How to become a voice actor

How to become a Voice Actor

There are no strict educational requirements to become a voice actor, as talent and skill are generally considered more important than formal education in the field. However, many voice actors choose to pursue training and education to develop and enhance their knowledge, skills, and techniques in voice acting, acting, and vocal performance. Here’s an overview of potential pathways to the career:

High School Diploma or Equivalent
Earn a high school diploma or equivalent. High school education provides a foundation in basic communication and organizational skills, and it lays the groundwork for further learning. Throughout your high school years, take drama and theater classes. Join drama clubs and participate in school plays to gain practical experience and develop your acting abilities.

Develop Your Voice and Acting Skills

• Vocal Training – Enroll in a specialized voiceover training program or take private voice lessons with a vocal coach or teacher to develop your vocal range, control, and technique. Do breathing exercises, vocal warm-ups, and articulation exercises to improve your vocal quality and stamina. Examples of voice acting / voiceover schools and academies include Such A Voice, Voice One, Gravy for the Brain, VOHeroes, VoiceActing Academy, and Global Voice Acting Academy.
• Singing Lessons – Take singing lessons to learn proper breathing techniques and pitch control.
• Acting Classes – Take acting or theatre arts classes or workshops to learn acting techniques, character development, script analysis, emotional expression, and auditioning skills. Voice acting is not just about having a good voice; it's about conveying emotions and bringing characters to life through your voice.
• Improvisation and Cold Reading – Practise improvisation and cold reading skills to be able to quickly adapt to different scripts, characters, and directions.
• Communication and Public Speaking – Take communication courses or workshops to improve your verbal communication, articulation, pronunciation, and diction skills. Participate in public speaking training, seminars, or Toastmasters International programs to develop confidence, poise, and presentation skills in front of an audience.

Broadcasting and Audio Production Courses

• Broadcasting or Media Studies – Take courses or obtain a degree in broadcasting, media studies, communications, or a related discipline to learn about radio broadcasting, audio production, scriptwriting, and media ethics.
• Audio Production and Engineering Courses – Consider taking sound production and engineering courses or workshops to learn about recording technology, sound equipment, microphone techniques, sound editing, and audio mixing.

Build a Professional Home Studio

• Equipment – Invest in a high-quality microphone, headphones, audio interface, and recording software to create professional-quality recordings.
• Soundproofing – Set up a quiet and acoustically treated space in your home for recording to minimize background noise and echo.
• Technical Skills – Learn how to operate recording equipment and audio editing software to record, edit, and produce your voiceover demos and final recordings.

Create a Voice Acting Demo Reel

• Choose Your Best Work – Select a variety of your best voiceover performances that showcase your vocal range, versatility, and acting skills.
• Professional Editing – Edit and compile your recordings into a concise and engaging demo reel that highlights your strengths and abilities as a voice actor.
  Include a Variety of Samples – Include a variety of character voices, accents, tones, and styles to showcase your range and versatility as a voice actor.

Create an Online Presence

• Voice Acting Profiles – Create profiles on online platforms and websites for voice actors, such as Voices.com, Voice123, and Casting Call Club, to showcase your demo reel, portfolio, and resume.
• Personal Website – Create a professional website or blog to showcase your voice acting work, demo reel, and resume. Include contact information, a biography, testimonials, and links to your social media profiles.
• Social Media – Utilize social media platforms like LinkedIn, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook to network with other voice actors, industry professionals, and potential clients. Share your work, industry news, and engage with your audience to build your online presence and personal brand.

Continuing Education and Professional Development

• Professional Workshops and Seminars – Take advanced voice acting classes, workshops, and seminars to improve your skills, learn new techniques, and stay updated on industry trends and developments.
• Voice Acting Books and Resources – Read books, articles, and blogs about voice acting, acting techniques, character development, vocal training, and the voiceover industry.
• Voice Acting Podcasts and Webinars – Listen to voice acting podcasts, watch webinars, and participate in online courses offered by voice acting schools, coaches, and industry experts.
• Networking – Attend voice acting conferences, conventions, and networking events to meet other voice actors, casting directors, agents, and industry professionals. Networking is essential for finding job opportunities, getting referrals, and building relationships within the industry.

Find a Voice Acting Agent or Talent Agency

• Research and Outreach – Research and identify reputable voice acting agents and talent agencies that represent voice actors. Send your demo reel, resume, and a personalized cover letter to potential agents and agencies to introduce yourself and express your interest in representation.
• Auditions and Casting Calls – Work with your agent to audition for voice acting roles, casting calls, and job opportunities. Establish relationships with casting directors, producers, and clients.

Gain Experience and Build Your Portfolio

• Volunteer and Collaborate – Volunteer for local community theater productions, student films, independent projects, and online collaborations to gain experience, build your portfolio, and develop your voice acting skills.
• Freelance Opportunities – Look for freelance voice acting opportunities on online platforms, websites, and marketplaces. Offer your voiceover services for commercials, animations, video games, audiobooks, podcasts, and other projects to gain experience, build your client base, and expand your portfolio.

Stay Persistent and Persevere

• Auditions and Rejections – Be prepared for rejection and keep auditioning for voice acting roles. Stay persistent, motivated, and committed to improving your skills, building your portfolio, and pursuing your voice acting career.
• Continued Practice and Improvement – Continuously practise and improve your voice acting skills, expand your vocal range, develop new character voices, and refine your acting techniques to become a versatile and in-demand voice actor.

Professional Organizations
There are several professional organizations and unions that represent and support voice actors, providing resources, advocacy, and networking and professional certification opportunities. Here’s a sampling:

• World-Voices Organization (WoVO) – WoVO is a non-profit organization whose mission is to communicate the importance of voice acting to the public and business leaders, and affirm the power of professional quality voicing and recording. It also educates members of the voiceover community and other business professionals about best practices, standards for ethical conduct, and professional expertise as it relates to the voiceover industry.
• Audio Publishers Association (APA) – APA is dedicated to promoting the growth and success of the audiobook industry. It offers support for audiobook publishers, producers, narrators, and voice actors, and provides guidelines, standards, and best practices for audiobook production and narration.
• Society of Accredited Voice Over Artists (SaVoa) – SaVoa is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to promoting professionalism and ethical standards in the voiceover industry. It offers a directory of accredited voiceover artists and resources for voice actors.
• Audio Engineering Society (AES) – AES is a professional organization dedicated to the advancement of audio technology and the audio engineering industry. It provides standards, guidelines, and best practices for audio recording, production, and engineering.
• Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS) – SOVAS is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting excellence, creativity, and professionalism in the voiceover and media industries.
• Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) – SAG-AFTRA is a labor union representing actors, announcers, broadcast journalists, dancers, DJs, news writers, news editors, program hosts, puppeteers, recording artists, singers, stunt performers, voiceover artists, and other media professionals. It negotiates and enforces contracts for actors working in film, television, commercials, and digital media, and also provides health and pension benefits.
• Actors' Equity Association (AEA) – The AEA is the labor union representing professional stage actors and stage managers in the United States. It negotiates and enforces contracts for actors and stage managers working in Equity theaters, and also provides health and pension benefits.
• The Actors' Centre (UK) – The Actors' Centre is a membership organization that supports actors throughout their careers in the UK. It provides rehearsal and performance spaces for members and offers guidance, counseling, and support services for actors.
• Association of Talent Agents (ATA) – ATA is the trade association representing talent agencies and talent agents in the United States. It represents over 110 talent agencies, including agencies representing actors, voice actors, writers, directors, and other talent in the film, TV, and entertainment industry.