VOICE ACTORS

CHARLES COAT'S

VOICE ACTORS

GETTING CANDID WITH THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY

SEPTEMBER 2025

Editorial Print

FUSION MAGAZINE

TEAM

JERRY CORIA JAMES CUEVAS RIE YAMADA MATT SHULTZ

• AMANDA HARDY
• MONICA MAY
• RACHEL PETERSON
• ADAM WARREN
• RICHARD CHANVEZ
• LUNA STEVENS
• RACHEL BECK SARA HENDERSON
• HARUNA YAMADA
• CHIEF EDITOR
• JERRY CORIA
• MARKETING
• JOEY MACLAREN
• CINDY MENDEZ
• MIKE ROGERS LARA ROLLINS
• CONTACTS
• EMAIL [email protected]
• PRODUCED BY JERRY CORIA
• HARUNA YAMADA
• VOICE ACTORS SPECIAL ISSUE

FASHION POP CULTURE LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT fusion

CHARLES COATS

VOICE ACTORS

GETTING CANDID WITH THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY

• 15 DJ Dykes
• Roberto Jolliffe
• Tamara Linke

• 12 Tara Jade Fox
• FEATURED
• STEVEN GOARD
• CHARLES H. COATS

MY NAME IS BRYAN ROCES. I'M A SINGER, ACTOR, VOICE ACTOR, AND PRODUCER BASED IN SASKATCH- EWAN, CANADA!

OVER INDUSTRY.

I kind of fell into it. I always knew I wanted a creative career. Growing up, I was heavily involved in musi- cal theatre, dance, and acting for film and TV. I dis- covered voice acting through my favourite cartoons and anime-it blew my mind that you could bring animated characters to life using just your voice. That sparked my interest, so I started taking classes, workshops-anything I could find to learn more.

Eventually, I took a step back to focus on school, and a couple of years later, I ended up working as a radio producer. In 2019, I decided to return to voice-over part-time, and I've been steadily building my career ever since.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I had the chance to meet Jess Harnell, Maurice LaMarche, and Rob Paulsen at the Calgary Expo in 2013. I grew up watching Animaniacs, so meet- ing the voices behind some of my favorite child- hood characters was an absolute dream. Jess Harnell, in particular, really inspired me and made a huge impact on the start of my career.

I chatted with him for a bit and told him I was interested in pursuing voice-over professionally. What re- ally stuck with me was that when he came back two years later, he actually remembered me--and again, even three years after that. He's such a genuine guy, and I'm incredibly grateful for his encouragement and those interactions. They played a big role in mo- tivating me to pursue this path.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU

FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVER- COME THE CHALLENGES.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY IN- One of the biggest challenges I've faced in this indus- TRODUCE YOURSELF.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE I've learned to embrace mistakes and treat them as try was overcoming my fear of failure. For most of WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR? my life, I was focused on doing everything perfectly, which made it hard to take risks. But when I started my voice-over journey, I realized that failure is part of the process-it's how you grow and improve.

A good voice actor is open to making mistakes and having fun with the process. Don't be too hard on yourself-if you mess up, just try again. It's all part of the journey. Always listen to your coaches; they know the ins and outs of the industry, and they genuinely want you to succeed. Never stop learning from them.

But perhaps the most important thing I've learned is to take care of yourself. Your health and your voice are your instrument, so you need to treat them with care. Finding balance in your life and prioritizing opportunities to learn. If you're unsure about some- thing, ask questions. There's always more to discov- er. Voice-over is a marathon, not a sprint. If you stay curious, keep learning, and aren't afraid to stumble along the way, you'll keep moving forward and even- tually master your craft.

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE your mental health is essential. Taking care of your TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

body is just as important as honing your craft.

Oh man, it would be a dream to work with Dante Basco-whether on a show like Avatar: The Last Air- bender or in a film. I'm Filipino, so collaborating with a fellow Filipino actor on a project would be incred- ibly meaningful to me

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I have a warm, youthful tone in my voice, which makes me a good fit for PSA work and upbeat, fun reads for commercials. I really enjoy those types of projects. At the same time, I'd love to explore other areas like working with accents and creating mon- ster noises. I'm excited to see what other possibilities I can discover with my voice.

Another person I'd love to work with is Mark Hamill. He's such an incredible actor, especially in the world of animation. I've watched interviews where he talks about how he finds voices for his characters, and it's fascinating to hear his creative process. From the Joker to Firelord Ozai to Chucky-it's amazing what he can do with his voice. I really admire that level of skill and creativity, and I aspire to become a per- former like him someday.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

my main fo is masterig my weak ss- es ad cb ing to gw. I'e b en dig in oth mark tig sid 6 ce-o r with th b lp 6 VO- I still pear and learing a lo from th ir Play a lo to learn b I'm ex ited to see wh re th s ay ak s me. I'm also sti Harry Legg ad

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU FD ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Right now, I'm focused on several areas of voice- over, including commercial work, character roles for video games and animation, dubbing, as well as explainers and eLearning projects. As of this inter- view, I'm also diving into imaging and learning a lot from it.

Imaġg with the fan astic co ch I'm really ength po ess.

Th re's so ma h to learn in this g n e, ad I lb fo ward to th d y I can release my d mo ad start eoim wp tin ties.

I'm really enjoying the process of exploring differ- ent voice-over genres. It's been exciting to discover new skills and find my voice in various spaces. I'm grateful for where this journey is taking me and look forward to what's next.

media!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

While it's not voice-over related, I'm excited to share that I'll be auditioning for Grease the Musical with Broadway North Theatre Company, and the show is set to happen in the summer. If I'm offered a role, it's going to be a busy but exciting summer, and I'm really looking forward to it.

As for voice-over work, I'm not able to share anything specific at the moment, but once those projects are released, I'll be sure to announce them on my social

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can find more about me and my work on my website at bryanrocesvo.com. Feel free to reach out to me via email, or you can follow me on social media @ bryanrocesvo to stay updated on what I'm working on.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF. My name is Cary Hite.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I've had an interest in voiceover since watching cartoons as a kid. Once I started acting, the road to get into this part of the industry opened up. At the behest of an agent, I went to an audition for Audible, booked the projects (four in total), and haven't looked back since.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICEOVER INDUSTRY.

I was on a roadtrip. The driver, instead of music, plays a Harry Potter audio- book. I took that as my cue to sleep - until I heard the performance of the narrator (the incomparable Jim Dale). I remember saying that I'd love to do that one day. I end up in a NYC stu- dio, some years later, and the producer of my project asks if I'd like to meet the person that narrated the Harry Potter books (who was recording in an adja- cent studio). I immediately said yes and was able to tell Jim Dale, to his face, how he inspired me to be a narra- tor. Serendipitous. TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

The current fight is the continued usage of hu- man voices over Al. I get contracts for each project I voice and I noticed there wasn't specific language stipulating my voice wouldn't be used for ma- chine learning or Al duplica- tion. That particular publisher created an addendum to assuage my concerns. Before long, every publisher with whom I work had similar protective language in their contracts.

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

I'd love to voice a long-form nature documentary. That's definitely a goal of mine.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Aside from audiobooks, I'm focusing on network promos and animation projects.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

Being a great storyteller. Having a "great" voice is nice but not a requirement of being a good voice actor. It's all in the storytelling.

free reedom

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I still prefer to show up to the studio. Noth- ing replaces working with an engineer in the session. They are your first audience, your first ears. When they're engaged in the story with you, they're an invaluable collaborator.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I like several types. I MUST, however, highlight audiobook narration! I've voiced commercials, I've voiced games, I've voiced e-learning modules and so forth, however, being able to bring an entire story to life, verbally, and have the listeners feel it and take that same journey with you - epic.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICEOVER ACTOR?

So much admin. I don't have an assistant so all the emails I receive, I'm the one respond- ing. All the social media posts, created by me. The public appearances I make, arranged by me. There isn't enough time in the day for all of it but, as an entrepreneurial entity, I have to book all projects, appearances, & travel myself.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANY- ONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

GET COACHING!!! I cannot stress that enough. As I've said previously & will con- tinue to preach - being a master storyteller is mist important in this industry.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICEOVER ACTOR?

An excellent storyteller.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

I'll be narrating a bevy of stories for audiobooks. I'm looking to expand my talents into network promo work, animation, and video games.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I have to adhere to an NDA contract for the majority of projects I accept. I can say I've had an amazing time bringing them to life.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICEOVER WORK, HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is - www.caryhite.com. On social media - IG & LinkedIn - I'm @CaryHite

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

I narrate for the historically muffled and silenced voices in our commu- nity. I narrate for those that never graduated from elementary school. I narrate for those that spent a time in the streets but got their GED. I narrate for the college-educated brothers and sisters. I narrate for every low-income housing fam to the silver-spoon benefactors be- cause storytelling is transcendent.

caryhite.com

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Kia ora Fusion readers!!! It's tubularly rad to get to chat with you in this interview! Thank you so much Fusion team for inviting me to chat with you! My name is Chloë Elmore (the umlaut is just a bit of spicy pizzazz) and I am a New Zealand voice actor, working full-time from my beautiful custom-made recording studio here in the lush countryside of Middle Earth! To get the numbers out of the way, I'm 32 years old and I've been pursuing VO part-time for 11 years, but I've been doing it full- time as my only source of income for 3 years.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED?

Let's start at the very beginning, it's a very good place to start... I'm so glad print media doesn't let you hear me sing that, hah! Although... I'd voice it in my best sultry, seductive femme fatale voice and you would re- ally dig that! Anyway, I digress. So, I mentioned that I've been pursuing VO for 11 years, but it really started in my teens. As a homeschooler, I didn't have the opportu- nities that other kids have - like drama classes or singing lessons at school, etc. so I was a late bloomer. But I was going through a huge amount of trauma through my young years and was severely suicidal, having at- tempted it as an 11 year old. I was painfully shy - a vessel empty of confidence and stuffed full of self-hate.

I just wasn't at the same life stage of a lot of kids my age. I was both more mature and more stunted. I know that my trauma aged me in many ways, ulti- mately shaping me for incredible good - both per- sonally and for my craft. My pain and subsequent healing journey have been my most potent form of Actor Training. Through greater self-awareness in recovery, I got to the heart of why I wanted to act and perform. Yes, partly to escape the unbearable pain of my personal life and to wear the skin of a fictional character (even with their own pain) be- cause my own struggles were too much. But also, because I wanted to live life to the full. To live on the frontlines of life. In the trenches, with my fel- low humans. To stop numbing myself and checking out of life, but to really become more fully human - spirit, soul, relationships and all. Acting is my avenue to feeling most truly human.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

There were a few moments that were very decisive in my choice to pursue the VoiceOver industry. One negative, one positive. Firstly, the negative factor was during drama school (before the Me Too Movement, it's important to note) where the "con- nection exercises" left a prudish Christian home- schooling virgin feeling sullied and compromised beyond all recognition. I saw that if I continued in an industry that demanded profanity and nudity for 99 out of 100 jobs - "OR ELSE" - then I was going to become a person that I never recognised. Keep in mind, I had just started to discover the true Chloë. And I could not risk losing her, having just found her. I needed to be truly faithful to my inner compass, and screen & stage acting were un-mak- ing me and reshaping me into someone I did not like. But voice acting opened up such a liberating horizon to explore deep vulnerability and raw emo- tions while avoiding nudity and not exposing my body (with which I still had a very hate-filled relationship at the time). Voice acting allowed me to perform with full freedom, unshackled by fear of judgements about my body.

Secondly, there was a positive determinant: one of many must say. We did some deep breathing exer- cises at drama school. Gosh, I'm glad they warned us that when you "breathe into your groin," some deep memories and traumas can resurface, since they are stored in the lower abdomen and can be unlocked by breathing. The more breath work we practiced, the more I found my authentic voice and the more my bizarre vocal affectations fell away. As well as my timid, aspirate vocal quality, and the more I realised that the area of the Voice was my heart's desire. I read a book by Patsy Roden- burg, the Head of Voice at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London, called "The Second Circle," which unpacks the key to unlocking your power and the inspired life that comes with it. Patsy Rodenburg dissects three basic ways human energy moves between people. In the second of these 'circles', you are focused, you give out energy and you receive it. And by working on your breath, posture, voice, language, listening skills, focus, courage and trust you can access the second circle on a daily basis.

After reading that book, I was never the same again. And while I didn't realise at the time, but I had found my life calling.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Heck yes!! A total dream would be to work with Ben Starr in a AAA video game. I have voiced for Warframe, but it was 'Koumei and the Five Fates', not '1999' in which he played Arthur.

But still! I was close! I would love to voice a lead char- acter in a Final Fantasy - but I mean, who wouldn't! One awesome dream that happened just a month ago was being flown to Chicago to act in an audio drama and all 30+ of the cast were voicing in the same studio with each other for a whole 9 days of pure bliss!! Yeah, it wasn't a huge game and they weren't names you'd know, but they are my people, my family, and hang- ing in the same hotel and going to restaurants every night, chatting in the hotel hot tub, and laughing until our abs ached was a massive dream for this little kiwi. It's rare to ever meet your castmates, let alone record in the same room with them, so I was so blessed! I am so content with how my career is skyrocketing, but I do want to reach the stars, of course! I have realised so many dreams of working on national commercials across America, Canada, the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand, but I would love to become a long- running 'Brand Voice' for a big company. That kind of legacy would be such an honour. Those brand voices shaped my secluded homeschooling childhood and gave me so much comfort and connection growing up.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I am focused on all of it, hah. Video games, animation, audio dramas, commercials, corporate narrations. All of it. Definitely video games is front and centre for me. I would crawl over broke glass on most days in order to get cast in quality video games. Especially AAA. Tragically, I can't yet work on many US jobs since I don't have a SSN. Not YET. And that's a firm requisite for the LA and NYC scenes - which are where all the AAA games get produced. So I definitely have a far worse handicap than the vast majority of English- speaking voice actors in the world, since they are based in America. I definitely have my eyes peeled on commercials, since I find them so so fun and far less damaging to my vocal cords than video games and anime, etc. Also, they are a tidbit easier to do from outside the USA and UK. I work in many different accents, so I pinch a lot of work from those countries and get to voice some amazing content! I tend to get quite a few luxury car spots. Currently, at the time of this interview, my voice can be heard on national commercials for Peugeot, Alfa Romeo, and MG in New Zealand and the UK. So I've got my beady eyes on that automotive arena. But honestly, I believe that what- ever plants itself in my lap or comes across my path is meant to be. And at the moment, I'm so blessed to say that's most genres of VO. **I am engaged in a hard- core pursuit to be a Swiss Army knife voice actor.**

WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

My plans and dreams for 2025 are grand and expan- sive, but also, I am just taking things one day at a time and I am wearing my dreams like a loose garment. Maybe my 2025 visions and hopes will happen this year, maybe the next or the one after that. And that's totally okay. I feel so so blessed to have the opportuni- ties I'm getting each day, so I feel very content. What- ever happens happens. As long as I can continue "be- ing a joy to work with," as Maurice LaMarche advised me, then I will keep getting maximum bliss out of my job! I just came back from America a couple of weeks ago, having been a presenter at VO Atlanta 2025, so I am hoping you'll hear me at Dallas One Voice Confer- ence as a speaker. I'll be heading to PAX Melbourne in Australia as a speaker in the video game space and to the NZ Game Developers Conference too. And on top of the awesome VO opportunities that I am blessed with, I will be starting to coach VO this year, officially realizing my very first dream from drama school of helping people find their authentic voice and find their freedom and presence in VoiceOver.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Oh gosh, so many exciting things at the moment, a lot of which I can't yet disclose. BUT I am recently released from NDA, so I can officially say I've had the total joy of voicing in the AAA video game 'Path of Exile 2, an action role-playing game developed by Grinding Gear Games and sequel to the long-running 13-year-old original POE. You can hear me as two of the beautiful Lead Class characters: the ballsy, rebellious Yorkshire Huntress as well as the sarcastic, Stoical British Ranger. You can check out the newly- released gameplay trailer for Dawn of the Hunt on YouTube, which had 4 million views in the first few days of release. I am super proud of being a part of the POE family and being embraced by such a passionate and kind community of gamers! Also, just released yesterday - I've voiced the fan-favourite Boss "Monsi- gnor Loskid" in Soulslike ARPG 'AI Limit!

CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

If anyone wants to follow along with my career, I'll attach my list of Social media links, since I love to stay active and keep it fun and interesting for my followers!

www.chloevoices.com

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

Slow and Steady Wins the Race! Love what you do and do what you love. And don't take rejection personally. 'Develop the heart of a child, the mind of psychotherapist, and the hide of a rhinoceros.' And stay connected some good people in this industry. The rejection and isolation get too hard otherwise. I see this industry as a Connection Industry not a Rejection Industry.

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

My name is Chris Johnson and I am a profes- sional Voice Actor based in Los Angeles. I have been involved with Voice Acting for the last 11 years.

HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

In 2014, I was working at an advertising agency and gave a presentation to a client. I was approached afterward and asked if I had ever thought about doing Voice Acting...which I had not. Two days later another person asked me the same question, out of the blue, so I started to ask myself if I SHOULD be thinking about it. I was in a band at the time and wasn't a stranger to performing, but pursuing something like Voice Acting never crossed my mind. I did a little research and found a 4 hour "Intro to Voice Acting" class which I decided to give a shot. I immediately fell in love with it and started tak- ing more and more classes from there.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

When those colleagues brought up Voice Act- ing in the span of a couple days all those years. ago, I think it sparked something in me that I had never fully explored. I knew I had always loved music and singing so my involvement with that was a no-brainer, but I had never let my mind explore the possibility of using my voice in animation or commercials or anything else really. I knew it was a job that existed, but it always seemed like something other people did for a living and while it seemed like a lot of fun...that was for them, not me. It turns out, it was definitely for me, I just needed that initial synchronistic spark

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

This whole journey has been inspirational, but if I want to take it back to when seeds were planted...one of the first times I remember being fully aware of a Voice Actor's performance was when I watched Aladdin when I was around 10 or 11 years old.

