Suggested voice over schools/training in San Francisco

[The Voice Chap]

Been following this thread with interest as I spoke with you, Dan, last week and met you at the Intro class on Saturday at Voice One. I'm quite surprised you're still considering Such a Voice - I was under the impression that you agreed with my opinion that spending three days in a classroom and getting a demo at the end of it was not a worthwhile investment in your career. Voice One may not be the right place for you to study, but I'd strongly advise you against taking a long-weekend seminar and coming away with a demo. Such a Voice and similar operations fly into town for a few days and have very limited offerings. Whether you choose to study with us at Voice One or at Voicetrax, you will be introduced to local actors, directors, casting directors, talent agents - folks who can help your career along. While talent and skill are important, don't underestimate the value of connections. And don't underestimate the value of taking it slowly and allowing information to sink in.

Mike wrote that one place didn't allow potential students to audit because:

"Strangers in a classroom of actors tend to tempt the actors to 'perform'. We work very hard to get our students to just be natural, honest and real...and NOT perform"

Voice One doesn't allow folks to audit classes as we have about 60 different classes on a huge range of subjects. That's completely different to Bob's situation where you are auditing the exact class you plan on taking with the teacher you plan on taking it with.

[Mike Sommer]

Originally Posted by Bob Bergen

...But everyone has to have that survival job!!!!!

Absolutely!! I think the distinction here is a "Survival Job" vs a Job to fall back on. As the saying goes, You'll always end up falling back on to the job you have to fall back on - it so easy to take the path of least resistance.

Originally Posted by Bob Bergen

Ya know, I absolutely respect other teacher's preferences when it comes to auditors. I just don't agree with it! You don't buy a car without test driving it.

Right! And you handle the audits so nicely Bob.

I sat in on one of Bob's classes; I walked in an admirer and a fan, and walked out an amazed and a true devoted minion. Do I need to mention that Mr Bergen is on my very short list of gurus that I will be taking instruction from in the next year? I think not. Bob...er...Mr Bergen had me in the first 15 minutes.

I will agree that, "some teachers don't allow auditors is they don't want to give away info for free," but it may be more to the fact that some don't have that much to offer in the first place. Except for maybe, the "virginal newbie" who is coming form the outer limits of the show business experience. There are a few coaches that offer 3 hour intro classes for a reasonable small fee.

Thankfully there are some very qualified teachers/coaches out there, that have a structured programs and know their stuff. These coaches have me crawling out of the booth every-time, and often raising doubts in my ability after stretching my limits to the near breaking point.

Which is why I'm sticking to the seasoned working pros. These wells are deep, and the water very sweet.

[shenecke]

Dan, I would have to agree with this whole heartedly! I have first hand experience!



[quote=The Voice Chap;26911]Been following this thread with interest as I spoke with you, Dan, last week and met you at the Intro class on Saturday at Voice One. I'm quite surprised you're still considering Such a Voice - I was under the impression that you agreed with my opinion that spending three days in a classroom and getting a demo at the end of it was not a worthwhile investment in your career.

[Bob Bergen]

Thanks for your nice note, Mike!!!!!!

And I also want to stress to everyone, NEVER take a class that offers a demo as an end result! A class is for education!! If everyone were demo ready after a class, everyone would be working!!

It's an enticing "hook" for those who don't know better, but one bad demo will ruin your chances with every listener! It's hard to get your demo listened to. It's even harder to get a second chance in the event you make a better demo when ready.

[shenecke]

Amen Bob. It's refreshing to have seasoned pros give us newbies the straight talk! I hope to run into you one of these days when you're teaching in my area!

Originally Posted by Bob Bergen

Thanks for your nice note, Mike!!!!!!

And I also want to stress to everyone, NEVER take a class that offers a demo as an end result! A class is for education!! If everyone were demo ready after a class, everyone would be working!!

It's an enticing "hook" for those who don't know better, but one bad demo will ruin your chances with every listener! It's hard to get your demo listened to. It's even harder to get a second chance in the event you make a better demo when ready.

[BillyBump]

Hello,
I have been a student at Voice One for 3 years. Due to my "Day Job" it has been difficult to maintain
a consistent schedule. However, Elaine Clark, owner and her staff have been very flexible and
encouraging. I have a good background in public speaking etc, but new to the VO field. I love the program and personal growth. Try it! Telephone 415-974-1103.
Good Luck!
Billy Bump
bbumpseaclam@msn.com

[BillyBump]

Bob... I read your reply to DANCHIC. I too am at the age and too many years of being a road warrior. Thoroughly
enjoy Vo and Voice One. I don't plan to stop, as this is creative and a great learning experience. I have lerned alot
in a shortime. Look forward to attending one of your classes.
Bill Bump

[nonstopsand]

On the same topic, new to the bay area and am looking for voice coaches in the area. Any sugestions???

[Emorgan_Voiceovers]

I personally have not taken the "Such a Voice" hook. First off, I agree that no one is ready for a demo after a weekend course. Secondly, what turned me off was the phone test. They have you record a script on their voice mail and then get back to you and tell you if voice over is for you or not. I personally know people that have absolutely no experience, and not to be mean, but no real potential either. Of course they were told they could succeed in voice over if they just took the course. Later, they continued to get sales calls from Such a Voice, trying to sell their service, even after telling them that they weren't interested. You decide. They may be fine teachers, but as already mentioned...Buyer Beware.