Intrigued by the idea of lending your voice to characters, commercials, narrations, and more? Trying to figure out the path to becoming a Voice Actor can feel like you're on a scavenger hunt with very little qualified information to guide you. Becoming a voice actor can become a rewarding reality with dedication and the right steps. Here's a guide to help you navigate the exciting path of voice acting:
Understand Voice Acting: Start by researching what voice acting truly entails. Research the different types of voice acting, required gear, and the necessary knowledge base. Consider exploring resources like "Voice-Over Voice Actor" by Tara Platt and Yuri Lowenthal for invaluable insights. Additionally, familiarize yourself with professional pricing for various gigs to set realistic expectations. Check out globalvoiceacademy.com. This is an excellent resource that I use to bill clients.
Invest Time and Money: Voice acting requires both time and financial investment. Research the costs associated with coaching, gear, demos, and other essentials. Companies like Such a Voice (SAV), www.suchavoice.com, offer comprehensive packages that cover everything from coaching to demo production. Alternatively, if you choose to go solo, be prepared to invest in gear and seek guidance from experienced professionals. I hired Such a Voice for a comprehensive package, priced at approximately $4500, which provided me with everything essential for my voice acting journey. This inclusive deal encompassed audio gear, professional coaching, audio/tech training, script resources, a producer's expertise, and the creation of polished commercial and narration demos. Additionally, I benefited from master classes, a marketing course, and an invaluable network of fellow Voice Acting professionals. Despite the initial investment, which totaled around $5000 when factoring in expenses like acoustic blankets and booth construction, I recouped the entirety of this sum within my first year, thanks to a single e-learning gig. This swift return on investment is common for those who embark on a similar path. If you don't go through a company like SAV, continue with the following steps.
Get the Gear: Equip yourself with the necessary audio gear to kickstart your voice acting journey. Look into options like the Scarlett Solo Studio bundle for a budget-friendly setup. At https://us.focusrite.com, you can find a refurbished 3rd-gen bundle that includes a USB audio interface with a condenser microphone and headphones for about $150. You will also need to figure out a mic stand. I currently hang mine from a piece of paracord attached to a screw eye from the ceiling. You must also learn about and apply sound treatment to your space. There are so many options regarding this. I recommend buying acoustic blankets from vocalboothtogo.com. I first built a PVC booth that I personally designed and used these acoustic blankets to absorb room noise. The blankets range in size and thickness and run from $50-$100, depending on your need.
Choose Your Niche: Decide on the type of voice acting you want to pursue, whether it's commercials, narration, characters, or video games. Tailoring your focus early on can help streamline your career trajectory and showcase your strengths effectively. I wish I had put more thought into this early on.
Seek Coaching: Enlist the guidance of a professional voice acting coach to hone your skills. Voice acting is a form of acting; proper coaching is essential for mastering techniques and developing your craft. Attempting to navigate the world of voice acting without proper coaching results in a lack of essential learning and a significant amount of time wasted on "faking it."
Get Some Scripts: You will need original scripts tailored to your chosen genres to showcase your abilities. These scripts will form the foundation of your professional demo reels, vital for attracting potential clients and opportunities. You may need to hire someone to write these. Be careful not to use copyrighted material.
Create Demo Reels: To create a professional demo, consider enlisting the assistance of a producer for guidance throughout the process. Your coach can also help you prepare for recording using your custom scripts. Whether recorded at a professional studio or using your own gear, opting for a professional studio is advisable. Following the recording, post-production is essential for a polished finish. This phase involves adding music and transforming scripts into clips seamlessly integrated into a continuous reel showcasing your voice. This phase requires the expertise of a sound engineer to handle mixing and mastering.
Market Yourself: Establish an online presence through a professional website where you can host your demo reels and showcase your portfolio. Engage with fellow actors on social media sites, network, and seek opportunities to support one another, collaborate, and grow within the industry.
Audition: Do some research to find the best places to find auditions. Pay-to-play sites are a good place to get your feet wet. Sites like voices.com offer several opportunities to audition, which is great for starting out, just be careful not to get discouraged. Out of 100 auditions, you may only hear back from a handful or none. Remember, landing a high-paying gig is always a possibility. The point is to put yourself out there and learn from the process to build confidence and your professional process. When you do land that first paid gig, it's pretty sweet.
Persistence: Above all, perseverance is key. Success may not come overnight. Stay committed, keep honing your skills, be giving and supportive to others, and embrace each opportunity as a chance to learn and grow.
A career (or even a side hustle) in voice acting requires dedication, passion, and a willingness to learn and adapt continuously. Following these steps and staying true to the craft, will help you to navigate the exciting journey of becoming a professional voice actor.
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