I remember sitting on my couch, being com- pletely enamored by the scene when the genie is first released from the lamp. Robin Williams cracking jokes at break-neck speed while the animations did their best to keep up was pure magic. I remember rewinding the VHS count- less times, trying to memorize all the beats and quirks of his delivery. While it didn't dawn on 11 year old me at the time that I wanted to do that, in hindsight it was definitely a mo- ment in time that drew me in and planted the seeds that would take root many years later.

CHRIS JOHNSON

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

This industry is very challenging on many levels, some you can foresee and others that pop up along your journey. You are a one- person business in this industry, responsible for not only your own performances and craft, but also your own marketing, invoicing, networking, technical setup and know-how and everything else it takes to run a successful business.

This can certainly be an uphill battle. I was fortunate to have worked in the corporate world and dealt with invoices, client interac- tions, contracts and networking...but I did not have an acting background. I knew this would be a large hill for me to climb, so when I started out, I didn't look for work for the first couple of years. Instead, I took class after class after workshop after workshop so I could develop my skills and make sure I was "ready" when I started looking for work.

You have to take an honest look at yourself and your skills early on and work on the areas where you may need some extra support.

Once I eventually transitioned out of the corporate world and began doing Voice Acting full-time, I also found challenges I didn't ex- pect. One was getting used to working alone every day. I had worked with colleagues in an office for years and going from that, to locking myself in a padded room by myself all day... was an unexpected adjustment

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Collaborating with any Voice Acting royalty from my childhood would be absolutely amaz- ing and some of the amazing Voice Actors I have met and worked with thus far have also made the work so fulfilling. I tend to answer "everyone" to this question not as a dodge, but there are so many talented folks in this industry and you never know who you are going to have great chemistry with, so I just keep the doors open to any and all opportuni- ties and feel fortunate when my path crosses with others.

As far as a particular project, I would like to be part of something that lives on beyond my career. Whether that be an iconic animated character in a video game or a TV show or an impactful advertising campaign, it would be really fun to have a performance impact people beyond my time.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I pride myself on being versatile. I have done commercial work, video games, audiobooks, eLearning, on-hold messaging, promos, corporate tutorials, narration, etc. So I am perpetually focused on putting myself in front of people and projects who think my voice and performances can be a fit, no matter the Voiceover genre. I am always learning, evolv- ing and developing as an actor.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

There is a constant buzz in the entertainment industry. There are always so many amazing projects that are at various stages of develop- ment and it gives the industry a certain life and energy that can be a lot of fun to be a part of. There are so many talented creative people, striving to tell stories that excite them and can teach us so much about ourselves both individually and collectively. Being at a point in time that makes it technologically possible for people to consume these stories in so many ways, is very exciting.

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

There is a lot of great work being done. In the movie space, I admire the Voiceover work from films like Toy Story, Shrek and Her. In the commercial space, branded work by the likes of Jon Hamm for Mercedes is really well done and as I mentioned earlier, I do have a soft spot for all of those great cartoons of the 90's and early 2000's that entertained me when I wasn't even thinking about Voice Acting. When the character and work shines through and you are just entertained, you know they are doing a great job.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR

Contrary to popular belief...it is not all in the voice. The reality is, that this industry has the need and the space for all types and qualities of voices. I always tell people that it is a low- ercase "v" in voice and a capital "a" in acting. Acting is the foundation. If you have the most amazing smooth and rich voice, but don't de- liver believable and connected performances, it likely isn't going to work out. A good Voice Actor will put in the time and work to learn the craft. The learning never stops either, so it is also important for Voice Actors to continu- ally be open to their own evolution and open- minded to try new things. Also, persistence.

I tell new and upcoming Voice Actors that there are times when persistence is more important than skill. Even for people who are incredibly talented, there will be times where no matter what you do, it feels like you can't book a job. It makes you question your talent, your path and can be very mentally taxing. Finding ways to persist and power through those moments, is key.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

The genres in which I am hired the most are commercials, corporate narration, and eLearn- ing...however, I have done work in all sorts of genres. I really enjoy more character-driven work, so whenever I can be part of projects like audio dramas or video games, it is always a fun time. It is important for me to remain versatile, so I do like to focus on many differ- ent niches

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025?

The exciting (and potentially terrifying) part about this industry is that sometimes, you don't know what is right around the corner. Sometimes you will have on-going projects but that big commercial or breakout role, may be an audition that you get next week. I like to focus on controlling the things that I can control..which includes making sure I am at the top of my game, that my materials are cur- rent and updated, and that I am being honest with myself. That way, when those opportuni- ties do present themselves, I know that I am ready to give it my best shot.

ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I have some regional commercial work that is running across the country currently and I am working on some eLearning material for some pharmaceutical clients. I do have some other work that I am barred from discussing via NDA agreements, but I hope to be able to discuss those very soon!

My name is Danielle Harris and I am a voice actor.

I got started in the voice over in- dustry in 2020. Contrary to what some may think, the pandemic was not the reason I started at that time.

VOICE

OVER

DANIELLE HARRIS

I had been working in govern- ment for over a decade and just had our first child. I was on maternity leave and looking back, I believe it was partially postpar- tum, but I w I was really depressed about going back to a job I hated. It was tough because I was an essential worker during the pandemic, and I I should've felt extremely y grateless of h

I had a job to I go back to felt. But when I would look at my daughter, it would really at n me think about my future and all the things I haven't done or haven't accomplished. I actually attempted to start in voice over about 10 years prior to 2020 but life life got in the way and back then, I only thought of it as a hobby and didn't know much about the industry.

make

There are two different moments where I was inspired to be a part of the voice over industry. The first was when I was a teenager. Because that was the time, I grasped the idea that there were people (actors) voicing all the cartoons, puppets, and anime characters I grew up watching. When you could start research- when you Start research- ing online to find out who voiced something, that's what I would do and realize that there were a lot of actors that were v voicing a lot of the things I loved to watch, and it was so cool! I I distinctly ber saying to myself out loud, "I would love to do something like THAT!" Looking back, I think it was also the anonymity of it that I fell in love with too because I've always kept to myself and like to do things behind the scenes.

remem-

The second moment I felt inspired was the 'ah ha' moment and I remember it like it was yesterday. I was on maternity leave and my daughter was about 2 months old.

My family and I were sitting around the din- ing table, talking, laughing and I was goofing around and voicing what I thought my daughter would say based off her expression. Kinda like the movie 'Look Who's Talking' with Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Kirstie Alley. We were all cracking up and BOOM I had that feeling like I need to do some research on voice over. It's weird I know, but that's when I really got seri- ous. And here we are today.

One of the challenges I face is the typical impos- ter syndrome. I feel so blessed and grateful to be doing what I am doing. But there are times when it's slow to book work or even I book work, and I find myself thinking am I good enough and if the client is happy with the work I've done. But I usually get over it and keep it moving. It's an insecurity but I tell myself this is a subjective industry. I cannot please everyone and all I can do is my best. Some clients may choose to re-cast, or some will be ecstatic with my performance and come back for more. It is what it is. I just focus on what I can control and that is me and my mindset.

The other challenge is the work like balance. I now have two beautiful children that are absolute handfuls. I'm sure all the parents understand. I'm home with them all day while my husband is at work and I have to meet their needs, manage the home and manage my voice over business. Shout out to all the stay at home parents. It is not easy. But again, I focus on what I can control and make things as easy as I can for myself. Things like Instacart, lawn care and professional home cleaning services have really helped my sanity. My mother is also the best because she helps a lot when I have a session, or I need to run errands.

I can't think of any one person I would love to work with. There's too many. But it would be a dream come true to voice a character for DC, Marvel and Disney animation as well as a cool videogame. I'm also open for dubbing anime if the characters right. All of that would be a huge accomplishment for me. Outside of character work I also love Promo and would love to do live announcing.

Right now, I do a lot of commercial work which I also love. Commercial and corporate work. When Political spikes I also get a bit of that as well. I'm an advocate of working where you fit in the market. Right now, this is what people want my voice for and that's cool because I enjoy it! I've also done quite of a bit of explainers and eLearning in the past.

When I think of Hollywood Entertainment I think of my childhood and my dad. We have always been movie lovers and movie goers. I enjoy the experience as a viewer and I love a good story and great writing. Back in the day there were amazing stories that set a lot of movies up for today. I have more appreciation for acting, storytelling, writing and casting today be- cause of what I do. Understanding all the work that goes into all of it. It makes it even more thrilling to watch. I've never been to Hollywood. That's another bucket list.

When I think of voice overs from Hollywood the first thing that pops up for me is Sleeping Beauty and Alice in Wonderland. The old animations. The voice acting in those are a part of my core memories. I watched them all the time with my sister when I was little. I still do today. Such great acting and range. Those movies still hold up today and the acting was phenomenal. I would love to be a fly on the wall and see how they were directed and how they performed.

What makes a good voice actor is the ability to understand acting, improv, and know that you are performing. Connect with the copy and continue to grow. You do not have to be the most talented or be able to do a million different voices. You need to understand how to perform to make whoever is lis- tening feel something or whatever they are supposed to feel. Being able to take direction is key as well as knowing how to self-direct because those jobs are out there too. Also, a voice actor needs to have good business sense and understand the industry. That alone is a competitive edge and shouldn't be skimped on.

My specialty in voice over right now is commercial. I love commercial and corporate. It's the most natural for me. But I want to challenge my comfort zone. I thoroughly believe that being too comfortable is a bad thing. I would love to get more character work. I do not have the ability to do a million different voices like Mel Blanc and other voice actors today, but I know I have the propensity for accents. That's something I am working to be more proficient in because I believe it will help with my range and just overall challenge me and make things more fun.

My website is danielleharrisvo.com. has all my information to contact, set a meeting as well as my demos, samples, projects I've worked on and socials.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hey everyone! I'm Varian. I'm a bilingual (mandarin),voice actor based in Oakland, CA/ Bay Area.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Honestly, I thank covid quarantine for open- ing the door of opportunity for me. I've always loved voice acting...even when I didn't know it was a thing or that someone was behind a voice of a character I loved grow- ing up. I just never knew how to go about getting into it or learning about it, because I didn't know anyone involved in it. So when quarantine happened, Voiceover was one of the first few industries that pivoted to online and that opened the door for me and many others alike.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I don't know if there was one particular mo- ment. I've essentially wanted to be involved in voice acting and voiceover since I was a kid but being born into a family of educators and essentially an Asian household, creative endeavors were encouraged as a hobby, but never nurtured as anything more than that. However, I've always been stubborn and pas- sionate about things and people I love....so eventually I found my way to voiceover, but I wasn't actively looking or searching for a way in. For a very long time, it was out of sight, out of mind for me. The one thing that stayed constant and true, was my love for anima- tion....always loved it and still do, probably more now than ever before.

I knew I made the right decision to be in voiceover when even on my worst days, where nothing is clicking and I can't seem to get a read or character to work... whether in class or otherwise, I still feel excited and energized....like how one would feel when you have a really good workout session at the gym and you feel energized after a shower. That's how I knew....so I guess that helped with the inspiration.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

So to reference my answer from a previous question, I had this notion that my transi- tion into voiceover would be relatively easy since I've had experience as an emcee and a product specialist and I speak a lot for a Varian David living. Let me say this...I WAS ABSOLUTELY WRONG! Yes, certain skillsets may translate and overlap but voiceover and voice acting is a craft all in itself...with so many subgenres that all have different skillsets that you'd have to learn and master. I learned this really quick, so I started to sign up for classes and dedicated myself to learning the craft. The one thing I also love about the voiceover industry is the community. It has, by far, THE BEST community I've ever been a part of. Ev- eryone is so giving and willing to help if you have questions or need guidance.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

Hahaha!! Do we have all day? Of course! Man...where do I start? Ok, let's start with actors I'd love to learn from and work with, Phil Lemarr, Khary Payton, Grey Delisle, Tara Strong, Eric Bauza, Bob Bergen, Dee Bradley Baker, Dante Basco (He's special because he was the first Asian I saw on TV that I related too on "Hanging with Mr. Cooper"...he had that hip hop swagger), Mark Hamil, Kevin Michael Richardson, Rob Paulsen, Maurice La- Marche, Frank Welker, Nancy Cartwright, Cree Summer, Michael Rosenbaum, Carl Lumbly.... This is just off the top of my head! Hahaha....

As for projects, I'm a huge comic book nerd so to be a part of the DC and Marvel universe in animation is a dream!! I'm technically part of the MCU....I was a featured extra in Ant-Man, so I'm technically cannon! However, I'd love to be in an original animated series and be an original character that is unique to me and my creativity, like The Simpsons, Futurama, etc.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I'm currently focused on being a better actor. That's what I'm working on. However I'm assuming you might be referring to genres of voiceover. I'm in it to win it...animation, commercials, promos, corporate narrations, I'm focused on working toward being a full time working voice actor.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

To quote my coach, Angela Malhotra, and every veteran in the industry....to be a good voice actor, you need to be a good ACTOR!

Voice Acting is ACTING...period! The actual character voice is like the very last thing that is even considered. However when we think voice acting, the first thing we go to is the voice...I'm guilty of that as well. Not the case! Bringing the character to life, to embody the character....that's priority. Now if you decided on a voice for your character, you need to be able to maintain that voice throughout the course of the entire session on top of that.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I would love to live in animation and promos, video games/interactive. I also enjoy doing "voice of god" and live announce work for live events. I love and currently working on creature work as well.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

I can't speak for anyone else but my- self. I wake up, part of my routine is to clear my nasal pas- sages, wash up and do vocal warmups. If I'm working a day job, I'm doing my vocal warmups in the car while driving where I need to be. Checking emails and working on auditions that come through. More often than none for me, most of the audi- tions I get have a quick turnaround and due the fol- lowing day. Time management is important... and I am still working on being better at that. Regardless of the fact, I still get all my audi- tions in on time or early if I can. I try and get a workout in if I can, depending on when I get done with everything. Then, rinse and repeat the next day and every day after that.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Take classes. Take a voice acting class. See if it's for you and if it is, work on being a good actor.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Understanding that in order to be a good voice actor, you need to be a good actor. Being able to access your emotions, to be able to visualize your environment because you are ALL ALONE in the booth. No one is with you. It's all on you...so being a good actor is priority number one.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR FROM YOU GOING FORWARD.

My plan for 2025, to be a better actor every day. To take advantage of opportunities that present themselves, be it working with people I want to work with, to be involved in proj- ects that excite me and to be more active in promoting myself and putting myself out there. I'm an introvert and my personality is to "fly under the radar", which is counter intuitive. Expect me to make more noise and to level up my game!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Unfortunately there's nothing I can really share. Such is the life of a voice actor....NDAS are part of life. Hahaha....

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

I'm currently rebuilding my website from scratch. I chose to build my website initially using a small business that was a competitor to the bigger site building services. I love support- ing small businesses especially if they are by POC, AAPI, etc....because I'm a small business owner myself. I started a hot sauce brand on top of being a voice actor. Unfortunately, the company decided to call it quits, so now I have to reconstruct everything from scratch. How- ever, you can always reach me on socials:

Instagram/threads: @variandavid, tiktok: @ variandavidvo, ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS ?

I appreciate you taking the time to hear my story and have some idea who I am and why I love being a voice actor. If you're looking to be a voice actor, I hope I was able to give you some useful insight and advice.

KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

My name is DJ Dykes. I'm a professional voice actor who's been in the industry for almost five years. I'm represented by ACM Talent and VOX.

HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I stumbled into this career in 2020 while looking for a way to make money from home during the global pandemic

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

I honestly got started because my wife and I were looking for a decent work- from-home opportunity. I happened to see a YouTube video about voiceover and thought, "Hmm, I could totally do that." The rest is history.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE INDUSTRY

My original understanding of voiceover was the voices you hear on animation and movie trailers. I know it sounds intuitive, but I was honestly surprised when I learned that VO extends to so many other genres like commercial, TV promos, in-show narration. That was when I knew I could carve out my own spot in this vast industry.

TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY

Frankly, I haven't encountered any major challenges; just small things here and there. I know that sounds like I had an easy path, but it's absolutely not the case. I simply have an unrelenting self-belief, and understand the power of small daily efforts. I've yet to face a challenge in this industry that makes me doubt my abilities. I also under- stood early on that voiceover is an entrepreneurial endeavor. That means you have to try and fail a lot and be proactive, don't lie around waiting for things to happen. So yeah, unrelent- ing self belief, 1% better everyday, and an entrepreneur mindset; I think those qualities are found in every successful voice actor, regardless of the genre(s) they specialize in.

ANY PROJECT THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO COLLABORATE WITH?

I don't have any particular project or people I would like to work with. I like to keep it loose and go with the flow. However, I keep a list of professional goals that I work toward. I aim to be the promo voice of a major network, and an A-list movie trailer VO.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

I always defer to Sanford Meisner's quote: "Acting is behaving absolutely truthfully under the imaginary circum- stance." Without a doubt, understand- ing who you are at the emotional level is the most important skill. Too many aspiring voice actors rely on their voices to do the heavy lifting. The game-changing discovery I made was that every facet of your performance - voice, expressions, gesticulations...all follow your emotions.

Develop your emotional recall. It will provide the lattice that supports your storytelling throughout the script.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERY- THING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

So, I joined the industry during the global pandemic, so I've only ever known remote recording. As such, it's just normal for me. Source Connect makes it possible to connect with anyone around the world and facilitates a high-fidelity recording session.

