Awsome Voicebank Podcast

[Jon Morss]

Bob,

Your latest interview with Tracy at Voicebank.net is awesome.
What a great teaser for your One Man Show and your workshops.
The "Voice Over Underoos" reference was both funny and interesting.

I know you are a big advocate of acting classes, which you mention in the podcast, but do you think there is much of a difference between what one would learn in scene study in acting classes and to what would be required in interpreting a VO script? Since I started taking acting classes, I noticed much of what I am learning is what you mention with regards to approaching copy. Especially with regards to relationships and knowing where the scene partner is located (whether they are there or not) in reference to the scene. Very cool. It will certainly be great to work with you one day.

I found the podcast to very informative and I'm looking forward to the next part.
Voice Registry Podcast-Tracy Pattin Talks to Top Animation Voice Talent, Bob Bergen | Voicebank.net's VoiceRegistry Blog

[Bob Bergen]

Hey bud!

Acting is acting is acting. Be it for VO, on camera commercials, theater, a soap opera, etc.

The tools one uses in an acting class, or scene study class, or improv class, will absolutely be valuable with every aspect of VO work.

I'm a big advocate of scene study, as long as one has technique under their belt. I also recommend tasting various teachers and techniques.

The mistake I see many make is, they study VO without having a solid acting foundation. This may work for some, but not most. As I said on that podcast, the difference between having a solid acting technique and not is, those with technique make a choice, those without make a guess.

That said, there are many working actors, be they VO or on camera, who've never stepped foot in an acting class.

The rule is, there's no rule. Whatever works for you.

;-)

[Mike Sommer]

Hey Bob,

I'd just like to say, I always come away with something when reading or listening to you - always a pleasure.

Any recommendations for acting classes in the LA area, there are so many here it can get a little overwhelming?

Thanks
~M

[Bob Bergen]

Hey Mike!

I studied with John Ruskin in Santa Monica. Great class!! Very supportive, and also challenging. Meisner technique. It's a major commitment, but all good acting classes are.

The Ruskin School of Acting

Howard Fine is also great!!!
Howard Fine Acting Studio

I say check em both out. Tell them I referred you. See if they'll allow you to audit a class. Both very different, but both great. It might be a hard choice...or an easy one. Finding a good teacher is a very personal venture.

;-)