How to Establish Your Voice Acting Career
Introduction to Voice Acting
Voice acting is a dynamic and evolving field, where your talent and professional presentation can make or break your success. Whether you dream of playing characters in animated films or recording voices for radio advertisements, the first step to becoming a successful voice actor is understanding the nuances of the craft and building your skills. This article will explore how you can be noticed in the voice acting industry.
Honing Your Voice
One of the most critical aspects of voice acting is understanding and developing the quality of your voice. Learn to differentiate between a nasal, mouth, chest, and diaphragm voice. A nasal voice often sounds unpleasant and whiny, a mouth voice tends to be quiet, and a chest voice can sound pleasant but lacks the power and clarity of a diaphragm voice. To achieve the latter, focus on breathing exercises and maintaining breath support through the diaphragm. This method, while powerful, is often the most challenging to master.
Building Your Skills
To stand out in the voice acting industry, you need to develop a range of vocal skills beyond simply being able to mimic a particular character. Reciting monologues, reading from scripts, and recording yourself are excellent ways to assess and improve your vocal technique. Listen carefully to your recordings and make notes for improvement. Your voice in a recording can sound quite different from how you perceive it in real life. By noting these differences, you can better adapt to the demands of a microphone.
Getting Noticed
Once you have honed your skills, it's time to get noticed. There are several strategies you can employ to secure voice acting opportunities:
Working with a Coach or Director: A coach or director can provide personalized guidance on how to improve your vocal performances and prepare for auditions. They can help you determine if you are ready to audition and how to create a compelling demo reel. Auditioning on Peer-to-Peer Websites: Websites like ACX, Upwork, and similar platforms offer numerous opportunities for voice actors to audition for a wide range of projects. These websites often have a diverse client base, providing you with a broad range of experience and exposure. Creating a Demo Tape: A demo tape is essential for voice actors, showcasing a range of vocal performances and demonstrating your versatility. You can find inspiration by searching online for what others might be looking for. For example, creating a 20-minute sample of your DJ work, ads, and readings can be a powerful way to attract attention. Follow up this with a professional demo reel that highlights your best work. Community Classes: Taking communications or broadcast classes at a local community college can provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the voice acting industry. Moreover, these classes can be a great way to meet industry professionals and establish valuable connections. Practical Experience: Volunteering at public radio stations or local theater groups can help you gain practical experience and build a network of industry contacts. Additionally, studying the careers of renowned voice actors like Mel Blanc, Paul Frees, Paul Winchell, June Foray, and others can provide insights into the common paths that successful voice actors follow.Conclusion
The voice acting industry is highly competitive, but with the right skills and persistence, anyone can find success. Remember, every major star in the entertainment industry started out in the same competitive environment. With a strong foundational education, consistent practice, and a willingness to work hard, you can establish a fulfilling career in voice acting.
May your journey in the voice acting world be successful and rewarding. Good luck!