WHAT TYPE OF VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

So, I specialize in commercial, promo, trailers, and narration. I love having a new and different project to work on every day, and those genres offer that.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

A voice actor's day is ever-changing. I reserve mornings for the crazy amount of auditions I receive from ACM Talent and my agents. Then I offer VO coach- ing for an hour before lunch. In the afternoon, I knock out the second wave of auditions, spend time practicing my reads, do some marketing outreach, communicate with clients, etc. I adjust my schedule based on bookings. Some days, I cannot even do one audition be- cause I'm so busy recording for clients. Then there are the various workshops and coaching I attend to keep my skills sharp. My schedule, it's never really set in stone, ya know?

I learned that VO extends to so many other genres like commercial, TV promos, in-show narration. That was when I knew I could carve out my own spot in this vast industry.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Be a self-starter. I've met too many folks who say they want to get into the industry but have any number of reasons why they haven't yet. Months down the road, they still haven't even started yet.

There are a lot of things you can waste time overthinking: which mic to use, which software, which genre, which platforms or marketing services...it's all unnecessary at the beginning. Just pull out your phone and start video recording yourself talking. You'll learn more from that simple exercise than any amount of microphone research.

Also, consume as much free information as possible before spending a dime. Do not pay for coaching. Do not pay for demos. Just spend the first few months recording yourself on your smartphone, watching YouTube vid- eos (like the ones on my channel), listening to VO podcasts, free VO webinars, etc. There is more free information out there now than there has ever been.

DJ DYKES

Once you've done that for a while, you should have a clearer idea of what to do next.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I'm the in-show narrator of NBA's NBA On Fire weekly recap series, which airs inter- nationally in markets like Japan, Australia, and the Philippines. I also have a small role in an upcoming Netflix animated film set to release Q2 2025.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can learn more about me at www. djdykes.com and email me directly at dj@ djdykes.com. Or you can reach out to my manager, Jeffrey Umberger at ACM Talent: [email protected].

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

Yes absolutely! For your neutral English and Spanish needs, I'm your girl! I also provide transla- tion services. To learn more about me please visit my website elizabethcarrillovo.com. There you will find links to my socials and ways to contact me directly or to contact my agents.

KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

¡Hola Fusion! I am so excited to be sharing space with you today. My name is Elizabeth Carrillo. I am a first genera- tion Mexican American bilingual voice actress. I am a bonus mom to an almost 12 year old and a cat mom of 6. I love plants...oh and earrings!

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED

IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I think one of the first things I did was buy equipment (Some of you are probably cringing by reading this. I know! If you're new and reading this, PLEASE DON'T BUY EQUIPMENT FIRST) I bought all the wrong stuff and eventually had to sell it on Facebook Marketplace and then get the equip- ment I actually did need. I remember I booked a 1-1 session with a voice actor on a pay to play site that gave me some basic information. From there I started to buy books on voice acting, I listened to podcasts, and I took classes. Being able to attend any class remotely made learning super accessible.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Ultimately, it was the support and nudge from my partner, Gilbert. Like we say in Spanish, fue la gota que derramo el vaso. It's the drop that made the cup overflow. Uff, but it was such a long time from when the first voice over seed was planted until I actually started to water and nurture the idea! I NEVER thought I would follow a creative career until my high school Spanish teacher, Mr.Rojas, made a comment. I was always the type of student that would volunteer to read out loud. He was the first to tell me, "you should be a voice actor." I honestly just shrugged that off, like "yeah ok." I saw myself pursuing other careers. From the time I was re- ally little, I wanted to be a teacher and then the dream switched to wanting to become a veterinarian. Eventually I went to college for Clinical Nutrition and Spanish, and that's when the "what if" of the comment by Mr. Rojas about voice over echoed. I couldn't change majors, are you kidding. I'm the daughter of immigrants and I had my mind set on a good career that was fail proof. I was going to be a dietitian. Ok, well fast forward to 2020, Gilbert and I are sitting in our studio apartment during one of those nights we had a curfew during the pandemic. We questioned if we felt like we were really living a fulfilled life. I mean, it was a scary time. More and more people were dying each day be- cause of COVID, and life felt so precious and ephemeral. We wanted more from life. I wanted to be a voice actor. "Why not me?"

FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

At first, the challenge was overcoming some negative thoughts I had about my own voice, because I was teased for it for so long when I was a teenager. My voice may have been a target of ridicule at one point, but now I see it as my super power.

Currently, one of my biggest challenges is balancing my full time job while also pursuing voice acting. I work full time as a lactation consultant at a hospital. I've arranged my schedule so that I work on the weekends so I can be more free during the week for when auditions are more likely to come in from my agents. Working weekends is tough. I mean I've missed birthday parties, tías visiting from Mexico and even quality time with my partner. It's been really hard, but I know it's going to be worth it. It has been so far!

WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Since the beginning of my acting career, I have definitely focused heavily on the commercial side of voice acting. It's the type of auditions I get the most of. But in the last year I was able to branch out and book some animation and dubbing jobs!

EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I definitely like that work can be done remotely, because if I had to come into the studio to audition, it would be very difficult for me to fit in with my full time job. BUT when it comes to recording final projects, I love when there's an option to record in studio. It's great to meet the engineers and other people collaborating on the same project. And going into the studio is a great excuse to bring in donuts!

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

For me, it can vary immensely. If it's a hos- pital day, it means getting to work before 7:00am so that I could be home by 4:00pm so I can start recording and submitting auditions.

ALL PHOTOS BY EMILY SANDIFER.

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

Your college degree doesn't have to decide the rest of your life. You're allowed to change your mind. Explore your "what ifs." Be bold with your life and take chances. If there's something that excites you, something you can't get your mind off of...ahí es mamita! Take the first step and let yourself feel new at something again.

JALEN ASKINS

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH?

Hello there! My name is Jalen Askins. I am a professional voice actor in the Los Angeles area and have been pursuing voice acting for about 7-8ish years. I have provided voiceover in many dif ferent genres such as I would honestly love to voice for an Avatar animated project, because when I think about it I love the storytelling and world building that the avatar franchise has built. Whether it's a love interest, comedy relief, villain or even one of the main heroes it would just be an honor to play in that world. Another would definitely be the ninja turtles just to play one of the iconic four turtles that bring us that joy and imagination. Even a marvel animated series would be cool to be a part of, and most definitely would love to join in on some Kung Fu Panda project whether it be a series or a film because I also love the story and world of characters they have created that are timeless.

video games, ADR, Animation, Com- mercials, and Promos.

• TALK ABOUT
• HOW YOU
• GOT STARTED
• IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I got started in the industry really just posting stuff online of my voice like fandubs, covers you name it, and while that was going on I was taking classes with Del Mar Media Arts, Voicetraxwest, and other mentors. Then, I booked my first agent in 2021 and did my first ever gig for a museum. After 3½ years of just auditioning I was also in some great indie projects that made me better as an actor. I started working on audiobooks back in 2023 and went full time in that same year. Finally, by 2024 I took a class with my agent Arielle Negrin at Voicetraxwest for my first class, and ultimately became repped with my current Agency Atlas. Since then I've been a full time voice actor and been grate-story. An actor that is dedicated to the craft and gives ful and blessed to work with many great talented individuals.

Currently I've been getting into more indie anima- tion and trying to break into more animation roles. Reason being I love recording animation because of how expressive, fun, and overall exciting when I get to record or just ad lib when I can. I'm also loving audio descriptions because of how fun they are and the projects I get to work on and seeing everything come together.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

What makes a good voice actor in my opinion is someone that doesn't just act but embody the char- acter to the point where I get lost in the world and to their craft such as giving the character authentic life and development. Someone who is willing to learn that these characters we voice need as much nuance as life gives us.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Growing up my parents bought me all the renais- sance disney movies on VHS and I watched them consistently because I loved and adored animation as a whole. When I was 4 I started doing impressions of the animations I watched growing up like Scooby doo, Yogi Bear, Mickey Mouse, Looney Tunes and so forth. I was excited to go to the movies as a kid because it meant I got to see my favorite animated movies. So since I was little I had a love and overall admiration paired with inspiration for voiceover and animation that made me ultimately decide to want to pursue this career.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I like several types like Audio Descriptions, ADR, Video Games, Animation, Commercials, and Promos. Each one I see as a different style like the martial arts. They all have the same core principle but differ- ent ways to tackle and learn them.

I STARTEDDOING

IMPRESSIONS OF THE ANIMATIO WATCHED GROWING UP LIKE SCO

DOO, YOGI BEAR, MICKEY MOUSE, LOONEY

TUNES AND SO FORTH.

IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Someone who is willing to learn and give themselves to the craft. Someone who can bring out not just the character but the story to life. In life we as actors pull from our own personal experiences to bring these characters, spots, etc out. A good voice actor knows how to pivot, how to hit those emotional beats like a musician knows how to bring those melodies and harmonies out. They are a master of their instrument and every inflection is deliberate and every decision is intentional. They are the ones that guide you through the story or whatever medium as if we are on an adventure.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Yes! I am working on some cool projects that are be- ing worked on such as an indie pilot named Zipped Up which I play the Big Bad Vapor which is currently running a kickstarter and would love for folks to do- nate to because the creator and the team along with the cast are phenomenal. I also have an animated series debut on Amazon Prime where I voice a cool character coming in the upcoming months. I am also in a project called the Lunchbox project my Team Horizon who are working very hard to get the short out. I got some stuff behind the scenes happening so keep a lookout on my social media.

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

Keep going the journey is worth it. There is a lot to this business to learn and there is room for everyone to win, especially those who want to be a part of this craft. Whether you want to get into animation, video games, etc do not limit yourself. You may think you are a good fit for one thing but you may be a good fit for multiple things. I want to hear your voices or even work with you guys someday there's always stories to tell so start now. Write that story, get that $100 mic and do a funny dub with your friends, but in the end just start. You got a voice and if this is your passion the world needs to hear you. Even in the times where you may think you will never make it, but take it from me it takes time and patience. Remember it's not a race it's a marathon.

STORY BY: JERRY CORIA PHOTOS BY JERRY CORIA

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hi there! I'm Charles H. Coats II-though if you hear my full name out loud, it usually means I'm in trouble (at least that's how it was when I was a kid). Most of my family still calls me Chucky when we get together... yep, even though I'm 46. Some things just stick.

As a kid, I found a lot of joy in movies, cartoons, and video games. I have a rare connective tissue disorder called Ehlers-

FORM, BY SLIGHTLY BE- LIEVABLE. IF YOU ARE TO USE A OF IPSUM GENERATORS ON THE INTER- NET TEND TO REPEAT PRE- DEFINED CHUNKS AS, MAKING THIS THE FIRST TRUE GENERATOR ON Danlos Syndrome, which meant I had to be super cau- tious with physical play. Falling on the sidewalk could lead to ER visits, stitches, dis- locations-you name it. Staying indoors became my sanctuary, and that's where my love for storytelling, virtual adventures and imagination grew.

Work-wise, I've done a little bit of everything. In my younger years, I cleaned and painted apartments with my dad late at night. I ran the register at my parents' Alta Dena Drive- Thru Dairy in Canyon Country, CA during middle school. In high school, I helped run our family's epic one-stop shop in Battlefield, Missouri along with my little brother and sister, Arthur and Cindy - Checkers Pizza. It wasn't just a pizza joint; we also served a full Chinese food menu, had a video rental store in the lobby, and yes, rented U-Hauls out back. For realio.

After college, my resume took some wild turns: telemarketer (sorry if I interrupted your dinner), bartender, bouncer, armored truck driver, waiter, EMT in a Level One Trau- ma Center, FedEx delivery guy (shoutout to the folks who called me "The FedEx Dude"), call center agent for Expedia and Hotels.com, and eventually a Learning & Development Program Manager. That last one changed everything.

These days, when I'm not recording national commercial spots, the crazy IVR message for Martins Karate School in Florida, In the booth getting pulled a million different ways

by a creative team for a 2 line ad spot, bust- ing out auditions for clients and my agents, sending a million emails, staying connected with my lovely friends across the Voiceover community and with my awesome account- ability group, I'm recharging with the things I love most. I'm a big fan of fishing, going shooting, and cruising around in my Jeep with the top off and my 168-pound Great Dane fur baby, Levi, in the back-tongue out, slobber whipping, and lips flapping in the wind like a doggy superhero.

I share life with the love of my life, Jenny- my wife, partner, and favorite person. Without her support I know, without a doubt, I would not be where I am in my Voiceover journey. This I know a million percent, from the deepest part of my soul. The love and support she gives me is my rocket fuel. We love to travel, bake together at home, tend our awesome vegetable garden, go hiking, and find new places to eat amazing food. We fly to New York a couple times a year just for the food scene. Our favorite beach escape is the island of Koh Chang in Thailand, and for hiking, nothing beats Leavenworth, Washing- ton or Yosemite National Park.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Crazily enough, my journey into voice over started thanks to a little global event you may have heard of-"The COVID-19 Pan- demic"... Dun DUN DUUUUNNNN! Yup, I'm a COVID story.

Life was smooth sailing before that. I had a job I loved at the airline, had just moved to DFW from Dalian, China with my wife, designed and built our dream home from the ground up, and even bought my first luxury vehicle. Life was wonderful and things were clicking. Then, along came COVID into the picture, and yanked the preverbal rug right out from under our feet--and the whole world, really.

The wild thing is just two days before, I'd wrapped up teaching a leadership class when a Managing Director came up to me and said, "Charles, you really have a great way of connecting with people. You're a wonderful storyteller and have a way of making people gravitate toward you when you are facilitat- ing the class. Have you ever thought about VO work?" I looked at him like he had three heads. I had no clue what he was talking about. I didn't know what VO was. Not an

inkling. If you ever work in the Airline industry you will find that they use a bazillion acronyms. So, my mind being in the airline space, I said "Velocity Operations?" He said, "no, like Voice Over". Still thinking airlines, I said" oh, you mean like the voice saying the massages over the air- plane speakers". He laughed. "No, like the voices for TV and radio commercial ads, video games, and animation." I said that I had never thought of that before, and he mentioned he had some friends that were voice actors and that I should check into it.

Still, it didn't really register. I went home, tucked that comment into the back of my mind-and then, boom, the shutdown happened that very next day! Since my team ran classes for upper management, we only did in-person facilitation, and we didn't have any e-learning or WBT's to work on. So, every day, we just hopped on Zoom for 20 minutes to check in, like a virtual roll call of "still here, still sane."

I must've sent out over 300 applications. Noth- ing. Radio silence. I even started looking around the house for stuff to sell on eBay just to keep the lights on.

Then that little voice over idea started creeping back in.

I enjoyed learning about it for the past month, the ins and outs, the gear, the genres. I'd joined some VO Facebook groups, watched more vid- eos, asked questions. Everyone was so kind and helpful, and I thought, "I actually really like this world. I could do this. But...I have zero budget for equipment, no experience, no real recording space, etc..." So I decided to MAKE IT HAPPEN!

At the time, our home was one of the first built in a new subdivision, which meant there was a ton of construction going on nearby. When they frame a house, there are always "off-cuts" of wood that they can't use that are thrown into a big trash pile or in the dumpster. I asked one of the contractors if I could take some of their trash scrap wood. He said, "Well...we can't say yes, be- cause if you hurt yourself while you were doing it, we would be liable. But if we came back in the morning and our trash pile became randomly smaller overnight... we wouldn't know anything about it." Wink wink.

I scavenged construction sites every evening after all the construction workers went home. I collected wood scraps like stairway spindles, 2x4's, busted plywood-heck, even old nails I hammered back straight after I pulled them out of scrap boards. I borrowed tools from neigh- bors and friends and spent two weeks building my first booth with whatever I could find.

Next, I found a used Scarlett 2i2 interface on Facebook Marketplace. The seller was hesitant to meet up-because, you know, pandemic- but we made it happen. I drove 45 mins over to his place, couldn't test it because he didn't want to catch Covid if I had it-which I didn't- and I got it for $25, which I really couldn't afford, but this was a piece of equipment I had to have. It worked like a charm. Hallelujah.

Now I needed a pop filter, but $19.99 was too steep for my zero-dollar budget. So I went to Goodwill, bought an old yellow crochet hoop for 99 cents, and stretched an old argyle dress sock (with a hole in the toe, naturally) over it. That was my pop filter. (Don't worry-I washed the sock. Really well.) And it worked! I used it for almost two years.

That sock and my first mic stand (made from stairway spindles I dumpster-dived) still sit in my booth today. They're a reminder of what it took to get started and how far I've come. When things get tough or I doubt myself, I look at them and remember: Look what you did when your back was up against a wall, if you want something bad enough, you'll find a way. Because no one's going to do it for you-but you can "make it happen".

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU WERE INSPIRED?

My wife and I have this ru will we know when we've answer? When we can dri Tollways without checkin first. If you know anythin you know that's not a sm ng joke: "How ade it?" Our the Texas ur bank account bout DFW tolls, milestone and can give the 1-2 punch tour pocketbook.

They will nickel and dim mortgage. But hey-we you into a second simple folk, and financial peace on the red and getting to where you want to go out fighting with traffic feels like the hig ife.

Jenny is my compass.e's my lighthouse when the waters get gh-guiding me don't crash into the ntered.

while also making su rocks. She keeps me

One time, we ran int friend we hadn't seen in a while. We caugh up for about 10 min- utes, then said good e. As we were walking away, she gently sa "Honey, I noticed you talked for about 9 a half of those 10 min- utes. You were excd, and that's great-but do you know how job's going?

How his family is? What's new and excit- ing in his life?" I felt like such a heal. She reminded me, as she always does, to stay humble. That what I'm doing is a gift. That it's not just about wins and success-but about lifting others as you go.

