How to Become a Voice Actor: Types, Steps & Tips

Discover the dynamic world of voice acting in the United States with this comprehensive guide. From essential skills to lucrative opportunities, this guide covers it all. Learn the benefits, necessary skills, and various types of voice acting. Follow our 10 steps, complete with expert tips, to success. Uncover salary insights and find the best platforms for voice-over work. By the end of the article, you’ll be ready to embark on a rewarding voice-acting career.

Who is a voice actor?

A voice actor is a skilled professional who lends their voice to various mediums such as commercials, animations, video games, audiobooks, and more. Voice actors bring characters to life and convey messages through their vocal talents.

Benefits of voice acting

Amazing opportunities and fun jobs

Voice acting offers a wide array of projects across various media. This includes animation, video games, audiobooks, commercials, podcasts, and more. This diversity ensures that no two projects are alike, making it an exciting and dynamic field.

You can work remotely

With technological advancements, voice actors can set up professional recording spaces at home. This means you’re not tied to a specific location, which significantly expands the scope of potential job opportunities.

Set your own rates

Being a freelancer in voice acting ensures you control pricing. You can assess the value of your skills and set rates that are fair and reflective of your expertise. This level of autonomy empowers you to build a sustainable and potentially lucrative career.

You get to work in a creative environment

Voice acting is an art form that requires a high degree of creativity. It’s not just about delivering lines but about bringing characters to life with depth, emotion, and authenticity. This means you can experiment with different tones, accents, and styles, allowing for a continuous exploration of your creative boundaries.

A chance to meet famous people

Voice acting often involves collaboration with esteemed professionals in the entertainment industry. This can include working with renowned directors, producers, and fellow actors. These connections can be invaluable for networking and may lead to new and exciting opportunities in the future.

You can set your own schedule

Voice actors have the luxury of planning their work schedules. This level of flexibility contributes to a healthy work-life balance.

Skills required for voice actor

Vocal talents

Mastering the art of manipulating your voice involves having a wide vocal range and knowing how to modulate it effectively. This art involves conveying a spectrum of emotions, from joy and excitement to sadness and anger, and adopting various tones and styles to suit different characters and contexts. A keen understanding of vocal techniques, pitch control, pacing, and articulation is required.

Acting ability

Voice acting is, at its core, a form of acting. To bring characters to life through your voice, you must understand their motivations, experiences, and emotions. This involves empathizing with the character’s situation and conveying their feelings convincingly. A skilled voice actor can make the audience believe in the character’s authenticity and depth.

Technical knowledge

Understanding the technical aspects of voice recording is crucial for producing high-quality audio. This includes familiarity with recording equipment, microphones, pop filters, and acoustics. Additionally, proficiency in using editing software and basic sound engineering techniques is essential for cleaning up recordings, adjusting levels, and adding effects when necessary.

Confidence

A confident voice actor can effectively choose a new creative direction and make bold artistic choices. Confidence lets you step into a recording session with assurance, take risks in your performance, and confidently deliver lines. It also enables you to adapt to different directions and feedback, ensuring that you can consistently deliver standout performances.

Persistence

The voice acting industry can be highly competitive, with numerous talented individuals vying for roles. Persistence is crucial for success. This involves being dedicated to honing your craft and actively seeking out auditions and opportunities. Rejections are a natural part of the process, and a persistent voice actor continues to audition and develop their skills, knowing that each experience contributes to their growth.

Marketing

In this digital age, marketing yourself as a voice actor is essential. Marketing activities include creating a strong online presence through a professional website or portfolio and utilizing social media platforms to showcase your work and engage with potential clients. Networking within the industry, attending events, and building relationships with casting directors and fellow actors are vital for securing consistent work and expanding your professional network.

Types of voice acting

Commercials

In the world of commercials, voice actors lend their voices to various advertisements for radio, television, or online platforms. They might voice product promotions, public service announcements, or brand campaigns. A skilled commercial voice actor can captivate and engage listeners, effectively delivering the intended message.

