Suggested voice over schools/training in San Francisco

danchic · 06-21-2009, 01:45 AM

Does anyone have any strong recommendations about voice over training in the Bay Area - I'm comparing Voice One and also Such a Voice - though they are priced differently and with different timetables? I'm looking to get back into the industry I left in '92 (broadcasting) and it's very confusing trying to figure out where to go, how to start? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. - Dan

Mike Sommer · 06-21-2009, 02:15 AM

This is a good start:
Voice Over Courses at Voicetrax San Francisco

danchic · 06-22-2009, 03:00 AM

Thanks Mike...I'll check them out too..

Bob Bergen · 06-22-2009, 09:15 AM

I've been teaching for Voicetrax, as well as Voice One for several years. Both great schools!!!!! Nice variety of teachers/workshops. Both Sam and Elaine are great!!!!!!!!!!

I actually just got back from teaching a 2 day workshop at Voicetrax in Sausalito. Nice facility! I had a great group of students.

danchic · 06-22-2009, 07:20 PM

Hi Bob -

I was also looking at Such a Voice...but upon further review wonder about the upfront investment versus "learning the craft" over time approach. Any thoughts about that?? Do you find people/students go to both places (Voice One/Trax?) I just attended the intro class at Voice One and was impressed with Elaine and the facility - I also bought her book.

I'm in a career transition at age 48..single dad and trying to "figure out what I want to do when I grow up". Time is running on my life of regrets and roads travelled and so I'm trying to be true to my soul and "go for it". Trouble is while I'm doing that, how do I pay the bills other than savings??? :)

But let me know your thoughts on paragraph one. Paragraph two I need a psychologist I think...

D

danchic · 06-22-2009, 07:26 PM

Bob - just visited your site and you answered a lot of my questions!!! Very impressive as well. But if you have any other thoughts especially SAV vs taking classes lets say from Voice One/Trax...I'd appreciate all the guidance you care to offer...

Regards - Dan

Bob Bergen · 06-23-2009, 07:47 AM

Hi Dan!

I myself don't know Such A Voice. That doesn't mean they aren't good. It just means I can't give my own first hand experience. But I think asking here and on other forums is your best strategy in finding out more about the school. See if they allow auditors. Free or at a reduced fee. I allow free audits in my LA workshop, and $100 a day audits for my weekend workshops. Auditors don't work, they just observe. But it gives you an idea of what the class and teacher is all about.

My overall philosophy on VO training is, study with everyone! Think of your VO education as college. You don't take one or two college classes and call yourself ready to go out into the world. You study for several years with a variety of people, to get as well rounded an education as possible.

I was in classes for 9 solid years before I was able to quit my day job and make a living at this. Voice over workshops, improv, scene study, etc. I studied VO with every teacher in LA. Some were great, some not so much. But even with the "not so much" classes, if I found 90% a waste, that means I left with 10% more than I came in with. I took that 10% and put it in my pocket of tricks. Eventually my own "style" was a conglomerate of everything I learned over the years in classes. And I'm still adding all the time!

Last week I attended Promax in NYC. This is a convention devoted to all things promos. Every network, cable company, top agents, and top voice actors attend. Many of these actors are in the 6-7 figure a year salary range. Many, if not most of them took advantage of taking a workshop with Marice Tobias while in NYC. These highly successful actors know that:

1) You can never stop learning
and
2) If you are going to stay at the top of your game you need to always stay on top of trends and styles.

Those who work, those who work a lot never stop training. Hell, Tiger Woods still has several coaches he works with.

And as to your age, Dan my friend, don't give that a second of worry!! It's never too late to follow a dream! Better to be 48 and exploring a new avenue with VO than 78 living in a retirement home wondering what it would have been like to pursue VO.

Don't go into it, or anything in the arts with money as your goal. Go into it because it's fun. Go into it because it feeds your soul being at the mic. Worse case scenario, you'll have a blast in classes!!!!!!

Just enjoy the journey!!!!!

Mike Sommer · 06-23-2009, 02:45 PM

Of course Bob is always right. Auditing or even inquiring about auditing a class can tell you a lot an what they have to offer.
Here is a reply I got form a local corse after inquiring about auditing a class:

"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"

I'm still chuckling.

danchic · 06-23-2009, 09:55 PM

Bob -

Your words are truly inspiring. I really appreciate the feedback and insight. I will heed your advice and continue to look at all avenues and appreciate the journey and not just an end result - which is what I'm really hearing from you. I've long wanted to get involved in "show business" - I have done improv in my past (many years ago, Comedysportz in Milwaukee, WI), was a broadcaster for 5 years and almost made it to sitcom land in 2002 with a show my brother and I pitched to Fox. My father and brother both graduated from American Academy of Dramatic Arts, so I have it in my blood it seems??? Now I just need to trust, believe and work at it. You're my new idol lol. First it was the Beatles (still is actually), then it was Wes Montgomery. Then Earl Klugh (I'm also a jazz guitarist), then Michael Jordan (I loved hoops growing up), then Tiger Woods (I'm a 7 handicap in golf)...but now it's time to test myself and my fantasies that "I could be that someone" I always thought existed. It's just finding that day job that'll pay the bills while I hone the craft that could be the ultimate challenge. But thank you again for spending a few moments.

and until then will continue to use you as inspiration to maybe finally achieve some goals and dreams....