Honestly? I wouldn't be where I am with- out her. Her love, her grace, her support- and yes, her well-timed kick in the pants when I need it--are blessings I'll never take for granted.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

One of the biggest challenges I faced early on was needing to feel seen-like I was somebody in the VO world.

I still remember my first voiceover conference: VO Atlanta, 2020. At that point, I hadn't booked anything major-unless you count "Top 10 Bigfoot Facts" on a YouTube channel. (Fun fact: Did you know Bigfoot and Chupacabra supposedly had a kid once? Yeah... another story for another time.)

Then I got coaching. Real coaching. With casting directors, working pros, people who knew what was actually working in the industry and booking work on the daily. I started attending workshops and training with top-tier VO talent. And sud- denly... things changed.

I started stacking shortlists. I booked more. I even landed a gig that paid more than my wife's entire yearly salary. One Job!

• OF VOICE
• NAVA
• NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF VOICE ACTORS
• NATIONAL
• ACTORS
• - DIAM HORIES ME-
• MOLLIS ENIM

Duis gravida nibh vel ante ornare fermenin libero fermentum varius. Ut felis urna, condimentum

All because I stopped trying to fake it-and started learning how to actually do it. I took the gold nuggets I got from coaching and mixed them with what makes me unique. And that was what clients were looking for all along.

I used to think, "These coaches are just trying to take my money." Now? I feel lucky just to get time on their calendar. (and I waited over 6 months on a waiting list for one of them... Absolutely worth the wait by the way) It's not me losing money-it's an investment.

Someone once said: We're business owners who are lucky enough to be voice actors. That hit me hard. Because it's true. And this business is not just about talent-it's about humility, growth, and always being willing to learn.

WHO IS SOMEONE INSPIRATIONAL THAT YOU ADMIRE IN THIS INDUSTRY?

There are so many people in this industry that inspire me-it's honestly impossible to choose just one.

I've had amazing coaches, some of whom became friends. I've made friends who later became coaches. I've connected with incred- ible people from all over the country-and even across the globe-who have lifted me up in ways I didn't even know I needed.

From my very first "solid" coach (you know, the one who cracked open my brain and made me see scripts differently for the first time), to the partners in my accountability group, to my core crew that reunites at every VO conference like a quirky, lovable reunion episode... every single one of them has played a part in my growth.

What I've learned is that the VO community isn't just a bunch of folks talking into mics from closets and sound booths. It's a family. It's a support system. It's a wild, generous, passionate tribe of people who are always ready to jump in-whether it's to help eu laoreet eget, ultrices ante fermentum ret diam et quam iaculis aliquastie ornare.

troubleshoot tech issues, practice a tricky read, share an audition tip, or just talk life for a while.

The longer I'm in it, the more grateful I am to be a part of this beautiful, crazy thing called VO. I truly wouldn't trade it for anything

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Okay, I'll admit it-I've always had this secret dream of working with Jack Black. I've been following him since the Gwar and Tenacious D days, and something about his quirky, zany, off-the-wall energy just speaks to me. The way he makes random beats, sings out of nowhere, and fully embraces his inner goofball (is goofballishness a word? Well, it is now)-I totally relate. If I ever got to be in a Kung Fu Panda movie with him? That would be it. I'd die happy, ascend to voiceover heaven... then immediately come back down just to jam out with him afterward.

Another dream of mine? A Super Bowl commercial. It's just one of those bucket list things. The idea of having my voice in something that airs during the biggest TV event of the year? Unreal. And yeah, I've got a good feeling that it's gonna happen someday. Just putting that energy out there into the universe!

And of course, collaborating with Pixar or DreamWorks-man, that would be abso- lutely mind-blowing. I've always dreamed of voicing a character in one of their animated films. The heart, the humor, the artistry... to be even a small part of that kind of storytell- ing would mean everything to me. Definitely on the secret (now not-so-secret) wish list.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Most of my bookings right now are in com- mercial work-which I love-but I also get to dabble in a little bit of everything: corporate explainers, industrials, video games, IVR, live announcer/VOG gigs... you name it. (Well, except audiobooks. Sorry, audio- books-it's not you, it's me.) Lately, though, I've been steering more intentionally toward in-show narration and documentary work. That's always been a secret dream lane of mine

.I grew up loving shows like How It's Made, Deadliest Catch, Trading Spaces, anything on Nat Geo or Animal Planet, and of course MythBusters. I'm a sucker for a good doc or history special-I'll take that over a sitcom any day of the week.

Right now, I'm coaching with some incred- ible pros who specialize in narration, and I'm in the process of cutting a new documen- tary/narration demo-probably right around the time this article drops, actually. I'm super excited about this next chapter and can't wait to see where it takes me.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

There are a ton of things, in my opinion, that make a good voice actor. First off, you've got to be willing to take a step back and accept this hard truth: you're probably not as good as you think you are when you're just start- ing out. (Yep, Sorry.) For 99.99% of us, that's the deal―trust me. It takes time, practice, failure, growth from that failure, trying new things, feeling wildly uncomfortable, eventually finding your footing... and then purposefully jumping into something scary and uncomfortable again.

Here's another truth bomb: comfort is sneaky. When you start getting comfort- able-whether it's in how much you're making, your skill level, or the gigs you're booking-it's easy to settle. But if that "com- fortable" place isn't where you ultimately want to be? You've got to shake things up. Get uncomfortable again. Trust me, when you look back six months or a year later, you'll be proud that you pushed. Goal-setting has been a huge part of my journey.

Another huge factor in growing as a voice actor is learning to really listen to feedback. Not just hearing it--but processing it, practic- ing it, and applying it. I've seen people join workshops, get live coaching, and then... do nothing differently. I've even been guilty of that early on. Growth takes humility. You've got to be open to feeling vulnerable. Because when you let that wall down-the one built out of pride, fear of rejection, or whatever-it stops blocking all the good stuff: knowledge, love, friendship, opportunities.

There are so many things that make a good voice actor. These are just a few that have made a difference for me.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON?

Commercial work and narration are my bread and butter-I love them. There's something so satisfying about taking a script and bringing it to life in a way that feels real, honest, and engaging. But I also have a not-so-secret love for explainers and industrials. Why? Because I'm a total nerd for weird, random facts about products and industries I didn't even know existed.

I once did an industrial narration for a com- pany in Korea that makes deep-earth drill bits. Like, how freaking cool is that? Extremely niche, yes. But also weirdly fascinating! I'm the kind of person who used to devour stuff like "Uncle John's Bathroom Reader: Extraordinary Book of Facts & Bizarre Information" as a kid-so naturally, discovering obscure stuff through VO work just feels like home. (And hey, shoutout to all those long bathroom reading sessions that helped build this oddball brain of mine. LOL.)

In 2025, I'm pushing myself to branch out even more. Character roles are high on my list. I want to stretch those storytelling muscles and dive into parts that let me play, create, and go full-on chameleon.

I'm also focusing on in-show narration and documentaries—a personal passion. I've always loved shows like Dirty Jobs, How It's Made, MythBusters, and yes, anything Shark Week. Being the voice that guides people through fascinating stories, cool science, or behind-the-scenes processes? Sign me up. That's the direction I'm steering toward this year, and I've been working with some top-tier coaches to sharpen that skill set and land that kind of work.

So what can you expect from me in 2025? More curiosity, more range, more pushing out of the comfort zone-and hopefully, some awesome gigs that make people go, "Hey... I know that voice!"

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER?

Be prepared to put in the work. And I don't mean, "Oh, I'll knock out a few auditions and see what happens." I mean actual work-like coaching, researching, practicing, failing, redo- ing, getting feedback, and pushing through the awkward, scary stuff that makes you want to Be prepared to take constructive criticism- real feedback from real pros who aren't just trying to pump you up, but actually want to make you better. That means being open to trying things that feel weird, uncomfortable, or totally outside your comfort zone. Growth lives there.

Be prepared for super high highs-and some frustrating lows. You'll book a killer gig one day and hear crickets the next. It's part of the ride. But here's the good news: you're not alone. The voiceover community is like nothing else. Seriously. I've never experienced a group so willing to support one another-whether it's offering advice, answering your "Is this nor- mal?" questions, giving encouragement, celebrating wins, or even helping you workshop a read. Why? Because we've all been there. Every one of us has stumbled through mic settings, second-guessed a read, felt imposter syndrome, and stared at the inbox wonder- ing if we should've just been a llama farmer instead. You're in good company.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I just wrapped up a passion project for one of the top television talk show hosts out there. I wish I could tell you more, but... NDA life. What I can say is this-it was such a reminder that no matter how famous someone is, they're still just people. They laugh, they stress, they make jokes, they mess up just like the rest of us. And getting to be part of something meaningful with people like that? It's a total honor.

I also just finished a national spot that's going worldwide for a major dental brand. It was a SAG project (woot woot!), and I'm stoked about it--not just because of the size of the campaign, but because it represents growth. Milestones like this don't just happen over- night, and I'm proud of how far I've come. Looking ahead, I've got my fingers crossed for an upcoming audio drama with a friend of mine. I love projects like that: collaborative, creative, and straight from the heart.

During a coaching session a few weeks back, one of the coaches said something that really stuck with me: It's okay to take on projects that don't pay much-or even pay nothing-if it lights you up inside. Maybe it's for a friend, maybe it's a passion piece, or maybe it's for a cause you believe in. If you've got the time and space, do it. Not because it might lead to something (though it sometimes does), but because it feeds your soul.

So yeah, some cool, exciting stuff is happen- ing-but honestly, the real excitement for me is getting to do work that challenges me, grows me, and sometimes just flat-out makes me happy. That's the good stuff.

crawl back into your blanket fort (been there, IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE done that).

OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

Absolutely! If you're looking to bring a voice to your brand, character, explainer, commercial-or honestly, anything that needs a little extra oomph-I'm your guy. You can check out some of my latest work and get all the details on how to reach me at my website:

[email protected] www.charlesthevoice.com

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS ?

One Last Thing Before You Go...

If you've got a dream in your life tugging at your heart, not just Acting, music, or VO-something that won't let you go-don't ignore it. Chase it with everything you've got. Be passionate. Be bold. Don't listen to the naysayers. And when adversity shows up (because it will), punch it right in the face and keep moving forward.

This journey? It's not easy. But it's worth it. Be ready to try new things, even when they scare you. Learn from coaching, from mistakes, from rejections, from the quiet days and the wild ones. You'll grow. You'll hit milestones. You'll build a version of your life that you once only dreamed about.

Voiceover, like many creative careers, isn't a sprint-it's not even a marathon (those eventually end). It's a long jog, and it keeps going. (I can't remember who I heard that from, but I will never forget it) Some days feel effort- less and breezy, others feel like uphill slogs. But every step gets you closer to the next breakthrough. And that's where the magic lives.

want to leave you with one of my favorite stories-a simple parable that's stuck with me over the years. Maybe you've heard it before. If not, I hope it hits you at just the right moment:

Once upon a time, a farmer's donkey fell into an old well. The animal cried and cried, and the farmer, realizing there was no safe way to rescue it, decided to bury the well and, sadly, the donkey with it. He called his neigh- bors, and they all started shoveling dirt into the hole.

At first, the donkey panicked and wailed and soon became silent. It was heartbreaking. But soon, something shifted. With each shovel of dirt, the donkey shook it off and took a step up. More dirt, more steps. The men kept shoveling, thinking they were burying the poor thing- but the donkey kept shaking it off and stepping up, using the dirt as a stepping stone.

Eventually, to everyone's amazement, the donkey stepped right up over the edge of the well and trotted off-alive and free.

That story's been around a long time for a reason. Life will absolutely throw dirt on you. You'll be underesti- mated, overlooked, and overwhelmed at times. But you always have a choice: get buried... or shake it off and take a step up.

Every setback can be a stepping stone. So wherever you are right now-in a season of growth, struggle, or just figuring it all out-don't stop. Shake it off. Step up. Keep going. You've got this.

Columbia

FOR ALL THE VIWERS READING PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF?

Hey what's up everyone! I'm Jane Aquino and I'm a voice actor based in Vegas. Thank you for having me

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUS- TRY?

My path is a little different than most. I didn't dream of becoming a voice actor nor do I have a background in acting or theatre.

I discovered the voice industry out of cu- riosity, and it was a blessing in disguise. A year before the world shut down due to the Covid pandemic in 2020, I was already feel- ing unstable at my day job, my youngest son was in and out of the hospital, and my mom's Parkinson's Disease Dementia ac- celerated causing me to miss a lot of work. When she passed in late 2019, I wanted to find a hobby or change careers. I needed to shift my mindset and look forward to doing something for myself.

I started noticing voiceover videos on YouTube on audiobook narration and just started watching and learning from what I could and was interested in enough to look deeper. I found a Groupon in my email for an Intro to VO workshop for a local VO studio that my older son took a few years back (but didn't pursue). He encouraged me to check it so, I signed up.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT IN WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED YOU GOT INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDSUTRY?

I realized there is a whole voiceover com- munity rooting for each other. In-person meet-ups, virtual meet-ups and social media groups. Clubhouse was my first interaction with other professional voice actors where industry topics where being shared during the Covid shutdown. I'm inspired by many kind, informative and caring voice actors who also teach and lead by example. I'm also a part of a small ac- countability group and we're from all parts of the U.S. They all keep me motivated and I appreciate them so much. The idea of hav- ing a voiceover career where it's your sole career is also inspiring.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES

YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVER COME THE CHALLENGES?

There are many challenges. The #1 challenge is overcoming the imposter syndrome for me. Having the courage to market myself and not feel the pressure of if I'm doing something wrong (or right). There is high-level competition out there that are always booking. I have to keep reminding myself, we're all human and it's all about the selection not rejection. I continue my performance trainings and try to get in front of casting directors and voice buyers by ways of classes and networking. It's not easy as just having a cool voice or a mic that sounds decent.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABERATE?

I just want to work with cool, kind, and down-to-earth people. I'm a team player and I love to collaborate. I would love to lend my voice on issues around human rights, women's rights, and healthcare. A Super Bowl commercial would be a dream, a Cirque Du Soleil commercial/promo/ trailer, a true-crime or nature documentary would be so fun.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED?

This year my focus is to book commercial projects while continuing to voice for eL- earning, explainers and corporate narration for companies. I've been training, I've got- ten great feedback from coaches. It's time. But I also want to work on in-show narra- tion performance and build that knowledge as well.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

Professionalism, talent, resiliency, good at- titude, be early, take chances. As one of my coaches would say: Don't be mean

NOW IN TODAYS SOCIETY EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK, DO YOU EN- JOY THIS PROCESS OR DO YOU PERFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I'm able to work remotely out of my home. It's convenient for me. But any chance I get to work in studio, I'll take it. I always ask if we can record in your studio (in and around Vegas). I love it. Gives me time to bond a little with the engineer, directors and everyone face to face.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK YOU LIKE TO FOCUS OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I enjoy working in the explainer, casino, in- dustrial, corporate narration genres but will be expanding into commercial and in-show narration hopefully in the near future.

WHATS A TYPICAL DAY IN THE DAY OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

A voice over actor with a non-vo job's typical day starts with checking emails and setting the day's priorities around audition- ing and submitting way before the dead- line. Cuddle and then feed the dogs. Feed myself. Then get to whatever is priority and flow. I have a little ADHD so I can get distracted and jump from the day job to handling the voice over business.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANY- ONE THAT IS INTRESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Do your research into the industry and different genres, attend an Introduction to Voice Over workshop and ask questions, take group performance classes (learn w others), take private coaching, and learn how to run a business (accounting, brand- ing, marketing), specifically for voice over. Invest in gear and demos after. Follow professional voiceovers, engineers, casting directors, etc on social media that provide value and resources. Give yourself 2-5 years and never stop learning.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACVTIVE AS A VOICE OVER WHAT ARE YOU PLANS FOR 2025 WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

I will continue improving my processes and work flow and honing the craft. I'm looking forward to more agency representation and I hope you get to hear more of me in 2025!

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

Thank you! Yes, please reach out. You can find me at www.thejaneaquino.com

JANE

AQUINO

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hello, I'm Laya Hoffman-a multi-award-winning voice actor, podcast producer, and the host of the She Sounds Like Me podcast based in Atlanta, GA. Outside of the industry, some friends know me as Rachael, but I answer to both names. When I entered the industry, there was already another Rachael Hoff- man, and SAG/AFTRA prefers to avoid duplicates, so I go by my middle name, Laya, professionally.

I've been a working voice actor for over 24 years and full-time since 2019. My vocal specialties include commercial, promos, political work, corporate nar- ration, and live announcing/emceeing. I've had the honor of voicing thousands of clients all over the world from my state-of-the-art, broadcast-quality home studio, where I'm often joined by my 12-year- old daughter, Cyla, who is also an award-winning voice actor.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

My passion for music propelled me toward a career in radio broadcasting, where I studied at Columbia College in my hometown of Chicago.

These days, I'm a retired club DJ, but back in the day, I had my sights set on becoming a radio jock. After facing some personal traumas and challenges, school took a backseat and I wasn't able to complete my degree. But did that stop me? Absolutely not! I moved from Chicago to Colorado, took up snowboarding, and landed a gig as a midday host at a local radio station, KFMU. As a radio personality, I was often asked to voice local commercials, which I did regu- larly. Little did I know, I was already working in voice-overs before I even realized it could be a professional career.

TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS IN- DUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THEM.

The hot topic affecting everyone in entertainment-and truly all humans on Earth-is how to engage efficiently yet safely with Al advancements. As technology evolves, so will the voice-over industry. Thankfully, the good folks at the National Association of Voice Actors (NAVA) are hard at work advocating for our rights and creating legislation on a national level to protect us. Their outstanding efforts are finally yielding policy changes that benefit not just voice actors, but everyone. Until then, we're addressing concerns with our clients by passing along Al riders and provisions as part of our project agreements. There's a long road ahead, but these efforts give us peace of mind.

