Rising Stars: Meet Christina Assaf-Costello of Boston

Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Assaf-Costello.

Hi Christina, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am a disabled SWANA voice actor. I fight for accessibility in the voiceover industry and have been lucky enough to work remotely full time in voiceover for the last 3-4 years. I am from Massachusetts, and trained in Boston for on camera acting. I pursued on camera acting in Boston for many years until I realized my body was having trouble keeping up due to my disabilities. I pivoted to voiceover during 2020 at a time where the industry became extremely accessible. Eventually, things began to shift back to in-studio only and I realized there was a gap in accessability options for disabled talent. I then started putting my energy into advocating for remote recording as an accessability option. I now am one of the volunteer team leads with DVAD (https://www.disabledvoiceactors.com/) the disabled voice actors directory. I meet with studios, casting directors, directors, etc to discuss ways we can make the industry more accessible for fellow disabled voice actors. 🙂
As far as voice over goes, people may know me from: Voicing Collei in Genshin Impact, Mozzarella Cookie in Cookie Run Kingdom, Ceobe in Arknights, Alvitr in Record of Ragnarok, etc. They may have also heard me in starfield as Sivan, or perhaps in Unicorn Overlord!

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It’s been a bumpy road. Because I’m disabled, I’ve had to fight hard for accommodations for myself and my peers. I work(mostly) remotely due to my health. In 2020 things opened up in the voiceover industry to let remote in, then things kind of started going back to in studio only. I’m unable to move due to my specialized medical team, so I’ve had to prove that my home studio is good enough quality while also proving that I take this career very seriously.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am disabled voice actor. You may have heard my voice in games such as Collei in Genshin Impact, Mozzarella Cookie in Cookie Run Kingdom, Ceobe in Arknights, custom character voice options in Unicorn Overlord, or more. Perhaps in anime as Alvitir in Record of Ragnarok, Alma in Spirit Chronicles, or Nana in Yu-gi-oh Sevens.

What sets me apart is my advocacy for my fellow disabled peers. I am most known for voicing bright, youthful characters.
I am most proud of my advocacy and the fact I even have a career despite my health!

How do you think about happiness?
In life in general? Honestly, making other people happy. When people are able to connect to my performances. I was supposed to die as a teenager because of my health, and I’m still here. So being able to do what I love despite my struggles? That’s amazing! Being able to inspire others with my journey? Genuinely the best feeling in the world. On the silly side, plushies, cozy video games, and fall weather.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.christinacostello.net
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/its_tina_timevo
• Twitter: https://www.x.com/its_tina_timeVO
• Other: https://www.twitch.tv/its_tina_timevo