How To Become A Voice Actor
Ever wondered how all those animated characters got their voices? Thanks to voice actors, people all over the world can be entertained by cartoons, anime and commercials. Voice acting can be a wonderful career in entertainment. Here's how you can get started:
What do you do?
Voice acting is a job that requires providing the speaking and singing voices for a variety of characters in film, TV, documentaries, animation, video games, commercials, puppet shows and audio dramas. Of course, there's also the dubbing required for foreign language movies. Your job as a voice actor is to bring a character to life without being seen, using just your voice.
Do you need to be famous to be a voice actor?
You don’t have to be a big name star to become a voice
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actor. Most of the voice actors who work in the industry today aren’t famous, probably with the exception of the late great Mel Blanc, who voiced Bugs Bunny. If the character you voice becomes famous, expect to have your name known as well.
What's the advantage of voice acting?
In an industry where looks matter, voice acting allows you to come to work without makeup or costumes and you don’t have to be a certain age, provided you can act with your voice. You don’t have to worry about lighting or blocking scenes either. However, don’t think it's going to be an easy job. It's hard work and quite challenging.
Where can I learn voice acting?
Training is being offered at many acting schools. Some cities even have learning facilities that offer lessons. Check with your local community centers for a list of clubs or associations that provide voice acting classes.
What can I expect as a voice actor?
Expect to voice some very unlikely characters. Women, for example, are often cast to voice the role of a male child. You might also be asked to provide voices for animals, even monsters and robots, with the accompanying sounds. It would be a great advantage to you if you have a wide range of character voices, ranging from that of a small child to a teenager to an old person. And having a good singing voice wouldn’t hurt either.
Most voice acting jobs can be found in larger cities, such as Los Angles, New York and Chicago.
Will I have fans?
Once you work for some time in the industry and if you voice a character that gains popularity, you’ll have fans. They will be significantly smaller compared to famous actors but they are dedicated, often arriving in droves at conventions and special events. Who knows? You might even have your own website.
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Showbiz and Acting Tips:
Study, practice and, then, study more. Take classes and workshops. When you get that audition for that dream role, you’ll need the talent to back it up. Never stop learning and improving. Don’t be afraid to start small. If you are planning on becoming a star and make your living as actor or model: learn your craft by taking smaller roles, doing plays, print work (fashion & commercial), and commercials. All are great things that will give you experience, skills, and credits and pay great money. Be a big fish in a small pond. You don’t have to be in LA or NY to be successful. Get a local licensed agency and build your resume and experience locally before hitting NY or LA.Do commercials. They teach you how to audition, work with agents, negotiate, act, work on a film set, and bring you income. One national commercial can pay you over $100,000 over two years.Always bring a picture and resume to ALL auditions.This may be obvious, but you'd be surprised: no smoking, eating, or chewing gum while working! No model is to drink (even water) with a client. Socializing during working hours will result in an immediate drop from most agencies. Agencies are not dating services.Always bring extra clothes and accessories to all assignments. No one is allowed to bring cameras on the set. Anyone bringing camera equipment will be fined and sent home.
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