As a female voice actor focusing on sports and tele- vision promos, trailers, and other male-dominated divisions of voice-over, I'm thrilled to partner with changemakers like Christy Harst and the Building Doors campaign. As a board member and door builder, we're shining a light on the disparities for women in these arenas, and brands are taking note. Check out www.buildingdoorsvo.com for more infor- mation on these incredible efforts.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Oh gosh, yes! I'm always looking to lock in the "golden handcuffs" of consistent network promos. I'd be beyond thrilled to work on one of the major award shows and be part of those incredible produc- tions like the Emmys, Oscars, CMAs, or VMAs. I plan to secure a long-term role with a national automo- tive brand this year and narrate a series for a sinister or salacious show. In the political space, the Lincoln Project is on my target list for their innovative mes- saging in creative ad campaigns. Cyla would love to continue her work in commercials and toys, but like most kids in the biz, she dreams of seeing her name in the credits as the voice of the next big characters in animated movies.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON Every vein of voice-over excites me! As an actor with strong bi-coastal management and representation, I have the unique opportunity to dabble in various arenas every day. This year, I'm actively securing more live announce/emcee/VOG opportunities since being in front of a crowd and the energy of live events electrify me. As the official VOG for Delta Airlines, we collaborate on several events through- out the year, and for me, it's a blast! Collaborating in real-time, following behind-the-scenes cues, and adapting on the fly is exhilarating. I light up every time. I'm also wildly passionate about sports, events, and network promos, as my vocal range can adapt to many styles, and I love the science behind it. Storytelling is at the heart of everything I do, and I anticipate you'll hear my voice in more in-show

narration projects in the coming year. Howev- er, my personal ethos leans hard into equality, fairness, and democracy for all, so I'll continue to use my voice for good, championing pro- gressive political spots and candidates whose values I share in the upcoming elections.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

A good voice actor possesses a versatile range, emotional intelligence, and the ability to connect with the audience. They should also be willing to take risks, embrace feedback, be able to rock many hats and continuously hone their craft. Oh, and let's not forget the importance of a killer sense of humor. Check, check and check!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

In the past few years, Cyla and I have been fortunate to receive recognition for our work, including a few One Voice Awards and a SOVAS for our podcast. In 2023, I won Best Promo Perfor- mance for opening ESPN's X-Games and was also nominated for Voice Actress of the Year. That same

LAYA HOFFMAN year, Cyla won Best Children's Performance for her work on the nuts.com campaign. It was especially thrilling to be part of the first parent-child duo to win in our respective categories at the One Voice Awards-a huge honor for both of us!

At the 2024 One Voice Awards, I was honored to win Best Television Commercial Performance for a Female for my work in the Advent Health campaign, while Cyla received another nomina- tion for her performance in Free Country. Being recognized by our peers in the industry is an unbe- lievable feeling, but watching my daughter win big for using her voice for good is a moment I will cherish forever.

As of now, I'm voicing TV promos for *Your Friends and Neighbors* with Jon Hamm on Apple TV+, thanks to my amazing team at SBV. I also have several major commercial campaigns currently airing, including one for Eli Lilly that discusses cancer trials. As a proud breast cancer survivor, this project holds particular significance for me as I advocate for increased research and development for a cure for all cancers. Additionally, Cyla and I are part of the in-house talent roster at Pandora/Sirius XM, where you can regularly hear us on your favorite podcasts and streaming stations.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

My day consists of 90% rejection. Yes, you read that right-90% NO! Although we rarely hear those words, that's the reality. After over 20 years in this industry, I book between 10-20% of the work I audition for, which can mean 20-30 audi- tions a day. I start my day with my family, a solid workout, or a walk in nature with my dogs before heading to the studio. Some days I spend two hours in the studio, while others I'm there for 8-10 hours, but the flexibility is what I love. I dictate most of my schedule, allowing me to be a dance mom, travel when I want, and manage my time effectively. This can be a challenge for those who aren't organized, which is why I tend to work in blocks. While I try to protect my downtime and take weekends off, I still fit in sessions, coaching, marketing, accounting, and, of course, more audi- tions every single day. On the rare occasion I "book out" when traveling, I almost always have my mobile rig with me. There's an industry saying: if you're in a dry spell, go on vacation-you'll almost always book a job as soon as you do. A blessing and, to some, it could be a curse but to me every booking, hold or avail check is a WIN I'll take while hard at work or taking time away.

LISA

Hi! My name is Lisa Margaroli.

I'm a SAG-AFTRA singer and voice actor based in Los Angeles. I grew up in Long Island, NY about 45 minutes outside of NYC, and moved out to LA to pursue my singing and acting career around 15 years ago. I was a theater and music kid. I played instruments, I sang in many singing groups, did musicals, and eventually

MARGAROLI

AR went to Hofstra University for a B.S. in Music Business. I had incredible internships at Sony Music, the Metropolitan Opera and RPM Music - Tony Bennett's management. I learned so much about the music and entertainment industry from the business side. My first job out of school was at Atlantic Records in the International Production and then Publicity. I was singing at night and on the weekends. Life was great! Then, I got into a bad marriage. I had to leave the job I loved. Thankfully, I was able to get out of it and was divorced pretty quickly and easily. I visited a friend who had just moved to Los Angeles, and I couldn't believe it. The sun was out every day! There was rock music still being played all over the Sunset Strip! I decided to save money for a while and move out to LA. Here in LA I've been lucky enough to work on some film and tv, sing with some heroes live on stage and in the studio. In addition to voiceover, I sing lead and background vocals with live rock and corporate bands, in musical theater shows, and huge choral masterworks in large choirs on some of the most famous stages.

LEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

As a performer, I think that in general, I want to move people. I want to make someone laugh, or feel inspired or comforted. I want to help people escape from their problems and be entertained. I also want to help inform and educate people, whether it be in a documentary about a historical event, or in current events.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

There is a lot that we have to do ourselves on our own. We have to perform, we have to be recording engineers, producers, students, marketing geniuses, promoters, etc. Being a presence on social media, engaging followers, and keeping content current is challenging. We are always investing so much into ourselves, and sometimes we don't see a return on that for a while, or ever. Sometimes there just aren't enough hours in the day and it's hard to get mo- tivated. Fatigue is real. We have to rest, and stay healthy and hydrated. I like to take workshops or seminars to stay engaged and keep my chops up. Voice Masters does fabulous weekly mini masterclasses and workouts on zoom on Fridays. They are free! There are different guests each week: agents, actors, directors, etc.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

I have so many wonderfully talented friends and teachers, so it is always a gift to work with any of them. I'd love work on anything with Clancy Brown. His voice and performances as a fim, and voice actor have such depth and versatil- ity. I'm a huge Disney fan and would love to work on any of their projects as a voice actor and singer. I would be honored to be a part of any kind of musical project.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FO- CUSED ON.

I recently did my first dubbing job for an Italian reality show on Netflix, which was a blast! I dubbed the voice of the lead character's agent who is sassy and sarcastic, just like me! Good times! I also did a spot for Discover LA for Spotify which was fun and helped promote the city I love. I'd like to get more into corporate narration, and possibly political narration. I've taken several classes and workshops, but would like to take more. Any kind of work that includes singing is priority and focus as well. I take pride in my voice and want to make sure to follow my own morals and ethics in the messages I share, as best I can. This year I'd like to obtain representation and collaborate to find awesome projects to be a part of.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

Teachers and classmates would complement the tone of my voice and would describe it as knowledgeable, authoritative, professional, nurturing, warm, and comforting. Since I have a corporate background, I do well with medical and technical terminology, and narration. With my experience in musical theater, I'd have a blast creating an animated character that sings. I'd love to poke fun at and embrace my NY Italian American Accent and the stereotype that I can be!

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

There's so much to do. The day can start with some vocal warm ups and morn- ing auditions. Anything involving your voice requires strong hydration. I love a morning coffee, but then have to switch over to water. Having a social media presence is important, so creating some content showcasing your personality and talents are on the to do list. Making sure social media pages and personal websites are up to date are important too. I love to engage with friends in the industry as well as industry professionals. I love to comment and support friends on social media. Uplifting and complimenting friends makes them, and you feel good. I love that and think it's important. There are lots of in person and virtual classes, workshops and workouts available to take.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

If interested, I would definitely recommend taking some basic classes to get an understanding on terminology, styles of voiceover and how auditions and the process works. Most auditions are now done as a self record from home. Recording classes and familiarity of a DAW (digital audio workstation) and microphone technique are important. Acting and improv classes are also important. Being a good actor is more of a priority then how good your voice sounds. You have to be able to deliver the acting portion of being a voice actor. Classes are a great way to learn your craft, and meet fellow actors, teachers and directors who you can potentially work with down the line. Podcasts are a great resource. You can hear interviews with actors, directors, agents, teachers, etc.The voiceover network is very supportive.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

Absolutely! Feel free to check out www.lisamargaroli.com. I'm @lisamargaroli on most platforms. I'd love to hear from you! Let's work together!

10TH

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READ- ING. PLEASE KINDLY INTRO- DUCE YOURSELF.

I am an empathetic and passion- ate voice over actress. I come from Costa Rica, a small and lush tropical country in L Latin America.

I love using my voice as a crea-

OICE ARTS

A WA

S tive tool-an essential element -an essential for storytelling, connecting with people, and expressing emotions. With over 10 years f experience in voice acting, my goal has been to approach my work with an integrative vision that fosters both business growth and personal de- velopment. A driving force in my life is to constantly evolve, guided by love and compassion.

I hold a degree in Drama Arts and have trained (and continue to train) with top voiceover coaches like Tina Morasco and Dave Walsh. I perform in English, Spanish, and French, catering to a diverse international audience. My clients include global brands such as Google, VISA, Coca-Cola, Amazon, Nescafé, Toyota, Spec- trum Mobile, and Fancy Feast.

In 2022, I won the prestigious Voice Arts Award (USA) in an English-language category by the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), one of the highest hon- ors in the industry. In 2021, I re- ceived the Lavat Award (Mexico), a notable accolade in the Latin American voiceover community that celebrates excellence in voice acting and dubbing. I've also earned multiple award nomina- tions in the U.S., Venezuela and Colombia.

I'm deeply committed to my craft. I attend workshops, conferences, and coaching sessions to push my limits and gain fresh perspectives. Building community and 1 fostering belonging in the i the industry is im- portant to me-I thrive on mean- ingful connections. My journey is about holistic growth: innovating, exploring new markets, and con- stantly expanding my horizons while trusting my instincts.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

For as long as I can remember, acting has always felt like a space

of freedom, playfulness, and belonging-a place where I felt completely at home. I've always been deeply comfortable in perfor- mance-related environments.

I'm particularly drawn to creative teams who view voice acting as an essential storytell- ing element rather than just a production requirement. Whether it's an indie developer crafting a heartfelt game narrative or an international agency producing boundary- pushing content, I thrive when working with people who share that commitment to authentic communication.

When I discovered the world of voice acting, it was a revelation-a new way to perform using only my voice. That intimate closeness you feel when speaking into a microphone creates a powerful connection with the listener, as if your words are reaching directly into their heart.

The ideal collaboration for me is one where we collectively push creative boundaries while staying true to the project's core message. I'm always excited to work with directors, producers, and brands who value the nuanced power of voice to connect with audiences on a deeper level.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

I'm passionate about expanding my creative horizons across the full spectrum of voice work from helping local entrepreneurs bring their visions to life to collaborating with global brands on large-scale campaigns. What excites me most isn't the size of the project, but the passion behind it.

• Voice ATUSAWARDS
• Voice ArtSAWARDS
• Voice ArtSAWARDS
• COMCAST
• COMCAST
• Voice
• Voice ATLSAWARDS
• WARDS
• ATISAWARDS
• COMCAST CONVERSAL
• Voice AFLEWARDS icc
• "SAWARDS
• AFISAWARDS
• WARDS
• Voice
• COMCAST
• ASAWARDS NCONVERSAL
• Voice
• Voice Artsan
• Voice AFISAWARDS
• Voice AFEAWARDS ce
• Voice
• SAWARDS
• Voice
• Voice
• Voice
• AWARDS

Voice ArtSAWARDS

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

My voiceover practice encompasses a diverse range of specialties that each bring unique creative satisfaction. Currently, I'm particularly energized by: Commercial & Brand Storytelling: Helping brands craft compelling narratives through television, radio, and digital spots.

Live Event Announcing: Serving as the "Voice of God" for corporate events and high-profile gather- ings, where timing and presence are everything.

Educational Content: Bringing clarity and engage- ment to e-learning modules and instructional materials. Corporate Narration: Giving voice to company vision through explainer videos, training materials, and internal communications. Interactive Systems: Crafting clear, friendly voices for IVR and automated systems that improve user experience. Dubbing: Adapting performances across languages while preserving the original's emotional impact and authenticity.

Documentary Storytelling: Using vocal nuance to enhance powerful non-fiction narratives. Audiobook Narration: The special challenge of maintaining consistency and emotional truth across hours of performance.

What unites all these specialties is my commitment to understanding each project's unique needs and delivering voice work that truly serves the mate- rial - whether that requires technical precision, emotional resonance, or brand-aligned tone.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I can't share details due to the nature of the projects, but I can say there's work coming with international brands and live announcing (Voice of God).

I'll continue working on my personal and profes- sional growth in a comprehensive way, always innovating, entering new markets, and constantly expanding my horizons.

While 2025's full picture is still unfolding, I'm certain it will bring challenging projects that will help me grow as a voice actor. I trust that good things are already on the way: projects that will push me to work in markets I haven't explored yet, to discover new cultures, to explore new genres, and to connect more deeply with this career I'm so passionate about.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, HOW CAN PEOPLE REACH YOU?

Let's create something extraordinary together! Connect with me via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Social: @marielabaltodano
• (IG/FB) | Mariela Baltodano (LinkedIn)

MATT

FOGARTY

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hi! My name is Matt Fogarty. I'm a full-time voice actor and narrator based on Vancouver Island, Canada. I'm also a husband and father to two amazing girls!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT START- ED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I got into voiceover through my career in radio. I was the creative services director for a group of stations for 14 years and started writing and voicing commercials, promos, and imaging for them. One of the morning show hosts there at the time heard some of my work on-air and encouraged me to get into voiceover. I juggled both (radio and voiceover) for many years, slowly but steadily building my business one client at a time. Eventually I had too much voiceover work to be able to do both and decided to leave radio and go all-in as a voice actor. That was in 2020.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I think like a lot of people who ended up work- ing in broadcasting my first inspiration was listening to the jocks on my local radio stations and playing along in my room as a kid. I dubbed songs off the radio onto cassette (throwback!) all the time. Played them back and tried to do the talking breaks. Back selling songs, etc. That was the Eagles with Hotel California, you know? It was fun. Later, I think I became more interested in television and film. Watching old movies. Studying them. I took a lot of film classes in University. Classic cinema. The films of Marlon Brando. The Philosophy Of Film. Several others. I developed a strong appreciation for all aspects of film, storytelling, acting, writing and production.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

Like any job, in any industry, there are chal- lenges. As voice actors, we are pretty much working by ourselves a lot of the time, so it can get a bit lonely sometimes. Real talk. It's also easy to work too much. You can end up feeling burned out some days. It's important to take breaks. Go for walks. Go to the gym. Whatever it may be. Stepping away from a project and com- ing back later can sometimes be the best thing. When you come back you'll have fresh ears and hear your reads differently. Time management can also be a challenge. Working ON the busi- ness is hard when you're consumed working IN the business. Meaning things like administrative tasks or marketing can sometimes take a back seat when you're busy actually performing and recording (but that's a good problem to have!)

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

I've been very fortunate in that I've had a chance to work with many of the brands I like to use in my personal life...but there's a few that are still on my bucket list...including Apple and Starbucks. I'm a baseball fan so would love to do more work with Major League Baseball. Call me!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

The majority of my daily work is commercial and radio imaging, but I also do promo, sports promo, and various forms of narration including corporate, broadcast and e-learning.

WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTER- TAINMENT.

I love the overall vibe. I love the stories that come out of Hollywood. I like the scene, the stories, the characters. It's all good!

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

I think range, script interpretation, and being directable are the top 3 things that can help to make a good voice actor. Honorable mention to patience and work ethic! Having the range to perform a variety of emotions, the ability to analyze and UNDERSTAND the copy, and then being directable in the session. You want to be really easy to work with and help to make the director's job a breeze.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I love working remotely because it gives me so many more opportunities to work with clients around the globe. That's the biggest advantage of remote work, diversity. But, there's something special that can happen in an in-person studio session. So, if a client wants me in studio, I'm always game! Plus, they usually have sushi, so that's also nice. Haha.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

Commercial and radio imaging are what I do the most of on a daily basis, but I do all kinds of stuff from promo to narration to e-learning.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Well, I can tell you about my typical day. I'm usually up by 5:00 am, at the gym by 5:30 am, then home and in my recording studio by 6:15 am. This schedule aligns nicely with my work- flow and allows me to respond to requests from East Coast clients promptly during their working hours (I'm pacific time). If I have a session, then I'm prepping for that, and will be in session for a few hours. If I don't have a session, I'm working on auditions or catching up on admin work and marketing. Usually drinking coffee as well. I take a break for lunch, might go for a walk or bike ride, then back in the booth until around 2 when I pick my kids up from school! When the kids get home, I'm pretty much just making snacks for the rest of the day. Where my fellow parents at? You know what it's like. Of course, I'm always close to my booth, and continue to voice stuff as it comes in for the rest of the day... and night. Ha.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Do the work. Do your research, first. You'll be so much further ahead if you have a base level of understanding of the industry and also where you think you fit in, or what areas you'd like to work in. There are so many great voiceover resource sites out there too. And LISTEN. Watch the commercials, don't skip them. What a gold mine. It shows you what booked! Listen to demos on talent agency sites. See where you might fit in or fill a gap for them on their roster. After the initial research, find reputable coaches and work with them to hone your skills. Also, don't do a demo before you're ready. Your coaches will help with that. Genres are very different, so it really helps to know where you'd like to work first so you can start setting goals geared to working in that area.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025?

