Voice: Acting

Yes, you’ve got talent. But ditch the impulse to be perfect. VO pro Rick Lance gives three reasons why a perfectionist might struggle in the voice over biz …

Casting director Hugh Klitzke lays down a voice acting rule: ‘Never sacrifice clarity for character.’ See these examples of how direction can take your read away from the reason they hired you in the first place …

Peter Coyote is a master at documentary narration – an appealing voice, to be sure. But appeal alone is never enough, says casting director-coach Hugh Klitzke, who instructs us how Coyote also creates context, specificity, drama – and knows when to “get out of the way” in the new PBS series, ‘The Vietnam War’ …

Do you cringe when a TV broadcaster mispronounces a word – and does so repeatedly? Rick Gordon – a veteran broadcaster, voice talent, and owner of online casting sites – lists dozens more of his “pet peeve” words and admits to ranting about it. Several VO colleagues join in …

When’s the last time you saw anyone consuming a drug in a pharmaceutical commercial? Never. But as the voice talent, you subtlety convey that taking the pill will bring relief. Casting director/coach Hugh Klitzke explains …

Confidence in recording is especially important in the voice over world. Clients will hear your lack of it. Time and experience will build that confidence – but what to do in the meantime? VO pro Rick Lance has three tips …

Can you tell a voice over fad when you’re in one? Does a trend happen so slowly you can’t see it as it’s happening? Casting director/coach Hugh Klitzke has directed over 115,000 auditions and sees what comes and goes – including …

21st Century voice over means knowing how to direct yourself in your own booth. Expertly. If the task seems daunting and you’re a bit shaky on how to deftly turn the tables to be both actor and director, these tips from VO pro Kim Handysides may help steady you on …

Do you know exactly what to do with a particular voice over script – but are afraid of sounding like a fool? Snap out it, says longtime voice talent, coach and producer Jim Conlan. “Stop waiting for permission,” he urges. “You already have it, courtesy of your own talent” …

In voicing television commercials, your read should balance all the component parts, notes casting director Hugh Klitze. “You add a point of view or an energy.” But if you work too hard at it, you’re adding too much. Hugh explains …