to meet any of my Japanese counterparts, although I would LOVE to meet Yuko Miyamura (Asuka), Yuko Mikazuki (Chocolat), Chisa Yokoyama (Ryoko) or Kotono Mistuishi (Kome).
Prep time on a project varies. I always try to see the show I'm working on before I go in to record. I also like to read my script and hi-lite my lines. I have always done it that way since my first job. I think improves my performance, and I feel more comfortable. No rehearsal time is really involved. When a VA goes in to record, you watch the scene you are about to do (or maybe just a portion of it) to see what you will have to do. You have your script with you, so you don't need to memorize it. If you have a small role, you pick up your script when you get there.
Not every person will get their own script, although I usually do, and I have kept all of them - except for ones with small roles where I had to share scripts like everyone else. It is never my attempt to copy of emulate the seiyuu's performance, although I am frequently influenced by them. And YES! There have been many roles that I have wanted to perform that I did not get to, but that is the life of an actor. If I were to let that bother me, I would need to get into another line of work!
CHUCK: I've met you at several conventions (Otakon, for one). What was your first convention, and do you urge other voice actors to attend? Tell us about your most memorable convention moment. The most embarrassing?
TIFFANY: Well, I mentioned above that my first anime con was Project AKon in Dallas in 1997. That was also my first as a guest in 1998. That was the debut of the now infamous plug suit, by the way!
I don't necessarily encourage all VAs to attend conventions. I mean, I was in the business for many years before I ever attended - even incognito! I had already done research into the genre and had become passingly familiar with some of the popular titles. In fact, I was a fan myself. I think before a voice actor decides to go to a convention, they need to be prepared. Nothing would look worse or be more embarrassing than to sit on a panel and not know the name of your characters, the other characters in your shows or prominent people in the industry. In my experience, this would describe the vast majority of VAs. If you notice, most of the current crop of actors currently attending conventions are quite well versed, and I am proud of that fact.
I believe that, without a doubt, my most memorable con moment was being parodied at Otakon in 1999 in an Anime Con Guest Death Match. Another great moment was meeting Peter "Speed" Fernandez in Atlanta in 1999.
As far as the most embarrassing, that's really hard to say. I have certainly seen PLENTY of fanboys embarrass themselves, that's for sure!
CHUCK: Evangelion has spawned a continuing life of its own with parodies, fan fics, and original plot lines, many available on the web. Which do you recommend?
TIFFANY: Well, despite my own personal ties to it, I would VERY highly recommend Eva-R. It is the largest fan site on the Internet, and the ONLY Eva fan site sanctioned by Gainax. It is run by the highly capable Maher Al-Samkari, a brilliant college student (and fabulous artist!) from Dayton, Ohio. In fact, my own web page is linked to it. The other thing I would recommend to anyone who has seen the entire series is Eva Thumbnail Theatre - something which you yourself turned me on to, Chuck. WARNING to NGE fans: You will laugh yer freakin' posteriors off!
The character Ryoko Subaru is from Martian Succesor Nadesico, which tells the story of a battleship, Nadesico, working to save the Earth. Serving as captain is Yurika, a young girl who is also a daughter of one of the Navy generals.
Kome
Sawaguchi is a character in Blue Seed, which combines Japanese mythology
with humor to tell the story of a clutzy young heroine, Momiji.
Seiyuu
is the Japanese term for voice actor.
The "subs versus dubs" issue has provoked great debate among English-speaking anime fans. Some prefer the authenticity of dubbed titles, so they can hear the original actors' work. Some prefer dubbed English versions, like the ones for which Tiffany provides voice work, because they are easier to watch.
