Despite the name, Star Trek conventions aren't conventional.
Star Trek Conventions are only for obsessed fans - right? Nope. I attended one and found a lot more than Klingon warriors and pregnant Tribbles.
Trek Conventions only attract obsessed fans dressed as Captain Kirk or wild eyed Klingons gunning for a rumble. It's science fiction friction reserved for hardcore Trekkies or rubber ear wearing, ray gun armed fanatics.
Not exactly.
I saw it myself last weekend, at Creation Entertainment's Official Star Trek Convention in Cherry Hill, NJ. I'd never experienced such a gathering over the full course of the event lasting three days. A good friend treated me to accommodations at the Crown Plaza Hilton, so we experienced everything the festivities offered.
Bob's generous gift of a Gold Weekend Pass, allowed full access. Luxuries like photo ops weren't included, but I've never been gripped with an overwhelming compulsion to be photographed with Sulu, pilot of Starship Enterprise, so that exclusion was fine. George Takei who plays Sulu was there, but he now also counts fans of his hit NBC hit show Heroes and his hilarious Howard Stern escapades on Sirius Satellite Radio.
So how did it measure up in terms of fans gone wild? Was I assaulted by rabid Romulans? Not even close. You will find extremes of sci-fi idol worship strutting around in outlandish attire at a Star Trek Con, but you'll also encounter:
Hand made models, original artwork, and clothing from shows like Babylon 5, Battlestar Galactica, Heroes, Doctor Who, Lost and even ABC hit drama Grey's Anatomy.
Quality time with iconic celebrities. Star Trek actors are the majority of key guests, however TV actors from Xena, Buffy or even popular daytime actors or soap stars can also often be found at events. Broadway caliber performances, including Shakespeare and musical cabaret with actors who've starred in films, television and on Broadway's Great White Way.
Perhaps the most powerfully inspiring element, but one, which is only experienced in person is a sense of camaraderie with like minded people. The anticipation before each event is powerfully infectious. During the Q&A sessions or autograph time, celebrities entertain, surprise and connect with fans in ways both sincere, theatrical and touching.
Actor, director and acclaimed photographer Leonard Nimoy was asked a question by one of his littlest fans. Nine year old Brandon dressed sharply in red Starfleet uniform impressed Nimoy enough to have the legendary Mr. Spock invite the youngster up on stage for a few thrilling minutes. The audience knew it was a special moment between a young fan and a Hollywood veteran. It wonderfully exemplifies the family friendly vibe. Several generations of fans were here - from the old guard who followed the original crew to grade school Trekkies like Brandon.
Despite my most grand expectations of diversions I'd find at a con, being treated to Shakespeare wasn't counted amongst them. Marc Alaimo who played roles in Next Generation and then created Gul Dukat, one of the most popular villains of Deep Space Nine, conducted an exhilarating class on the bard. We've all had the experiences of struggling through studying Shakespeare in high school or college. How could we blame our poor literature teacher when it's a good bet none were professional thespians like Mr. Alaimo.
He had volunteers read Hamlet. They tried their best, but it mostly amounted to those forced clumsy recitations I recalled from high school. When Alaimo took over, the only way to describe the transformation was of being transported. Immediately, the Hilton Hotel's Ballroom became a historic theater house and we now watched a veteran Shakespearean actor expertly ply his craft. Any student of acting, lover of the classics or just an admirer of theater would have loved to share the experience.
On the last day we met William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy. These two as Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock launched Star Trek during the 1960's and have nurtured the flame and kept it together for nearly forty years. These days Nimoy is mostly retired from acting, though he did address reports about being in JJ Abrams upcoming Trek film. As for Shatner, he can be seen on the hit ABC show Boston Legal and he's just been nominated for another Emmy for his role as Denny Crane.
Their onstage chemistry was electric. Like the camaraderie of Paul McCartney or John Lennon, who could understand the demands of such lasting global fame, but the sci-fi duo that helped create it? It was a fitting way to end the convention, seeing the friendship between two men whose talent helped bring us together in that ballroom.
If someone suggests you try something new - something as bizarre as say a Star Trek convention - don't be so quick to dismiss it. Give it a try. You may find it worlds better than you could have ever imagined.
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