What if I told you that there is someone else to talk to – who is so obvious that most commercial voice actors miss it – YOURSELF. Rather than imagining you are speaking to a “best friend” during your copy read – TALK TO YOURSELF.
As a voice actor and voice-over coach, I firmly believe that there is always time to work on your creativity, regardless of your age, career path, or personal aspirations as a voice actor. Creating something out of nothing but a few lines written on a page is beautiful, whether it’s your profession, hobby, or simply a dream you hold close to your heart.
You are every age you have ever been and even some you have not yet lived. Adjust your energy when you see a spec with a number for age range.
Effort sounds are the sounds you make when you pick up something heavy, pull something weighty towards you, or push something away that is hefty. Throwing a punch, taking a punch, or even pulling your body up the side of a cliff are examples of EFFORT SOUNDS.
On your next audition – know that you are the solution and not the one on the chopping block – the material and casting are on your chopping block.
For one – it moves the sound FORWARD IN YOUR MOUTH and changes the sound of it. It brightens the copy and warms it because it IS A BRIGHTER SOUND.
One of the great lessons we learn in Animation Character Creation – is that all of the characters in animation stories – are connected.
Whenever you audition, remind yourself that you already have the part. During those precious moments when you’re in the script, the role is yours, so own it confidently.
Stage acting is about the body and voice – and On Camera, acting is about the face and the eyes. From that perspective, Voice Acting is about the theater of the Mind.
Just throw it away – when we hear that phrase, we get guilt that we have held on to something too long, and it is time to DISCARD it. Cleaning out a closet is a great way to get rid of things you don’t need anymore.