Cheers - Dan

Bob Bergen · 06-24-2009, 10:11 AM

Thanks for your nice note, Dan!!!! ;-)

And I hear you about the day job! Mine was as a tour guide at Universal Hollywood. Spent 5 years telling folks to dodge sharks and take pictures of the Leave it to Beaver house! I actually had 32 sick days my last year due to VO and acting work. My boss kinda kicked me out, telling me that they couldn't afford to keep me as a guide if I was working so much as an actor. I was terrified! I'd actually been making more as an actor for 2 years than as a guide, but the idea of not having the day job with a guarantee income freaked me out. But my boss told me I could always come back if things got slow.

Fortunately I didn't have to go back. But everyone has to have that survival job!!!!!

MIKE-

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. And as for students having performance anxiety with auditors present, well, I myself have never seen that to be an issue. When one works there could be a dozen or more people observing.

I think the real reason some teachers don't allow auditors is they don't want to give away info for free. Again, I respect their decision. But I have no problem giving away an evening of info so someone can check out my workshop. I think I can count on one hand the number of people who didn't end up taking the class later. So it's a win/win!

And they shouldn't take the class if it isn't for them! Mine as well! Just because a class or teacher is recommended doesn't mean it's right for everyone. I don't charge for auditors in my 8 week LA class. But I do have to charge for my out of town weekend workshops. My expenses are based on the number of people in attendance. So my workshop producer, Marian Massaro, charges $100 for auditors. BUT-those who audit get 10% off if they end up taking it at a later date.

;-)

06-21-2009, 01:45 AM	#1 (permalink)
danchic User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	Suggested voice over schools/training in San Francisco Does anyone have any strong recommendations about voice over training in the Bay Area - I'm comparing Voice One and also Such a Voice - though they are priced differently and with different timetables? I'm looking to get back into the industry I left in '92 (broadcasting) and it's very confusing trying to figure out where to go, how to start? Any feedback is greatly appreciated. - Dan

06-22-2009, 07:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
danchic User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	Such A voice versus others and life's eternal question... Hi Bob - I was also looking at Such a Voice...but upon further review wonder about the upfront investment versus "learning the craft" over time approach. Any thoughts about that?? Do you find people/students go to both places (Voice One/Trax?) I just attended the intro class at Voice One and was impressed with Elaine and the facility - I also bought her book. I'm in a career transition at age 48..single dad and trying to "figure out what I want to do when I grow up". Time is running on my life of regrets and roads travelled and so I'm trying to be true to my soul and "go for it". Trouble is while I'm doing that, how do I pay the bills other than savings??? :) But let me know your thoughts on paragraph one. Paragraph two I need a psychologist I think... D

06-23-2009, 09:55 PM	#9 (permalink)
danchic User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	Thanks! Bob - Your words are truly inspiring. I really appreciate the feedback and insight. I will heed your advice and continue to look at all avenues and appreciate the journey and not just an end result - which is what I'm really hearing from you. I've long wanted to get involved in "show business" - I have done improv in my past (many years ago, Comedysportz in Milwaukee, WI), was a broadcaster for 5 years and almost made it to sitcom land in 2002 with a show my brother and I pitched to Fox. My father and brother both graduated from American Academy of Dramatic Arts, so I have it in my blood it seems??? Now I just need to trust, believe and work at it. You're my new idol lol. First it was the Beatles (still is actually), then it was Wes Montgomery. Then Earl Klugh (I'm also a jazz guitarist), then Michael Jordan (I loved hoops growing up), then Tiger Woods (I'm a 7 handicap in golf)...but now it's time to test myself and my fantasies that "I could be that someone" I always thought existed. It's just finding that day job that'll pay the bills while I hone the craft that could be the ultimate challenge. But thank you again for spending a few moments. and until then will continue to use you as inspiration to maybe finally achieve some goals and dreams.... Cheers - Dan

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06-21-2009, 02:15 AM	#2 (permalink)
Mike Sommer User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,160	This is a good start: Voice Over Courses at Voicetrax San Francisco

06-22-2009, 03:00 AM	#3 (permalink)
danchic User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	Thanks Mike...I'll check them out too..

