Maybe you want to be the next Tara Strong. Maybe you just want to be good enough to star in a few fan animations. Whatever the reason, if you’re reading this, you’re interested in becoming a master in the world’s most powerful artistic medium there is—the voice.
But voice acting, like its counterparts on the silver screen and Great White Way, can be tough to break into. Learning how to get started in a voice-acting career is the first step.
Broaden Your Skills
Voice acting is more than just talking. It’s acting, and acting is a skill that takes refinement. Start with taking acting classes, even if the class focuses on stage or screen acting. Once you have the foundational elements, you can go deeper into the art with a personal voice coach.
In between classes and coaching, it helps to take in the work of other voice acting greats. Take the time to watch great animated movies, play voice-acted video games, or watch commercials. Take note of voice acting that works and voice acting that doesn’t.
Create a Recording Space
Recording messages on the voice recorder on your phone while you’re sitting in your bedroom may work for personal purposes. But if you’re trying to become a professional, you will need a better recording setup. A few things you’ll need include:
- A computer
- A good recording software
- A condenser microphone
- A set of headphones
- Soundproofing equipment
When it comes to the space itself, you will want an area that doesn’t have a lot of reverb or outside noise. In most cases, it pays to create a dedicated space for recording. Basements are a good choice since they’re away from household noise. Just keep in mind there are a few things to consider when finishing the basement.
Craft a Demo Reel
When people become artists, they usually have a portfolio of their best work. The acting equivalent of this is called a “demo reel.” Demo reels are a compilation of clips from your past performances. These can be clips you record yourself, but your best bet is to use past jobs you’ve done, like commercials and independent films.
When you’re editing your reel, remember to keep it to your best credentials, with the most significant clips first. You’ll only want to make your reel about two minutes total, so you don’t want to waste space on “fluff.”
Network
Once you have what you need to start a career in voice acting, the last step is to let other people hear your voice. In other words, it’s time to start networking. Here are a few ways to get your name out there:
- Create a social media presence
- Build genuine friendships with other voice actors
- Take a variety of jobs
- Attend events related to voice acting.
Remember, networking is a two-way street, and no one wants to feel they are simply a means to your end. Don’t hesitate to recommend other actors for jobs you aren’t a good fit for. And be sure to treat people like people first.
