​Getting Started

If you want to pursue Voice Acting, you'll need to learn the Basics first; this will determine your level of performance and how you should proceed.  There are four ways to learn the Basics: Private Instruction, Voice Over by Mail, Over the phone or with Skype. See: Classes

 

Weekly Workouts for Intermediate and Advanced Level are scheduled on request for students to develop their Repertoire and polish their performances to get to a competitive level.  I only take 4 students for each of these workouts and each student works at their own pace and plan.

 

I also schedule "Special Events" through the year to expand student experience,  including Professional In-Studio Sessions for students to gain experience with Producers and Directors. 

 

The final step is to produce your Demo tracks, but you need to be at a competitive performance level before you do that, and each person has specific abilities, all of which need to be explored and  polished before you are ready to record your final product.  See: The Demo Process or contact me and I'll send you the requirements and fees involved in the production of Demo Tracks.

 

Since Your Voice is your “Product”, you‘ll want great packaging for your Demo and a Great Website.  You’ll also need to learn the "Business of the Business" that is, promoting yourself and making contacts in order to get hired.  All this is taught through the Business of Voice Over workshop which is held 3x a year and includes an invaluable resource manual!  You can also purchase the Business Resource Manual separately on the Registration page. (See Resource manuals for content.)

 

You can make an appointment for a Private Session with me on most weekdays between 1:30-4:30PM. (Occasional evenings and Saturdays) Fee: $90 an hour.  During the session I'll give you detailed info about the business and have you perform various scripts to see what your instincts are and how you follow directions.  From this, we’ll know what next steps to take for your progress.

 

Recording at Home

More and more Voice Over work is available through websites, from Casting Services, Agents in other cities, Audio Book Publishers, as well as through Advertising Agencies and Production Companies.  Many project producers are looking only on the web for Voices.  They usually want a performer who can send a script via  MP3 or produce a CD with a relatively quick turn-around.  If you want to avail yourself of these resources, you need to set up your own Home Recording Studio!  It doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive, and does not have to be ISDN.  A great reference for setting up your studio from start to finish is  “The Gypsy's Guide to Professional Home Recording Workbook and CD” under the Book Store at www.patfraley.com.  I am also available to help you learn how to do this or can refer you to  professional recording engineers who are available to show you how to set up a professional studio in your home.

 

Where to Locate your Studio:

With the right equipment and location, you will probably not need acoustical adjustments to the room.  (You’ll have to try recording and playback to determine if the space you have chosen is working properly.)  Listening to the playback through Headphones, rather than through your speakers will give you a better idea of how much “room noise” is present.  Once you’re set up and are recording, it’s a good idea to send a “sample” MP3 to someone to find out how it sounds! 

 

Recording/Editing Programs:

Although many new computer systems come with a Recording Program, they’re not necessarily “studio” quality for Voice and neither is the microphone!  There are many Editing programs available to install on your computer which will allow you to record quality performances through your computer, make a CD, and send auditions and/or sessions via MP3.

 

I use a simple Editing Program called: “GOLDWAVE” (for PCs only). You can download the simple version for about $40 They also have more expensive versions that will allow you to do more.  Another FREE program is "AUDACITY" for both PCs and Macs.

 

Microphones

You will need a Good Microphone rather than using the mic that came with the computer. Now there are excellent quality USB microphones available that plug right into your system.Whatever mic you use, you may need to upgrade your Sound Card.  The Better Your Equipment, the Better You’ll Sound! For recommendations on Recording Equipment, buy "The Business of Voice Over Resource Guide".

 

Resources

Working with these programs is also covered in:The Business of Voice Over Resource Guide, and Advancing Your Voice Over Career; invaluable Manuals for any level of Voice Over! Click on Resource Manuals to see Tables of Contents. Order on the Registration page.

Check out "Working the Web for Jobs", Insights from a New VO Performer!

 

Try these Exercises:

Say the word “YES” to indicate:

Certainty

Doubt

Indecision

Sarcasm

 

Say the word “NO” and by changes of inflection, indicate the

following:

Definitely not

Well, maybe

I’m surprised to learn that

I’m annoyed to learn that

I’m pleased and surprised to learn that

 

Say the sentence “I’ll be there”, so that the following attitudes are

implied:

Determination

Pleasant agreement

Surprise

Annoyance

 

Say the sentence “I like Bill” to bring out the following:

A direct statement of fact.  You mean literally what the words say.

A contradiction of the literal meaning of the words.  You definitely

do not like Bill.

Irritation and surprise that anyone could conceivably accuse you

of liking Bill.

Indecision as to your feelings about Bill.

Specific indication that your liking is for Bill and not for anyone else who may be present.

Your answer to the question, “Who likes Bill?”.

An aggressive and emphatic answer to the question, “Who could

possibly care for a man like Bill?”