“HOW DO I GET INTO VOICE OVERS?”
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Welcome to the web’s most comprehensive resource covering the art, craft and career of voice acting!
This site is for all levels of ability- from those utterly new to voice acting to amateurs to working pros. You’ll find no fees and no ads- just practical, encouraging insight.
I’ve distilled for you what I’ve learned from my over three decades as a professional voice actor in Hollywood, as well as five decades of live performing.
Whether you’re looking for an exploratory overview or a career-expanding deep dive, you’ve come to the right place!
I add new pages often, with my “Latest Additions” blog posts listed in the column to the right if you’re on a computer or if your cell phone is held horizontally.
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Click below for my new short-form posts:
Beginners:
Those new to voice acting and all curious amateurs should start by reading my FAQ and VO Myths pages.
If you are new to acting check the pages under the “Starting from Zero” dropdown menu above.
CLICK HERE for a short list of experienced animation voice actors who teach.
Already Up and Running:
More experienced performers will find insight on advanced topics like how to make a demo, how to audition, what happens in a session and how get an agent, as well as broader discussion of the career of voice acting for those suited to it.
For a new page for experienced performers ready to start: CLICK HERE.
Work from Home Pages!
COVID has rendered VO fully mobile! For my Working from Home pages CLICK HERE.
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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.
How do you recommend finding work for a beginner? […]
I tend to focus more growing your creative powers rather than searching for “work.” The better the bait on the hook, the more effortlessly you attract a bite. Still you can check out my new page: CLICK HERE
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!