06-22-2009, 09:15 AM	#4 (permalink)
Bob Bergen User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 251	I've been teaching for Voicetrax, as well as Voice One for several years. Both great schools!!!!! Nice variety of teachers/workshops. Both Sam and Elaine are great!!!!!!!!!! I actually just got back from teaching a 2 day workshop at Voicetrax in Sausalito. Nice facility! I had a great group of students.

06-22-2009, 07:26 PM	#6 (permalink)
danchic User Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 5	Bob - just visited your site and you answered a lot of my questions!!! Very impressive as well. But if you have any other thoughts especially SAV vs taking classes lets say from Voice One/Trax...I'd appreciate all the guidance you care to offer... Regards - Dan

06-23-2009, 07:47 AM	#7 (permalink)
Bob Bergen User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 251	Hi Dan! I myself don't know Such A Voice. That doesn't mean they aren't good. It just means I can't give my own first hand experience. But I think asking here and on other forums is your best strategy in finding out more about the school. See if they allow auditors. Free or at a reduced fee. I allow free audits in my LA workshop, and $100 a day audits for my weekend workshops. Auditors don't work, they just observe. But it gives you an idea of what the class and teacher is all about. My overall philosophy on VO training is, study with everyone! Think of your VO education as college. You don't take one or two college classes and call yourself ready to go out into the world. You study for several years with a variety of people, to get as well rounded an education as possible. I was in classes for 9 solid years before I was able to quit my day job and make a living at this. Voice over workshops, improv, scene study, etc. I studied VO with every teacher in LA. Some were great, some not so much. But even with the "not so much" classes, if I found 90% a waste, that means I left with 10% more than I came in with. I took that 10% and put it in my pocket of tricks. Eventually my own "style" was a conglomerate of everything I learned over the years in classes. And I'm still adding all the time! Last week I attended Promax in NYC. This is a convention devoted to all things promos. Every network, cable company, top agents, and top voice actors attend. Many of these actors are in the 6-7 figure a year salary range. Many, if not most of them took advantage of taking a workshop with Marice Tobias while in NYC. These highly successful actors know that: 1) You can never stop learning and 2) If you are going to stay at the top of your game you need to always stay on top of trends and styles. Those who work, those who work a lot never stop training. Hell, Tiger Woods still has several coaches he works with. And as to your age, Dan my friend, don't give that a second of worry!! It's never too late to follow a dream! Better to be 48 and exploring a new avenue with VO than 78 living in a retirement home wondering what it would have been like to pursue VO. Don't go into it, or anything in the arts with money as your goal. Go into it because it's fun. Go into it because it feeds your soul being at the mic. Worse case scenario, you'll have a blast in classes!!!!!! Just enjoy the journey!!!!!

06-23-2009, 02:45 PM	#8 (permalink)
Mike Sommer User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 1,160	Of course Bob is always right. Auditing or even inquiring about auditing a class can tell you a lot an what they have to offer. Here is a reply I got form a local corse after inquiring about auditing a class: "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" I'm still chuckling.

06-24-2009, 10:11 AM	#10 (permalink)
Bob Bergen User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 251	Thanks for your nice note, Dan!!!! ;-) And I hear you about the day job! Mine was as a tour guide at Universal Hollywood. Spent 5 years telling folks to dodge sharks and take pictures of the Leave it to Beaver house! I actually had 32 sick days my last year due to VO and acting work. My boss kinda kicked me out, telling me that they couldn't afford to keep me as a guide if I was working so much as an actor. I was terrified! I'd actually been making more as an actor for 2 years than as a guide, but the idea of not having the day job with a guarantee income freaked me out. But my boss told me I could always come back if things got slow. Fortunately I didn't have to go back. But everyone has to have that survival job!!!!! MIKE- 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. And as for students having performance anxiety with auditors present, well, I myself have never seen that to be an issue. When one works there could be a dozen or more people observing. I think the real reason some teachers don't allow auditors is they don't want to give away info for free. Again, I respect their decision. But I have no problem giving away an evening of info so someone can check out my workshop. I think I can count on one hand the number of people who didn't end up taking the class later. So it's a win/win! And they shouldn't take the class if it isn't for them! Mine as well! Just because a class or teacher is recommended doesn't mean it's right for everyone. I don't charge for auditors in my 8 week LA class. But I do have to charge for my out of town weekend workshops. My expenses are based on the number of people in attendance. So my workshop producer, Marian Massaro, charges $100 for auditors. BUT-those who audit get 10% off if they end up taking it at a later date. ;-)