Bryn from between Seattle/Vancouver

[Bryn]

Hi everybody,

I just started taking voice coaching in January, after almost a year of really wanting to get started. I have no resume because i have no demo. Training is really hard! At least harder than I thought it would be... Has anyone noticed that? Especially working on narrations...

I really want to succeed in this business, and I know this means endurance and hard work. I've decided to not start building a small little studio at my house until I at least have a demo. Does anyone else recommend this?

I look forward to chatting it up with you folks, and trading as much knowledge as possible.

[JoeActor]

Hello Bryn - pleased to meet you!

You're right - it can be a lot of work getting started. If it's something you love to do, and you've got the drive, keep at it.

As for a home studio, you can start small. Even a nice USB mike connected to your computer can be helpful when learning. Recording articles, ad copy, etc, then listening back is a nice addition to classes and coaching.

Do you do Stage or Improv work? Both are good for honing your speaking skills, and you may even develop a couple characters or accents along the way.

Plenty of helpful, experienced folks here when you've got questions. Many have been answered in the past, so don't forget to do a search also...

Hope to hear much more in the future - Welcome!
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

[WayneLHenderson]

Welcome Bryn.

Just as I mentioned to the Silver Surfer, since you are starting out on this "journey", I would love to have feedback from you as you progress, as part of my new Voice-Over Journey podcast. It is a show where I hope to have other voice actors that are making their livings solely from voice overs, share their progress and suggestions. You can find it in iTunes or at my blog at The Voice-Over Journey podcast and you can call in your comments to the show's voicemail at 206-984-1446.

Just a thought. Together, here on the boards, and perhaps on the podcast, we can all arrive at a nice voice-over career.

Wayne

[Jodi Krangle]

Welcome, Bryn! As Joe has mentioned, getting something simple together in the way of recording isn't a bad idea at all. You don't have to spend much money on that, but getting yourself familiar with some of the audio recording software and the principles of using a mic, if you haven't done that much before, is always a good idea. :) I'm fairly new at this myself, so I totally sympathize! But having some recording gear at home - even just for practice-sake, is really handy.

Good luck and hope to hear more about your journey soon!

All the best,

--Jodi

[Bryn]

Thanks for all the encouragement! It helps when you don't know where to begin...

Jodi, I've been listening to peoples' demos on voice123.com and voices.com to get a feel for how people do it...just went to your website and heard your commercial demo...for just getting started, you sound fantastic!

[JoeActor]

Originally Posted by Bryn

Thanks for all the encouragement! It helps when you don't know where to begin...

Jodi, I've been listening to peoples' demos on voice123.com and voices.com to get a feel for how people do it...just went to your website and heard your commercial demo...for just getting started, you sound fantastic!

Hey Bryn,

A better place to hear demos would be voicebank.net - these tend to be of a more "pro" quality since most of the posts are represented. Just go to the site, click on "House Reels" and you can click on an agency to hear the talent demos.

This is not to dis v123 or voices demos (after all, mine are out there ;-), but the only requirement to post a demo is the sign up fees (and some are even free). Best if you start with a good sampling of working demos.

Just my 2 cents,
Joe J Thomas
Joe J. Thomas Acting Portfolio

[Bryn]

Thanks Joe for the link. Yeah, right now I have a profile on v123, but it's been completely blank for a year...! I'll join voices.com one day...when I actually have a demo to put up...

[Greg Hamilton]

Hi Bryn!

Yes I would recommend you put a studio together after you have completed a demo,however I can't stress enough that you should not complete your demo until you have completed at least a year of training.(some may say 2) You wouldn't want to be seen as a newbie on your demo but if you could pull off an outstanding demo you really should be able to demonstrate that level of professionalism without too many takes come audition time. If there is one thing a producer at a production house hates to see is a talent come in for an audition and cannot perform to the level of that individual's demo. The director may love your read and say now give me that same read with a hint of seduction or coyness. Could you nail it? And be completely believable? I'm still working on it and I'm fairly new at this too. Only a coulpe of years now but I have understood that part of the biz is patience and alot of hard work. (in front of a mic, on the phone, and knocking on doors)
I like the fact that you're as anxious as I once was but you have to face reality too. A plumber can't advertize himself as a professional after only a couple of months training could he? I hope I'm not coming across as negaitive I just want you to go about this the right way. I'm not sure if you are Canadian or American but Deb Munro is an amazing coach in the Van area. (Tell her I sent you and she'll give you the first 10 courses free! then tell her I'm just kidding) She really is good though.
Anyway best of luck to you Bryn.
Maybe we'll chat sometime about your huge success!
Greg
greghamilton99@shaw.ca

[Bryn]

Greg,

That's very invaluable info. Thanks! I live in the states, and I've found a wonderful voice couch near Seattle, who right away played for me several demos that she produced for other people, and I was floored. She's great, she's sassy, and she fills our two-hour sessions with a lot or training and material...

I've heard of Deb Munro, and I was about to sign up for her Mic and Me Workout workshop in Vancouver that occurs in a couple of days, but I had to use my funds elsewhere. As a matter-of-fact, I just emailed her today asking about any future classes or workshops...

I'm just wondering that within this year of training, if it will be possible for me to do a couple of small bits, just to get my resume up a little..if not, it's not such a big deal....I'm definitely willing to train until I ready, though.

Thanks again,

Bryn

[AlanSimmons]

Welcome to the forum, Bryn! Starting out can be a little daunting, but hang in there. This is a great place for newbies and vets alike to get support, advice, and just hang out. I look forward to hearing more from you!

~Alan