My plans are pretty simple: to keep working hard, booking work, training and improving my craft, and making sure I'm at my most competi- tive on every audition I submit to be the best possible partner for my agents and clients - all while maintain a reasonable work-life balance, keeping fitness and fun sprinkled into each day!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I'll share a recent project that was released recently. It was a piece for the Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto called Carry The Fire. That was booked through my Toronto agency TaDa! Voiceworks. It is an incredibly emotionally connected piece. The session was in a word...intense. Every person on the team brought their A game. It's about a husband and wife who find out she has cancer and the resulting journey to stay strong in the face of what seems like overwhelming adversity. It's a powerful story, though of course tragic. The results I think speak for themselves. It's on my website, and I'd encourage you to check it out.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can listen to my demos, see some of my favorite work and get in touch at www. mattfogartyvo.com Also, feel free to con- nect on LinkedIn, Facebook or Instagram: @mattfogsvo

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS ?

Thanks for reading! Thanks for support- ing Human Voice Actors! Remember that consistency and hard work will yield results in anything you do - whether it's fitness, relationships, and yes - voiceover.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Helloooo! My name is Melinda Yerzy. I'm a private voice and piano coach who stumbled into the world of voice acting five years ago and fell head over heels for it! Besides being a performer and teacher, I'm a plant nerd, a coffee junkie, and a health geek.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I've wanted to be an actor ever since I was a kid, and I was lucky enough to have a family that supported that dream. My mom spent an entire summer driving me into San Francisco on the weekends, a two-hour drive each way, just so I could take acting classes. But besides being a theatre major for one semester in college, that was basically my only experience in acting, despite the fact that I loved it so much.

It wasn't until much later in life that I realized what truly held me back from pursuing acting: a lack of self-confidence, for many reasons, but one of the biggest being the lack of Asian/Filipino representa- tion in mainstream media.

So instead of pursuing acting, I followed another passion I had music. I decided to become a music teacher, since that was a "steadier" career path... even though it was during the 2008 recession and the first thing being cut from schools were the arts. During my final year of college, I came to the tough realization that public school teaching wasn't the right fit for me for a number of reasons. (Huge shout-out to schoolteachers. They're absolute heroes who don't get nearly enough recognition or compensation for all that they do!) So, I went the private studio route instead.

I've been teaching on and off for over a decade and love every minute of it. I've learned so much from my students and watched many of them grow into amazing musicians. But after a while, I started to feel like something was missing. I felt lost, not really knowing what life meant to me. I had this feeling, like I was meant to do something else but couldn't put my finger on it and it was mentally a struggle dealing with depression and anxiety. Becoming a mother only amplified those feelings. I poured all my energy into taking care of everyone else, anticipating everyone's needs, being everything for everyone. And while I genuinely love being a mom and wife, I realized that I had never really figured out who I was.

Fast forward to 2020. A combination of events that happened all at once seemed to lead me toward voiceover. The pandemic shut down the world, my brother gifted me my first mic for Christmas and suggested I try content creation since I couldn't teach in person, and one of my best friends, indie author, B.L. Twitchell, was trying to record her own audiobooks and loathed every minute of it. I had offered to look into how to produce an audiobook for her since I enjoyed acting, and that sent me down a rabbit hole into a world I never knew existed and never knew I could be a part of.

As a mom of three young kids living in a rural farm- ing community, I never thought a career in acting, let alone voice acting, was even remotely possible. But due to the pandemic, the industry has become so much more accessible. Today, I get to coach and work with some of the best in the business, all from the comfort of my home studio. It's something I it.

never imagined I'd be able to do, and I'm beyond grateful.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

It's funny... looking back, I didn't even know what voiceover was, but my absolute favorite thing to do as a kid was to reenact scenes from my favorite Dis- ney movies. One of my fondest memories is playing in the parking lot of our apartment complex with my best friend, blasting The Lion King soundtrack from our little boombox.

We were eight years old, and I can still picture the cassette, a bright jungle green tape. We'd sing every song at the top of our lungs, then pretend to be Simba and Nala, running wild through the apart- ment grounds, fully immersed in the story.

I didn't know it then, but if I had to give a moment that inspired me to be a voice actor, that would be

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

What I would absolutely love is to be part of a project that highlights Filipino culture. Something like Disney's Encanto, which beautifully showcased Colombian culture. I dream of being part of an ani- mated film or series that is deeply rooted in Filipino stories, traditions, and heritage.

And if I could collaborate with anyone on a project like that, it would hands-down be Lea Salonga. She's such a huge inspiration to me. I wish I had known when I was younger that she was the singing voice behind two of my favorite animated characters growing up. I truly believe that if I had seen and recognized that kind of representation earlier on, I might have had the courage to pursue acting from the start.

Of course, the ultimate dream would be to work with teams from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, etc., but honestly, I'd love to collaborate with anyone who has a story worth telling. That's the beautiful thing about being human: every single person car- ries a story. And when we come together to create something that helps others escape their worries, find comfort in shared experiences, or discover a sense of community where they once felt alone, that's the best kind of collaboration there is. That's why I love being an actor.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Right now, I primarily work in audiobooks. I'm also wrapping up a mentorship with Penguin Random House this spring, which has been an incredibly insightful opportunity I'm deeply grateful for. In addition to audiobooks, I also train in animation and commercial voiceover, and I've done some IVR (Interactive Voice Response) as well.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I love, love, love animation and I really hope it becomes a regular part of my career. I also enjoy audio dramas. Even without visuals, the perfor- mance has to be just as dynamic and expressive, and I love that challenge.

But I have a very special place in my heart for audiobooks. Growing up, I actually really struggled with reading and, quite frankly, hated it. It was hard for me to focus, and later, as an adult, I learned I have ADHD tendencies. I also may have something called Irlen Syndrome - it's often mistaken for dyslexia, and like dyslexia, it makes reading incred- ibly difficult.

Back in the early '90s, audiobooks weren't nearly as accessible as they are today. So now, being part of an industry that could have helped me as a child feels like such a full-circle moment. Knowing that I'm creating something that could help kids and adults who struggle like I did - and give them access to stories in a way that works for them - makes this job even more meaningful.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Right now, I'm working on launching an online voice studio for people looking to improve their singing or speaking voice. I'm currently in the creation phase and hope to have a prototype ready for beta testing by the end of the year. It's been an exciting project close to my heart!

I'm also planning to step into the on-camera world and have been putting together all my marketing materials for that. It's been a fun, new adventure, and I'm loving the process.

As far as voiceover goes, I'm currently recording the 4th book in the Martinez Kids Adventures series. It's a fantastic middle-grade series that follows three young siblings learning family values while exploring new worlds through virtual reality. It's such a fun and meaningful read for all ages! I'm also working on the 3rd and 4th books in Lesley Barklay's Bible Adventurers series, another great middle-grade series about a brother and sister who travel back in time to witness the life of Jesus- starting with the very first Christmas!

And coming soon: I just recorded a few episodes for a children's audio drama with Storybutton, a wonderful platform known for its screen free, fam- ily friendly content. Lots of audiobooks and audio adventures on the way!

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can find all of my demos, contact informa-tion, and social media links at melindayerzy.com. Whether you're looking for help with voicing an animation, audiobook, commercial, or anything in between, feel free to reach out. I'd be happy to connect!

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I absolutely love storytelling, and it's not often I get to share my own, so this means a lot. If you're an aspiring creative, I hope you find your voice and the courage to share it. The world is wait- ing to hear your story! And if you're a content cre- ator searching for a voice to help bring your story to life, I'd be honored to be part of that journey.

MELINDA YERZY

• DEMOS
• VOAllantas BLACK TRITES
• NAVA FOUNDATION
• VOICE TRAX •WESTY

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

• Brokel NAVA
• NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF HAUP
• 47HAUP

GRAVITY

Hola! I'm Milena, a Colombian- American Bilingual Voice Actor. I have been working in the in- dustry since 2011, working part time on a variety of projects in English and Spanish.

• VOICE TRAX WEST
• JMC MA
• DEM

DEMOS VOAtlanta FOUNDA

In 2020, I left my career as a critical care nurse during the pandemic to pursue my passion in VO full time. I have been extremely blessed to have a thriving career and I hope to be able to encourage and inspire others to go after their dreams as well.

• VOEDGE
• VOEDGE
• GRAVITY

HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

• JMC DEMOS
• A JMC DEMOS VOAtlanta s
• VOAtlanta

CASTER

I began my journey with acting on-camera doing commercials as a teenager. While working a variety of day jobs, I took acting classes while booking commercials, short films and working part time as a TV host for an affiliate of Telemundo in Indianapolis called Telemundo Indy. My first experience with VO was when I was asked to come into a studio to record VO for a radio version of one of my TV spots.

VOICE TRAX peaks and valleys. People often say that our job is auditioning because it's what we spend most of our time doing. The biggest challenge for me in the beginning was getting used to the 'no's" or just not hearing anything back once I submitted work. It can eat away at you and cause you to question your skill or even your worth at times.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE

YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE in VOICE OVER?

truly in awe of the engineers and the voice talent. I feel so fortunate to have been able to be so close to it even before starting my own journey with voiceover.

like Verizon, in Broadway show promos for Moulin Rouge and Kimberly Akimbo, as well as in TV promos in English and Spanish very soon.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

I am currently blessed to be working full time as a voice actor. In 2025, I plan to continue living with gratitude, encouraging others, working hard and growing my business. You can expect to continue hearing me in national com- mercial campaigns for brands

I never had a moment when I felt that I "wanted" to be inspired. I was just inspired! Having the opportunity to observe the process in a major studio was so special. I was WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES IN THE INDUSTRY?

Anytime you work in a freelance position there are For me, mindset is everything. I approach each audition as a fun game that I was just gifted. A chance to play and create. Once I send it off, it's gone and I don't think about it again... Until I get the email that I booked it! I've found that remaining in a state of gratitude helps a lot in the valleys. Gratitude for the incredible opportunities that I get, gratitude for getting to work in a field that I am truly passionate about, gratitude for the bookings, gratitude for the incredible VO com- munity and gratitude for my voice. I also have some incredible VO friends that I can lean on in moments when I doubt myself. That helps a lot too!

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABO- RATE WITH?

I am open to any and all opportunities that come my way.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I work primarily in commercials, corporate narration, explainers, concert promos and Broadway show promos in English and Spanish, but my journey is leading me into TV promo and animation right now. Commercials make up the bulk of my work so there will always be a strong focus there, but I'm also very excited to learn new skills and get to play in new sandboxes

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

My children watch a lot of animated films, so I hear A LOT of Hollywood actors in films. Some that stand out are Robin Williams, Auli'i Cravalho, Mandy Moore, Kristin Bell, James Earl Jones, and Idina Menzel. When it comes to Hollywood, I also have to men- tion the trailer legend Don LaFontaine.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

In my opinion, one of the most important qualities that a voice actor needs is the ability to truly connect. To understand and connect with the character and the copy so that we can then connect with the listener/viewer. It's what differentiates us from Al and makes us human. Of course, improv and acting skills are also very important and understanding the subtle nuances of human (or an animal/ character) behavior. It's not just about reading the words on the page, it's about adding in the small gasp or the pensive "hmm" that naturally occurs during an interaction. I think that really helps to bring the copy to life. A good voice actor also needs a love and passion for the work. You can hear a truly con- nected actor with a passion for this craft from a mile away. It's so beautiful!

IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE

I really enjoy working in the commercial space. When I first started out in VOI would audition for everything and worked in a wide variety of genres. My journey led me to commercials and that is where the bulk of my work comes from, but it's not the only specialty I focus on. I do also like working in corporate narration, explainers, event announcer (voice of goddess), concert promos and Broadway show promos in English and Spanish. And I'm really looking forward to expanding into promo and animation this year.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU

MilenaVoiceover.com

ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?

People are often so surprised when they find out what I do for a living. It's almost like VO is this mystical realm that no one has heard of... until they do. It's not lost on me how fortunate I am to get to do what I do.

Words cannot express the deep-felt gratitude that I have for my career and for the voiceover industry. It's truly a gift to get to play and be creative every day and to connect with such an incredibly supportive and loving com- munity. There is truly nothing like it!

MILENA

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hi: I'm Nancy German

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I was working as a high school guidance counselor. One of my students was a dancer in music videos at the time. She kept telling me I should get on her agent's talent roster, because I made her laugh.

Well, she was serious. For about four months, she pestered me all the time to join it. I had some acting background in my youth, but for commercials? In Maine? It never occurred to me I could make a living at this.

I loved this girl but she was relentless. So, I finally signed up.

Initially it was for on-camera work, but after driving in a snowstorm for an hour and a half and not getting the gig, I was about to give up but then booked a voice over job for a company phone message. I was so excited!! I thought this was it! Then about three years passed where I was so interested in the work but just didn't know what to do to further it.

I then found an online application for a group of pro voice actors to meet and share knowledge. I didn't lie about how much work I had under my belt, but to this day I am not sure how I passed the application test.

That was the pivotal moment in the start of my journey into voiceover. I finally had the information I needed and finding my "tribe of like minded creatives. Twenty-five years later, I am so happy I found it!

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

I loved my job working with teenagers, but I always was a creative person at heart and needed an outlet for that. It became very clear, as I got older that acting and the challenge of it, really fed my soul.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

It's funny, but I think it began when I won a radio contest when I was ten. I had to say the "two all beef patties, special sauce" lines as fast as I could. I think I won a burger meal. It was so fun and I thought, do people get paid for this? Little did I know it was my "first" of many commercials to come.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

Even though, now, much work is done remotely, I still think I face biases when I send auditions from Maine to casting in L.A. and New York. They may not be conscious biases, but I think there may be a perception that because I'm from a small town, I may not have the abilities or knowl- edge that other actors might.

This is why I try to make my auditions very strongly competitive and also have trav- elled often to train with some of the best coaches in the business, so I stay relevant from my little corner of the world.

Additionally, I have had to advocate for myself with some agents, who may see me as an "older lady" only capable of certain types of reads. Well, I'm proud that I book character work and very comedic work as well as my straight pharma and medical reads. I don't want anyone to ever limit me, in what is possible for me, though I know I still have to sound young enough to book some things.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

My work has been largely commercial, but I am very interested in the storytelling of documentary work and just completed a job where I played a woman who was part of the Canadian government's use of psychics in military intel.

I love learning about history and my dream job would be to narrate for Ken Burns or on Discovery, Smithsonian, or the History Channel, Crime Network, really anything about ghost stories or haunted places would be fun. Especially in Scotland, Eng- land or Ireland.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Currently, I am focused on commercials and pharma largely, but am often hired for luxury products and travel as well. I have been working with coaches in animation and video game work and documentary work and would love to book more in those genres.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I have a compassionate, trustworthy sound because that truly is me as a person. I'm an LCSW therapist as well. So it lends itself to insurance, finance, medical and pharma reads naturally.

This is what I book the most, but I also focus on many genres, including automo- tive, luxury, live announcing, animation and video games.

I know some people only like doing one type of thing but I love all of it. Though I don't have the patience for long audio books at this stage of my life. I like to do shorter non-fiction, since my commercial work takes priority.

I'm happy now to be booking conversation- al reads that were hard when I had trained as an announcer in the beginning. Thanks, Scott Parkin, in particular, for changing that for me, where I was formerly stuck!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJ- ECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORK- ING ON NOW?

Unfortunately, much of my recent exciting work is under NDA at the moment but I'm excited to say I have two promos coming out on one of the streaming services for a very popular show that I booked from an old client. This is unusual in that it did not come from an agency casting.

I'm also proud to be able to work as a SAG AFTRA actor now, and look forward to more SAG projects. A recent one using my comedic skills.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is www.nancygermanvoiceover. com and my Linked In profile is www. linkedin.com/in/nancygerman My email address is listed on both sites as well as my contact info and I am very responsive.

NANCY GERMAN

• OZZIE
• WILSON
• PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

My name is Ozzie Wilson. I am a self-em- ployed voice artist. Charisma with Soul

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

In 2019, I was teaching full time, and I started doing audiobooks.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

A friend of mine and myself decided to venture into voiceover. He wanted to do animation characters, and I wanted to do audiobooks.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

Some of the challenges I face is keep- ing all the parts of this business going. The marketing is my biggest challenge because I do email and social media marketing and you must stay consistent and relevant. Also, Al voices have become more realistic and clients are more so- phisticated. I have to attach Al riders to some of my contracts to make sure my voice is not used without my consent. Freelance voiceover sites don't always protect the artists either.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

I would love to collaborate with many artists, the only one that comes to mind is my friend Kevin

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I'm currently focused commercial work and elearning.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

A voice actor has to know how to put emotion into their words in a way that feels realistic. A good voice actor also has to have the ability to follow a director's lead and change focus when prompted.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

All of my work has been in my own home stu- dio. I would enjoy coming to a studio because I like to bond with people I work with, especially on an artistic level.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

My specialties are conversational reads and Urban, mostly New York accents. I was born in New York City so I can relate to the vibe of the city.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Not sure about all voice actors, but between projects I have a work schedule. I wake up to coffee and emails early in the morning, warm up my voice and knock out auditions. I'll eat a bit and do some email marketing. I'll work on that and knock out some more auditions if necessary. Midday, I try to do some voiceover related activities like read, listen to a podcast, watch a video or take a class. I'll do some social media likes and then work on creative content.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

There's so much to recommend. I would say take classes to get your instrument (voice) working well and keep learning. Also, find a quiet space to record and practice your craft. Lastly, delve into different genres of voiceover and if you find that you're really good at a particular genre, go hard!

