How to Get into Voice Acting
In This Article
Voice acting has never been more popular. So, if you’ve ever found yourself enchanted by the world of animation, audiobooks, and commercials, voice acting might be the dream career you never knew you wanted!
Whether you’ve been complimented for your voice or you’ve always been captivated by cartoon characters and their charismatic voices, there’s a whole universe of possibilities that await in the realm of voice acting.
But where to start? Let’s take a journey together, shall we?
And hey, don’t forget to check out Toronto Film School’s Acting for Film, TV, and the Theatre Diploma program. It might just be the springboard you need!
What is Voice Acting?
Voice acting is an art. It’s about bringing life to characters and stories with nothing but your voice. You might be voicing a cartoon superhero, narrating an audiobook, or lending your vocal chops to a radio commercial. This form of acting is diverse and dynamic, requiring you to tap into your inner storyteller and actor.
In voice acting, your voice must convey emotions, create believable characters, and engage audiences—all without a physical presence on a stage or screen.
Improve Your Voice Acting Skills
Think voice acting is all about having a nice voice? Well, it’s much more than that. It’s about acting—performing, emoting, and interpreting scripts.
Here are some strategies to help you improve your voice-acting skills:
Vocal Warm-Ups: Like any instrument, your voice needs tuning. Warm up your vocal cords before any performance to deliver your best.
Emotional Connection: Develop an emotional connection with your character. The more you understand them, the better you’ll be able to voice them.
Acting Classes: Consider enrolling in an acting course like Toronto Film School’s Acting for Film, TV, and the Theatre diploma program. Here, you’ll learn the fundamentals of acting and voice-over techniques.
Voice-Over Practice: Practice makes perfect! Read aloud and record your voice to identify areas of improvement.
Note* We also recommend you take a stab at TikTok’s viral #voiceactingchallenge!
@voiceovernomad #fyp #voiceover #voiceactor #voiceactingchallenge #challenge #duet #AmazonVirtualTryOn Think you’ve got what it takes? 🎙SHOW ME✨
♬ Evil orchestra song(887826) – cassettetape
Professional Opportunities for Voice Actors
With the ever-growing media landscape, opportunities for voice actors are plentiful. These include:
Animation: Animated movies, TV shows, and video games need voice actors to bring their characters to life.
Audiobooks: With the increasing popularity of audiobooks, there’s high demand for voice actors to narrate them.
Commercials: Businesses often use voice-overs in their commercials and promotional videos.
Dubbing: For non-English movies and TV shows to reach global audiences, dubbing artists are crucial.
The list goes on! And with a reputable diploma like the one offered by Toronto Film School, these opportunities can become even more accessible.
How to Get into Professional Voice Acting
Breaking into voice acting can seem daunting, but we’re here to make it easier. Here are a few essential steps:
Crafting a Demo Reel for Voice Acting
A voice demo reel is your audio resume. It showcases your range, versatility, and talent. Here’s what you need to keep in mind:
Quality: Invest in good audio equipment. You want your demo to sound professional.
Variety: Show your range. Include different types of voice-over work in your demo.
Length: Keep it short and sweet. A minute-long reel showcasing your best work should do.
Finding Work and Networking
Once you’ve crafted your demo reel, the next step is to find work and start networking. Here’s how:
Voice Acting Websites: Websites like Voices.com and Voice123 are popular platforms where you can find voice-over gigs.
Networking: Engage with others in the industry. Attend events, join online communities, and make connections. You never know where your next opportunity might come from.
Agencies: Consider signing up with a voice acting agency. They can connect you with clients and opportunities that match your skills.
Social Media: Showcase your work on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. It’s a great way to gain visibility and connect with potential clients.
Now start practicing!
While these steps can get you started, having formal training can give you a competitive edge. Consider the Acting for Film, TV, and the Theatre diploma program offered by Toronto Film School to boost your skills and open doors to new opportunities in the field of voice acting.
There you have it! A comprehensive guide on how to start your journey into the exciting world of voice acting. Remember, every voice actor’s path is unique and filled with its own twists and turns. So, embrace the journey, be patient, and don’t forget to have fun along the way.
To learn more about how Toronto Film School can help you kickstart your career in voice acting, don’t hesitate to get in touch. We’d be thrilled to support you on your path to becoming a voice actor!
Oh, and before you go
If you’re looking to break into the film and television industry — as a voice actor perhaps? – you should consider signing up for TorontoFilm School’s industry-focused newsletter Insider Advantage. Packed with exclusive content and useful industry insights, Insider Advantage is essential reading for anyone looking to make their mark in the world of film and television.
