“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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[…] Can you recommend someone I can send my auditions to get direction/feedback? Someone with a “great placed ear”? My agency always says I give great auditions… But I don’t book.
Is there a place where we can submit our reads/auditions for feedback/constructive criticism? Can I send it to you? […]
Those who process talent (agents and casting directors) aren’t necessarily the best source for course correction or strengthening of one’s acting. They are familiar with what “talent” feels like and may well know good performing when they hear it, but they often (usually?) don’t come from an acting background or understand it from the inside, and thus can’t necessarily offer feedback that is helpful, except in only a basic way. They lack to vocabulary, so to speak.
I wouldn’t ignore their advice or opinions, but to fortify or improve my voice acting or how I audition, I’d prefer to work with someone with direct experience who also books. I’d want to work with another actor.
I myself don’t consult, but I believe some whom I recommend as teachers may. Try approaching any of those I mention on my page: https://iwanttobeavoiceactor.com/studying-with-vo-pros/. In any case, I like the idea of seeking course correction from someone who works a lot and that I connect with, as not every “great teacher” will have a style that resonates with you.
And take heart! It may be that an experienced actor in a dry spell needs only a nudge to improve their voice acting and booking rate, like a stack of pennies with one penny out of alignment, causing the entire stack to lean precariously. When that one penny is slid back into position, it all comes together.
I have a family relative who works in LA as a director. Do you think having a relative working in show biz will help you whether she knows anything about voice over or doesn’t?
Any connection can potentially help, but it’s ultimately more a matter of talent, perseverance and luck.
What’s your opinion on taking voice acting classes?
I like the idea of getting acting/audition insight from someone who has worked a lot and still does. Agents or casting/voice directors who teach may offer helpful overview/insight (again, I’d prefer a good resume’ and currently working) but for the art- the acting- I’d seek insight from another actor who is also a good teacher.
Being a black woman what shot do I have at voice acting?
You have a shot as good as anyone else’s. It’s about talent, persistence and luck.
Is it a good idea to add background music to a demo to show a director to make it more impressive?
It’s best to leave VO demo production to an experienced engineer who produces great demos. https://iwanttobeavoiceactor.com/your-demo/