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU.

I just finished a campaign for Sonny's BBQ and I'm currently working on a meditation series.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I have some things in the works, but I'm not at liberty to say!

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

There's so much to recommend. I would say take classes to get your instrument (voice) working well and keep learning. Also, find a quiet space to record and practice your craft. Lastly, delve into different genres of voiceover and if you find that you're really good at a particular genre, go hard!

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is https://www.ozziewilsonvo.com/

Gryo's

PHIL

DOANE

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hello! I am Phil Doane located in Arling- ton, Texas, which is basically between Dallas and Fort Worth. Though I began my voiceover career in 2021, I have been out of the booth for the past three or so years, being heavily involved as a parent volunteer with my twin boys high school marching band activities. Now that they have gradu- ated high school, I am looking forward to getting back on track with my voice over endeavors.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT

I got the idea of voiceover when I was the teacher in the Learning Lab where I inter- acted with students who received special accommodations with assignments and testing. This could be individual one on one time with the student, or they needed a small quiet area to work, so they would come to my room. Some students would take tests with "Oral Accomodation" so I would record the test reading questions and answers - on an old iPod then give it to the student when they arrived in my room to take their exam.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

I got the idea of voiceover when I was the teacher in the Learning Lab where I inter- acted with students who received special accommodations with assignments and testing. This could be individual one on one time with the student, or they needed a small quite area to work, so they would come to my room. Some students would take tests with "Oral Accomodation" so I would record the test - reading questions and answers - on an old iPod then give it to the student when they arrived in my room.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I would have to say this is when I attend my first One Voice Conference. I was brand new to voice over and I saw an ad on Face- book for a voiceover conference in Dallas. When I attended the first event on Friday it was very mind blowing that there is this huge of a voice over community I didn't know existed! As I met both speakers and fellow attendees, it was very inspiring as it brought my creative side back to life which had been buried for so many years.

STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY. achievements because of their voice, and it

TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

There are a couple of challenges I face, and they go hand-in-hand. First is comparing myself to others, which therefore leads to affecting my confidence. How I face these challenges is remembering what they say in the Voiceover community about how everyone's voice is unique, and the fact that there is no other voice like mine. Similar to how no two fingerprints are the same, my voice is very unique only to me. When I keep this in mind, it keeps my focus on me not on any other Voice Artist in their does boost my confidence allowing me to do my best during that moment while I'm recording in the booth.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

There are a few projects that I am partial to because I know the cast and think it would be a really great experience to team up and work with them. One project is The Dad Bod of Destiny by Jason Lettingham, sec- ond would be Leo Brawn Demon Hunter by Jason Beard, and Partial Veil by Allison Cossit. All of these are with binging!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Since I am getting back into the swing of things I am focusing on commercials, e- learning, audiobooks, and audio dramas! | am really excited to get my creative side going again.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

There are a number of characteristics that make a good voice actor. First is talent. This is foundational. The voice actor needs to show they understand the script and bring it to life. They also need to be able to read it with multiple emotions and inflec- tions. Second would be a professional and "easy to work with" approach in the record- ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU ing session. The voice actor is hired by the client, and they have to provide the client and the directors are looking for in regards to how they bring the script to life. This also helps when the voice actor collabo- rates by offering ideas that easily fit into the flow of the session and keeps it moving in the right direction.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Right now, since I'm returning to being ac- tive in Voiceover, a typical day is working on foundational techniques regarding the voice and script analysis, recording audi- tions, and studying marketing skills.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

First I would recommend doing research to find a coach that you click with and dive into coaching. They can also guide you for the next items of a recording space and equipment. While you are coaching, you will want to look at equipment such as a microphone, interface, and recording software. You will also need to create a space / studio to do your recording. There are many inexpensive methods for the person just starting into voiceover where it does not break the bank. Treat this like a farmer...you have to be patient with planting seeds before you see real fruit to harvest. Be patient with yourself in the beginning.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

What's gonna be next for me is to get back into coaching and sharpen my skills, so hopefully land something at the end of this year or start gaining momentum for 2026.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJ- ECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORK- ING ON NOW?

One project that I am happy to get back to recording for is The Birthday Fairy Project which you can find on all social platforms. The Birthday Fairy Project shines a light on the lives lost to gun violence in the United States by recognizing the birthday of each victim.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is phildoanevoiceover.com My email is [email protected]

PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

Hey everyone, I'm Roberto Jolliffe, though most people just call me Berto. To my family, I'll always be "Bert." I come from a beautifully blended heritage, my father is Panamanian, my mother a proud Nuyorican and growing up as a military kid meant home was wherever we landed. We moved often, but Texas became our anchor.

I'm a husband, a father, a creator and above all, a builder of legacies. For me, voice-over isn't just a career, it's a calling. Every word I speak into the mic is rooted in my journey: the cultures that raised me, the challenges I've overcome, and the deep belief that we all carry stories worth sharing. I have been fortunate to voice for brands like Pop-Tarts, Rap TV, Nike, HBO MAX, Vivid Seats, NASCAR, Pepsi Co., Paw Patrol, Kamala Harris, Beyond Meat, Akedo Ultimate War- rior ad more!

I'm passionate about showing others, especially my kids, that you don't have to fit into a box. You can be multi-passionate, you can rein- vent yourself, and you can build a life that looks like you. My goal is to use my voice not only to tell stories but to create opportunity, impact, and generational change.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I didn't find voice-over...it found me.

Back in November 2020, my son was born during the height of the pandemic. For the first time in my life, I had a window to slow down and reflect. I was on paternity leave, spending more time at home than I ever had, and I found myself looking at the leftover podcast equipment from a show I'd helped friends launch the year before. The podcast had ended, but the gear was still there, just waiting for a new story to be told.

Then I remembered a conversation with my friend William Brown out in L.A., he casually mentioned a voice-over site called Voices.com. At the time, I didn't even know VO could be a real career. But something about it stuck. I thought, "Why not now?" That mo- ment became my 2021 New Year's resolution.

I signed up for the site, uploaded my first samples, and the next thing I knew, I was off to the races. No studio. No formal training. Just me, a mic, and a mindset. What started as a side curiosity turned into a purpose, I didn't even know I'd been preparing for all my life.

SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

The moment I truly felt inspired to belong in this industry wasn't when I booked a job or got my first check....it was when I found the voice-over com- munity.

In the beginning, I was figuring things out by trial and error. I'd do full reads with zero editing, running straight takes, trying not to mess up. I didn't know about EQ settings, mic placement, or that auditions could be improved post-recording. I was just winging it. But one day, I stumbled across some Facebook groups and YouTube channels where seasoned VO artists were sharing wisdom, breaking things down, and most importantly welcoming new talent without ego or gatekeeping.

That blew me away. I came from industries where people held their cards close, but in VO? People were opening doors, sharing knowledge, and rooting for you. Strangers became mentors. Some even became real good friends, not because of clout or credits, but because of shared journeys. That kind of community lit a fire in me. I didn't just want to do voice-over.... wanted to grow with the people in it.

That sense of inclusion and empowerment inspired me to keep going. It made me want to get better, not just for me, but so I could eventually turn around and do the same for someone else. Because in this space, growth isn't just personal, it's communal.

ROBERTO JOLLIFFE

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE

IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

One of the biggest challenges in this industry? Silenc- ing the noise in your own head.

In the beginning, self-doubt hit hard. I'd second-guess every audition: "Is this good enough?" But over time, I realized success in this game comes from unlearning perfectionism and leaning into authenticity. Training, coaching, conferences, all those help, but nothing replaces finding your unique voice.

You also have to understand that being a voice actor isn't just about having a great voice, it's about being an entrepreneur. You're the talent, but also the mar- keter, the tech guy, the scheduler, the accountant, and the creative director. That means building systems, staying organized, and always finding new ways to market yourself without burning out.

The way I overcome all of it? Community. Consis- tency. And choosing to bet on myself every day, even when it's hard. That's the real difference-maker. The biggest battle in Voice Over is YOU vs. YOU.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Absolutely. I've got a list that stays ready!

I'd love to voice a character in Grand Theft Auto VI or the next Dragon Ball series. Shows like Rick and Morty, Invincible, and anything on Adult Swim I'm all in. I'd also love to voice promos or documentaries for the History Channel and the shows like how brands or companies are made in America inspire me so much. Also, college sports programs, Call of Duty and hip-hop-focused content. There's something powerful about combining voice and culture, it creates mo- ments that feel personal and unforgettable.

And when it comes to people? I'd love to work with creatives like Issa Rae, Donald Glover, Ryan Coogler or Jordan Peele, visionaries who know how to fuse authenticity with art. That's the space I want to move in, where storytelling is bold, intentional, and layered with meaning.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Right now, my main focus is on commercial voice- over, that's the area where I've booked the most, and where my tone and delivery style really thrive. I love tapping into that conversational, trustworthy energy brands are looking for today.

But I'm also pushing deeper into promo and character work, because those spaces light me up creatively. There's something magical about building a voice that sets the tone for a whole show or brings a character to life. I've been training hard in those areas, studying industry leaders, working with coaches, and dialing in my technique so when the opportunity comes, I'm not just ready...I'm undeniable.

I see Voice Over as a long game. So, while I honor where I'm winning now, I'm always planting seeds for the spaces I want to grow into.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FO- CUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

My current specialties are Commer- cial and Promo work, those are core to my foundation. I love the challenge of bringing a brand's message to life in just 15 or 30 seconds. You've got to make every word matter, and I thrive in that high-stakes simplicity. Anima- tion and gaming spaces I'm trickling into little by little.

But I'm also expanding into Audio Description, which has become a true passion project. I've been study- ing the work of Roy Samuelson and others who are leading the charge in making media accessible for the blind and low-vision community. It's powerful work, because it's not about you, it's about serving some- one else's experience. When I was in the tech industry part of one of my jobs was doing mobile performance testing and always thinking about accessible UI/UX experiences which left a lifelong awareness. So, I take that mindset into all of my crafts, it has made me a better actor and a better person.

In the long run, I want to master every lane, from animation to video games to long-form narration. I'm in this for the full journey.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Yes! I'm working on a few amazing projects right now.

I'm voicing an internal training program for Ohio State University through a grant initiative, it's exciting to contribute to something that's educational and forward-thinking. I've also got some new commercial work dropping soon for Ford and Del Taco, both of which have been a blast to record.

But the project closest to my heart? I'm writing a book called "Ahhh, So You Want to Be a VOICE OVER ACTOR?" It's an illustrated guide for both kids and adults who want to learn about this world in a fun, accessible way. The goal is to demystify the industry and spark curiosity, because sometimes, all it takes is one spark to change someone's life. You'll be able to find it on my social platforms and at TheVOBook.com.

IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEB- SITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

For sure, I'd love to connect!

You can check out my work at BertoTheVO.com, or reach me directly at [email protected]. My business line is 915-443-1671, and I'm active across all social media channels @BertoBoushae. Whether you're looking for a commercial voice, a promo read, or someone to help bring your next proj- ect to life, let's build something dope together.

Please introduce yourself and give us a little background on how you got started?

Hi there! I'm Salena Metreger, a voice actor based in sunny Oceanside, California, but I'm originally from outside of Chi-CAH-go. I studied English Lit in college, but like a lot of folks who graduated during the housing crisis, I took the job I could get, which for me was in manufacturing. I never imagined I'd be in manufacturing for 17 years...but I did, and I'm proud of that. Over the years, I worked my way up, learning business and eventually earning my MBA. I blended the creative with the analytical - balancing market- ing, numbers, tech, and long-term strategy - and really climbed that corporate ladder. I worked with an incredible range of people: from farmers to engineers, CEOs to homemakers, all across the globe. It was an education in humanity and busi- ness, and it's a huge part of what shapes me as a voice actor today.

What got you into a career in voice-overs?

During my time in marketing and product management, there were always moments when a voice was needed - whether for a sizzle reel, a training video, or a product launch. I volun- teered every time. I loved it. I also gave a ton of presentations and made it my mission to keep people engaged. Because let's be honest, we've all zoned out during day-long meetings. I wanted my audience to walk away understanding what I was saying and caring about it. In that regard, voiceover had been in my head for years, and with my little tastes of it at work kept feeding the idea until I finally stopped just thinking about it and did it. I started taking classes. I took classes for nearly 8 months before I did a demo. And I waited till I had a demo to really start putting myself out there.

Can you give an example of a project you have worked on as a voice-over artist?

I've got a video game coming out soon where I voice a few characters-super fun. I just finished a children's eLearning script that made me smile the whole way through. I'm also the event voice for Black Horizon Brewing Company in Willowbrook, Illinois. I'm working on a few audio drama podcasts, and I've voiced a bunch of social media promos and local business content. It's a great mix.

How do you approach a voice-over script?

I always start by reading it out loud straight, just to get the gist. Then I break it down: Who am I? Where am I? Who am I talking to, and how do I feel about them? What's changing emotionally? Which words need to pop? Do I need to plan my breaths?

If it's for a brand or company, I like to research them-what they do, who their audience is, and what this script is trying to accomplish. I make sure I can pronounce everything correctly, follow any notes or direction, and really bring it to life from the inside out.

Do recommend? Setting up a home studio or using a commercial recording facility?

Home Studio. If you can carve out a corner, a closet, whatever you can, make that home studio. But do it right. Sound treat your space and get the right equipment for your space. A large- diaphragm condenser Neumann microphone is incredible, but if you just have blankets up in your closet, it's going to pick up your neighbor's television and you'll never have clean enough sound. The best setup is the setup that gives you that broadcast quality sound WITHOUT having to use compression and gates and noise reduction plugins.

Do you have a specialty in voice work, or do you do several types?

Right now, it's probably social media promos for businesses. But my love is video games and ani- mation. I just did Portia's Scotts animation work- shop and Michael Scott's Video Game workshop at VO Atlanta and that is what I've been working with my coach, Emmanuel Menjivar, on as well as working on more auditions and opportunities there. I play a lot of games and watch a ton of animation, so it's a world I genuinely want to be part of.

Can you recommend any online resources for aspiring voice talents?

Shameless self-promotion... I produce and edit The Great Voice Podcast - available on all podcast platforms, but we specifically host on Podbean. The host is the incredible Susan Berkley of The Great Voice Company. She's the voice of Citi Bank, was the voice of AT&T, she's been around and knows her stuff. Each episode she coaches a student through a script, helping them improve their performance, giving tips on how to break down the script, and so much more. There's industry interviews and countless free insights. It's a great podcast.

https://greatvoicepodcast.podbean.com/ Other than that, there's so many great podcasts, great websites, VORadioOnline is a great one, GVAA and voiceactingclub have great rate guides. NAVA is a great resource. There are wonderful discords and reddit groups that support Voice actors of every skill level. Just be careful online. Make sure they're good, quality sources. Not all advice online advice is created equal.

What does this industry mean to you?

Whoa. That's a big question. Every time I get behind the mic I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing. Whether it's a corporate e-learning script or playing the seductress villain, I'm grateful that I can do this. It's the creative outlet I always needed. This industry is filled with such incredible, talented, beautiful people and the fact that I get to have a small, tiny sliver of it is mind-boggling. This industry brings characters to life, tells stories, teaches people, helps those with disabilities, promotes the smallest businesses to the world's largest, helps doctors and patients, it brings joy and entertainment, and so much more. Voiceover is everywhere and it truly matters.

What are the feelings when you hear and see your peers on shows on the big screen?

Internal and sometimes external screaming. People are so darn talented. Add in all the writers, engineers, producers, directors and everyone that goes into making the finished product, I know just how hard it was to get it to that point and I am just so happy to my friends and colleagues out there KILLIN' it.

How competitive is this industry?

It depends on how you look at it, I guess. Very, but also, it's not a competition. Each and every project has a team of people who have a vision. And I am either a part of that vision or I'm not. It's not about someone else being "better" than me, it's about who has the sound, tone or vibe they're looking for. Just the other day I got a "hey, thanks but no thanks. You're not what the director wanted, but you're exactly what I am looking for on a different project. Are you interested?"

What are some of your favorite voice acting roles that you've played?

Absolutely the video game I can't yet talk about. I played two extremely different characters, and each one came with a different challenge and it really pushed me. It was so much fun.

What do you wish you like to see change in the voice over industry?

There's still a lot of lingering industries that are very much stuck in - women do this work and men do that work. Which is silly nowadays. Men are wearing makeup and pushing fashion trends and women are killing it at sports and tech so why not have a woman promoting the NFL and a man selling the beauty line? It's about know- ing your customer. And if you're not advertising to all your customers then you're leaving money on the table. Christy Harst at Building Doors VO is working on this. Go check her out. She's amazing.

Also, I want to see the industry handle Al responsibly. Al is a tool, and it's not likely going anywhere, but human voices are what give this work its soul. So, let's protect that. Don't use our voices without consent or payment. Don't train Al on our performances without permission. We are quite literally the life behind the voice. Let's make sure we stay front and center.

How do you stay competitive?

Learning. Always be learning. But also staying active online and with people. Be humble.

What is next for you what can we expect for you to do this year?

More episodes of The Great Voice Podcast are coming out-so definitely tune in. I'm also on LinkedIn, and you can find me on TikTok at @ wordtalktome, where I mix my love of voiceover with nerdy word history and etymology. It's goofy-but you'll learn something.

