COVID 19 has transformed the voice over industry over night. I’ve created new pages detailing how to set up an affordable home VO studio, along with an unpacking the new realities of working from home that voice actors now must adapt to in animation and games. I also consider the risks of an early return to studio recording. For my “Working from Home” pages: CLICK HERE
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“HOW DO I GET INTO VOICE OVERS?”
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Welcome to a comprehensive overview of the art, craft and career of voice acting for both beginners and more advanced performers. It is a distillation of everything I’ve learned from over twenty five years of earning a living voice acting in movies, video games, commercials, promos and television animation in Los Angeles.
I hope these pages provide you a practical and encouraging “launch pad” for exploring voice acting and how to become a professional artist.
Keep checking back, as I continually add new content while polishing the old!
For Beginners:
Beginners will find a broad overview of the art the craft and business of voice acting. I show the many paths available to begin exploring the fun of acting and whether a career might eventually be a good fit for you:
If you’ve never acted before: CLICK HERE
If the idea of acting or voice acting sounds scary: CLICK HERE.
For a quick overview of where to start your journey: CLICK HERE
For a more detailed roadmap of how to become a voice actor CLICK HERE.
For a quick look at what a professional voice actor needs to bring to the table: CLICK HERE.
All newbies should also read: “VO Myths,” “Learning to Act,” and “FAQs.” These pages are relevant to all beginners, whether you live in Nowheres-ville or a Big City, whether you are clueless or confident, young or old, local or international.
To start improving your VO skills right away, click on over to my “Voice Acting Academy,” for lots of at-home practice material. It’s by no means a comprehensive course, but a good start.
Those new to VO will learn that becoming a voice actor means becoming a specialized kind of actor.
For those who already have voice acting experience:
Actors further along in their careers will learn how the VO business works and what to do or avoid in pursuing a professional acting career. You’ll also find specifics on more advanced topics like how to make a demo, how to audition, what happens in a session and how get an agent.
I also discuss handling the ups and downs of being a professional artist and discuss the importance of keeping your artistic “fuel tank” full, among other topics.
For those actors looking to earn a living at this, I show you the “long game” as well as the “short game” of being a professional voice actor.
After giving my site (as well as posted comments) a careful read, if you still have a voice over question, post it (below)!
If my site doesn’t already address your question ask it, and it is relevant to others, I’ll try to answer it.
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If you enjoy my site, I encourage you to make a donation of any amount to the American Humane Association, a wonderful charity that helps protect children, pets and farm animals from abuse and neglect?
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What if I don’t live in a different country? What challenges will I face? Should I still consider applying to casting calls, companies and agencies outside of my native country? Should I consider moving?
I always favor building a bridge before jumping off a cliff. I address your concerns specifically on my FAQ page. Ultimately, I want you to first fully read my site, and set your patient gaze on well-placed gambles, not crazy bets. Acting requires upping your bets according to your winnings, and taking chances always. An actor also hopes for a good amount of luck. I can’t advise what you “should do.” I’m not sure anyone can. It’s your call, your leap from your own specific set of variables. Your casino chips to manage and put on the table, let it ride or bet big. But just as in Vegas- most play for the thrill (and lose), but a talented few place smart bets and leverage targeted risk to sustain their wins.
I have over 25 yrs acting experience …I’m 50 yrs old and have a disability…, where [do I go to] start learning voice over?
I list a lot of resources to help an actor focus on voice acting in particular. There are online teachers (Steve Blum, for instance). I would advise seeking out working pros for advice and teaching insight. Is there a voice actor or show you admire or think “that would be right for me?” Research and see if the actor(s) or even casting director teach online. Your age and any physical challenges should not matter in voice acting, but your stage experience may need some adjusting to fit the variation of voice acting you settle on (audio books, games, TV, etc.).
…what are some good acting classes or schools to look into for acting? Especially with the situation we are in at the moment.
Facing home confinement or online schooling, you can still study the many online resources I suggest, practice reading out loud and the improv exercises I indicate. You can study acting books and online acting resources (MasterClass, etc.) and digest pop culture and our tradition of story telling (games, movies, TV) to fill your inner well of inspiration and good ideas. You can also continue doing what a creative person does: create, explore, write, journal, connect with the world and give of yourself. As I say on my site, there is much activity and habit you can cultivate in your life that feed your creative capacities- even if you are confined at home or in a place lacking in apparent opportunity. These are just some of the things you can continue with even when unable to get on a stage or attend a face to face class.
I have [a lot of] experience … I would like to move into doing some voiceover work but not sure where to start. I’ve heard a lot of advice about coaching… What should my first step be?
These days, target who you admire or who is working or established in the line of VO you’re interested in and see who of them teaches (online). In animation VO these days, Bob Bergan, Steve Blum, Cathy Cavadini and Richard Horvitz spring to mind, but I’m sure there are others.
Dee, I don’t think we’ve ever met, but I was watching Mark Evanier’s Business of Cartoon Voice-over panel and this site was mentioned. I’ve barely scratched the surface and I can already see what a wonderful site this is. Just read the “Killing Your Career,” section and it’s spot on. If the rest of the site is as good as this, you have really created a valuable resource for performers, aspiring and working. How generous! I will add this site to the list I have for people who ask me about the business. This is much better than anything I could say to them. Here’s hoping we run into each other some day. Best, Neil Ross
Thanks, Neil! We’ve said hello only a time or two. Glad you find my site helpful. Hope it’s insightful and time saving for all. Cheers!