That mystery video game should drop later this year (and I'll finally be able to talk about it!), and you'll keep hearing my voice in social media promos for Black Horizon Brewing Company. I'm also working with a few Oceanside businesses to level up their content-and hopefully, by this time next year, I'll have even more video game and animation credits to share!

What do you love most about the world of entertainment?

I love the joy and escape it brings to people. We don't all love the same things. But there's something out there for everyone.

Salena Metreger

I'm not in this for the money, I do it be- cause I love it and need to be doing it, and this is the next step in growing my career. That said, it is a business that I've invested a large sum of money into, and I have to work on making back that in- vestment!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJ- ECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I wish I could! I've got some things lined up that are confidential. I've been cast in a couple of anime series.

Like everyone else, I would love to be involved in a project at Disney or Nickelodeon. My biggest goal in this career, though, is to work on South Park.

WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I haven't narrowed it down to any one genre, but mainly I've been submit- ting for commercial, animation, video

TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

I love movies and TV shows. I love story- telling, and I love a good performance. I favor originality, so when I see something new that's not a reboot, sequel, prequel or spin-off, it feels refreshing and much more stimulating. Imagination and cre- ativity are the heart of the entertainment industry and we've lost a lot of it, so I re- ally appreciate it when I do find it.

games, and dubbing. I'm also learning more about audio description for the visually impaired. I'm interested in that because it combines doing what I love with helping people.

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLY- WOOD?

Maurice LaMarche, E.G. Daily, Hank Azaria, H. John Benjamin, Debra Wilson, and the late Mary Kay Bergman.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

It's generally agreed that au- thenticity and the ability to live truthfully in the moment are what makes a good voice actor. Improvisational skills and the ability to take direction are ad- ditional musts. Voice actors who are well-prepared, have a good attitude, and show up on time are the ones who will continue to get hired.

NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY RE- MOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I can appreciate the conve- nience of recording at home, but I definitely prefer being in-studio, by far. Nothing feels more legit than being in a glass booth in a professional setting, with a director and an engineer just feet away. That's how you really feel the magic happen-

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Auditioning. Lots of audition- ing. I spend a lot of time recording multiple takes and then editing down to the best one or two, and lightly clean- ing up the audio so it sounds as professional as possible. There's also a lot of interact- ing on social media and LinkedIn, marketing yourself and maintaining relationships with people like directors, casting directors, producers, and others who can be benefi- cial to keep in touch with. The same with colleagues. I talk to other actors like myself on a pretty much daily basis. Keep- ing up with each other, sharing resources, giving advice, cel- ebrating our wins, and venting our frustrations! It's important to have that community and be active in it.

ing, and the excitement of artistic collaboration.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FO- CUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I love being a character. Anything that allows me to do that is the best, so I do focus mainly on animation and video games since those are the most obvious avenues for that. I have a good ear and am a strong mimic, so I also do accents, voice matching, and creature sounds.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE OVER ACTOR?

The voice actors I admire are ones that are full of personality and put everything they have into their char- acters, and have great comedic timing. I do love it when I can't recognize the actor's voice from one character to the next, and though that's not necessarily what makes someone good, it is an extra layer of talent that I think puts them over the top.

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025?

My plans are to book more main- stream professional jobs. I've been at this for three years as of this month, and have almost exclusively worked on independent projects, mostly unpaid, to build my resume. Now that I have representation in the LA market, I'm hoping to start working on features, series, and games on major networks and platforms.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Save up your money, and train, train, train! Learn as much as you can from reputable teachers and coaches. Strengthen your skills as much as possible. A lot of people (myself included) start out with the misconception that the sound of your voice and how much you can change and manipulate it is so much more important than it actually is. You have to be able to act. The voice is just a matter of personal taste to casting directors, if they even factor it in much at all.

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My website is www.sarahnoelau- dio.com and I'm also on Instagram at @notthe1stnoel

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF

My name is Sarah Noel. I'm a voice actor na- tive to Los Angeles.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I started with group Zoom classes at a place called Kalmenson & Kalmenson. I learned the basics as well as what next steps to take to get my foot in the door, which was hiring a private coach, getting a commercial demo produced, and reaching out to talent agencies for representation.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Like a lot of others at my level, Covid! We all seemed to have the same epiphany dur- ing quarantine: we're stifling our creativity and not letting it be a priority. I had always wanted to be a voice actor but thought it was nothing but a pipe dream, and was unrealistic to pursue, so I never looked into it. The catalyst was that I had a dream job offer unrelated to voiceover, that turned out to be too good to be true. It fell apart in a very traumatic way, and I was distraught, and I couldn't bear the thought of being back to having nothing but my day job. So I pivoted, and threw everything into VO.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

It's a very volatile industry. Things change all the time and it is hard for me to deal with inconsistency. I thought the biggest challenge would be not getting a part I auditioned for, but that actually hasn't bothered me too much. I've learned that parts you do get offered sometimes fall through, for all kinds of reasons out of people's control. So far, I haven't been met with much else that has really felt like a hardship other than the disappointment of being excited about something and then being let down. It's also hard when there are periods of time when nothing seems to be happening, which can feel discouraging, especially when you see your peers sharing a lot of casting announce- ments. The only way I can get through these moments is to just keep going. I focus on how far I've come, and on continuing to audition and train. It won't be the last time a great opportunity comes along. The future is full of possibilities and that's exciting, and I sometimes have to remind myself of that excitement.

ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS PLEASE KINDLY INTRO- DUCE YOURSELF.

My name is Steven Goard. I'm a full-time voice actor, creator, husband, and father of five. I'm the creator of The Uptown Chronicles, an animated series rooted in culture, family, and imagination. I've had the blessing to voice national commer- cials, narration, animation, and promos - but more than that, I love to use my voice to inspire through creativity. Every project I take on is rooted in that purpose.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

I moved to Atlanta, GA in 1995 as an aspiring rapper and music producer. I loved performing, being behind the boards and in the booth! I first stepped into the world of voiceover in 2013, sign- ing with my first agency Houghton Talent. But it wasn't until around 2020 that I began to truly invest in the craft. I trained, worked hard behind the scenes while raising my family and holding down a day job - and in 2024, I went full-time. That transition was a result of preparation, faith, and divine timing.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Even as a young kid, I always felt I had something to say-not just with words, but with energy, emotion, and creativity and inspiration. When I got older and discovered voice acting, it gave me the freedom to express myself fully, to bring life to stories, and to impact creatively with just my voice. I wanted to use my love of performing to build something real - for myself, for my family, and for those who would hear me.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

There are moments of stillness in this journey- times when you're auditioning without hearing back. That can play with your mind if you let it. But I stay centered through meditation, gratitude, and reminding myself that what's for me won't miss me. I lean into my support system, keep my faith strong, and stay committed to my vision of where I see myself going and the legacy I plan to leave.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COL- LABORATE WITH?

I'd love to work with Pixar, Marvel, Disney, or Cartoon Network. I'd also love to collaborate with creators who are building from a place of love and vision. I believe alignment brings the right people together, and I'm always open to partner- ships rooted in purpose.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I'm deeply focused on commercials, promos, and animation. Commercial work allows me to build trust with an audience in seconds. Promos let me bring intensity and presence. And animation that's where I get to play, create, and explore characters that live in entirely new worlds. It's a blessing to do what I love every day.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

Hollywood has always symbolized creativity and possibility. It's where dreams are amplified and stories echo around the world. But what I've learned is you don't have to be in Hollywood to create something powerful. Magic can happen anywhere. I've seen it in home studios, in late- night brainstorming sessions, and in grassroots collaborations. Still, I have so much respect for what Hollywood represents - a space where imagination becomes impact.

WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

A great voice actor listens with their heart. It's not just about vocal tone - it's about emotional truth. You have to believe what you're saying, embody the message, and bring a presence that reaches beyond the mic.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

I start my mornings with meditation and grati- tude. Then it's time in the booth-auditioning, recording, connecting with clients, and building. I also make time to be present with my wife and five children. My days are full, and they're rooted in love, purpose, and alignment.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

Yes - The Uptown Chronicles is in full motion. We've completed our trailer, actively pitching the series concept to get our pilot produced, launched the comic book, merchandise and steady building our fan base to introduce the world to our characters and story. It's original, it's bold, it's filled with heart, and it's needed to help shift the narrative about black family dynamics as currently portrayed in the media.

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

You can reach me at www.stevengoard.com. All my demos, contact info, and booking details are there. I'm also on Instagram @steveng_vo - feel free to connect and say what's up.

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF

I am an Australian voice actor hailing from the small city of Adelaide. I have a background in theatre, opera and cabaret having trained as a classical singer, but have also worked as a radio announcer. I am currently a full-time voice actor working in commercial, animation and gaming, as well as a mum and performer. When I'm not voice acting I can be found drinking wine in bed watching Norwegian crime shows.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY

My first ever gig was through a very boring office job I had funnily enough. A colleague asked me to do a voice over for an online website navigation system and I was hooked! This was circa 2007 so there wasn't as much information on VO as there is now, so I'd go down the rabbit hole on YouTube to soak up as much infor- mation as possible about studio set ups, types of voice over and training. Around then I had started as a radio announcer for one of the networks here in Australia, and they'd have me voice ads when I could. Once I realised I actually had the chops, I cut a demo and decided it was time to take VO to the next level and commit time to the craft.

WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?

Since I was young, I would imitate TV voice overs, cartoons, celebrities and ac- cents. I think it was inevitable that voice over would find me at some point in my career. There was a time in radio when I realised I actually wanted to work for myself. I wanted to be the business I was investing in, not working for someone else.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

If I recall, it was my first paid job. Someone was actually paying me to speak (shock horror). It was an ad for a cruise liner and looking back on it, I laugh at how over the top I sound. I think I was trying to emulate a newsreader! All to say, that being paid for something I truly loved to do seemed too good an opportunity not to pursue

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

The penultimate would have to be Pixar or Disney, but until I get that call, I'd love to work with Ludo Stu- dios who produce the kids series Blu- ey. The plot lines are so quintessen- tially Australian and the characters so relatable, it would be an incredibly fulfilling gig.

Dry spells! The flow of work is so mercurial, I could go days without a job, then find myself over loaded with deadlines. This is the way of the beast, so you have to be versatile with what you do when the work isn't flowing. I'll brush up my demos, update my website, call potential clients whilst also checking in with existing clients; there's definitely enough one can do to grow your business.

TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

Animation and gaming projects are always my North Star because of the depth of character work they provide (and let's face it, they're so fun!) But currently I'm book- ing a lot of accent work for online advertis- ing, announcements and e-learning.

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

My beautiful friend, coach and mentor Lori Alan (Sponge Bob, Family Guy, Toy Story) has had such a fantastic career, and her techniques for character develop- ment resonate with me so much. I'm also a huge fan of Kristen Schall who uses her unique voice to its full potential, as well as Nancy Cartwright whom I heard as a keynote speaker for That's Voice Over in L.A last year. Hank Azaria is also quite amazing with the breadth of characters he can perform. Charlie Adler too but the list goes on..!

EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?

I'm a social person so living my life in a vacuum that is 'the booth' can have me chewing off my arm at times. I love to get out to local studios and have some human interaction as the audio industry has so many great people. I think of audio engineers as your team mates- they're a conduit between you and the client or director, so you have to be on the same page. I love taking directions too which is so much easier in person.

WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I've fallen into a niche where a lot of the projects I'm cast for involve accent work. It's really useful for character work, as I'm most often cast as the evil villain or kick ass commander. As my accents are often e.g. General Irish or General Scot- tish I will often beat out native speakers for jobs. Clients often want an accent that is widely appealing in commercial work, so keeping it generic usually wins out over an accent from a particular part of the country.

WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER

Ooh I just got asked this the other day! People are blown away that this is in fact a real job (let's face it, I still am!) Once kids are off to school it's straight to my studio, going through jobs for that day, recording, auditioning, checking casting sites, updating my website, audio editing and touching base with current clients. It's not a typical 9 to 5 so I throw in some admin and laundry to spice things up...

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Three steps to get you started: 1. Attend voice over training or workshops. 2. Make a demo with a reputable coach. 3. Set up a simple home studio. Mostly just be prepared to do a lot of hustling after that to procure work and clients. Oh, practice your cold reads! If you have that nailed, you've done half the work before you've even stepped into the booth.

YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?

At the moment I'm working on my first feature film which I can't wait to see on the big screen. I'm also developing an audio drama with some excellent voice actors I met in L.A, so watch this space. I'll also be entering the SOVAS awards again after last year's nomination. Second time lucky!

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CUR- RENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I'm waiting in anticipation for a national advertisement in Dubai to be released in which I channel the wonderful Jennifer Coolidge. It was such a clever script and the director was so brilliant to work with, it was so easy to be in the flow during the session. Jen Coolidge is such a fun voice to imitate as she switches gears so often emotionally. It's a great vocal workout.

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

Website: www.tamaralinke.com or Email: SoundBowlProduc- [email protected]

FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.

I am Tara Jade Fox, an award winning voice artist, TV and film actor, motion capture performer, key- note speaker...aka a hybrid. I grew up in theatre, and instantly fell in love with the vast experiences one can have when acting. At 18, I was told to "grow up and get a real job". So I did-I went medi- cal for a while, leaving acting behind me.

TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Years later, I came across an article about things you can do from home...and lo and behold on that list was voice acting. Well that instantly caught my attention, especially if there was a way I could get back into acting and not have to leave my house to do it! So that obviously sent me into a research spiral on how do I get started and what do I need to have. It honestly felt like coming home.

PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.

Anytime I hear a performance that is emotionally gripping or just bubbling with fun energy, I think, gosh-how lucky am I to get to do this for a job!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.

I think as in life, acting isn't linear...meaning it's not take stepping stone A and you get to B then move to C. It's a very curvy, often nonsensical path...and therein lies the beauty...your ability to adapt and go with the flow is everything both in acting and in life and career. Acting is a great way to learn how to be human.

IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?

Ohh that's a good question...I would love to play around in the Star Wars universe, but specifically if I could make it happen-I would love for some- one to make a version of Star Wars, an alternate universe of sorts, where Padme stays with Anakin and joins him on the dark side. I think that would be incredible!

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.

I do lots of different kinds of voice overs- narra- tion, videogames, commercials,etc. On camera work-TV, film, commercials... and some of my favorite things- performance capture or MOCAP. I have even been dabbling in directing! Oh and if I'm not acting, you can probably find me deliver- ing keynote talks.

PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.

I love that Hollywood has allowed us to live out our dreams on a stage, behind a mic, in a lycra suit, in front of a camera...or wherever the winds take us. It gave us a place to come alive and not just tell fantastic stories, but get to live them. WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?

Simple. A good actor. Voice actors are ACTORS... they just happen to use their voice. Just as in any other form of acting- its about the story, the rela- tionships, connection, etc...the voice or the sounds you make are a byproduct of that.

WHAT TYPE OF VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?

I love it all really...everyday is a chance to play. Every script, a new character and experience. Video games have a special place in my heart as you get to play in some of the most wild land- scapes. You can live a thousand lives in a day, love deeply, lose infinitely, get chased by monsters, become the villain you swore you'd never be, and still make it home for dinner.

WHATS A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?

Everyday is different for me based on booked projects and auditions coming in. But having a morning and night time routine is essential for maintaining health and healthy vocal cords! A few non-negotiables for me are tons of water, tea, protein, supplements, movement, sunshine, and sleep.

A somewhat typical morning involves waking up with tea and water while dancing around the kitchen. Popping open the email to make sure I don't have anything urgent to address- then get- ting some movement in- weights/running/martial arts/etc. High protein smoothie-then hit the day!

WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?

So many amazing voice actors out there. The one actor and performance that immediately comes to mind is Sam Witwer as Darth Maul when he is screaming "Kenobi!" It's not just that it was a good scream, it was fantastic, but it was the amount of thought and energy that went into the character he was playing. As seen by Maul's continued fantastic performance. It went way further than skin deep...it's the kind of performance that gives you goosebumps. And that right there is what I love about being an actor, the ability to make people feel.

WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?

Note what kind of voiceover interests you...audio- books, video games, car commercials...whatever it is, study them! Take a voiceover 101 class- lots of studios offer them as a glimpse behind the curtain, see if that actually is something you like or you find out that it's not for you. Either way-it will point you in the right direction.

CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?

I am currently working with some on going nar- ration and video game projects, lots of on camera work and performance capture and MOCAP. Something exciting I can speak to more specifical- ly...I am collaborating on bringing more MOCAP to the Colorado area! Which will be amazing- Colo- rado has some fabulously talented actors!

HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?

My details are all on my website:

www.tarajadefox.com Or you can reach me by email at [email protected]

YOUR SOURCE FOR POP CULTURE, TRAVEL, LIFESTYLES & ENTERTAINMENT WE ARE TAKING OUR MEDIA PLATFORM TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL

GET YOUR COPY NOW

POP CULTURE LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT

FASHION POP CULTURE LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAINMENT fusfusion

• FASHION POP CULTURE LIFESTYLE & ENTERTAIN
• BRUCE NIX
• ELIAH MOUNTJOY
• GAN DOWS n
• VOICE ACTO VOICE ACTORS ACTORS

GETTING CANDID WITH THE VOICE OVER I

DID WITH THE VOICE OVER INDUCTO

• CALLING ALL CREATIVES!
• Make
• VOICEOVER your PATH to CASH!
• The V.O. Dojo's You should doVoiceover
• LAUNCHPAD+WORKOUTS
• From "I Don't Know"...

The V.O. Dojo's Nth Degree for Working Pros

The V.O. Dojo's Mystery to Mastery

The V.O.Dojo

Take your voiceover career all the way

• ...To "Working Pro"!
• The V.O. Dojo's
• VO Pro Fight Club
• Working Pro Workout
• SCAN HERE!