Animation

Voice actors in animation breathe life into characters that would have otherwise remained dull drawings or computer-generated imagery. Vocalizing for animation requires a unique skill set, as voice-over artists must infuse these characters with personality, emotions, and depth through their voices alone. From endearing sidekicks to menacing villains, the voice actor is the conduit through which these animated beings become relatable and memorable.

Video games

The world of video games is a dynamic space in which voice actors are instrumental in creating immersive experiences. They provide the voices for a diverse array of characters, each with their own distinctive traits and emotions. Versatility is key, as a video game voice actor may be called upon to convey a broad spectrum of feelings, from intense action sequences to heartfelt moments of connection.

Audiobooks

Narrating audiobooks is a unique form of voice acting that requires a captivating voice and the ability to sustain engagement over many hours of content. This activity involves bringing stories to life through expressive readings, often necessitating the creation of distinct voices for the various characters within the narrative. A skilled audiobook narrator excels at maintaining dramatic pacing and enunciating clearly to ensure an enriching listening experience.

Multimedia

Voice acting for multimedia projects spans a wide spectrum of applications including narrations for presentations, e-learning courses, interactive media, and more. In this domain, voice actors serve as the voice of knowledge and guidance, helping to convey information effectively and engagingly. They are vital in making complex concepts accessible and relatable to the audience.

Movies (Dubbing)

Dubbing in films is a specialized field in which voice actors provide alternate dialogue for characters in foreign-language films. This allows the films to be understood and enjoyed by a global audience. Dubbing demands precision, as voice actors must synchronize their delivery with the original actor’s on-screen visuals and facial movements. This requires linguistic accuracy and the ability to convey the same emotions and nuances as the original performance.

10 steps on how to become a voice actor

Research

Begin by immersing yourself in the world of voice acting. Understand the diverse niches within the industry, from commercials and animation to audiobooks and video games. Study the journeys of successful voice actors, learn about their experiences, and gather insights into what it takes to thrive in this field.

Get training

Enroll in reputable voice acting classes or workshops. Seek out programs led by experienced professionals who can provide valuable guidance and mentorship. These training sessions are instrumental in developing foundational skills, understanding industry norms, and refining your craft.

Work on your craft

Dedicate time to focused practice and refine your voice acting skills. This includes exploring various vocal techniques, delving into character development, and the nuances of script interpretation. Consistent practice hones your abilities and builds confidence in your performance.

Master your skills

Strive for mastery in every facet of voice acting. This could involve perfecting your ability to mimic accents, modulating tones to convey different emotions, and mastering the art of delivering authentic and engaging performances.

Consider vocal training workshops

Supplement your general voice-acting training with specialized workshops. These sessions can be tailored to fine-tune specific aspects of your voice, such as pitch control, resonance, or other unique vocal characteristics that may be essential for particular roles.

Practice consistently

Regular, structured practice is essential for maintaining and improving your vocal range, endurance, and overall performance. Engage in exercises that challenge and expand your capabilities, ensuring you’re always ready to deliver your best.

Record a demo reel

Your demo reel is your professional calling card in the industry to showcase your versatility and range as a voice actor. Craft a polished demo that highlights your ability to tackle various roles and genres, providing potential clients and casting directors with a glimpse of your talent.

Audition consistently

Actively seeking out audition opportunities across a wide spectrum of projects not only helps you gain experience but also exposes you to different genres and styles of voice acting. Building a robust portfolio of auditions demonstrates your versatility and adaptability.

Network and apply

Build relationships within the voice acting community and connect with industry professionals. Attend events, workshops, and conventions to meet fellow actors, directors, and casting agents. Additionally, leverage online platforms and communities to discover new opportunities and stay updated on industry trends.

Continue to hone your skills

The voice-acting industry is dynamic and ever-evolving. Stay up-to-date with industry trends, new technologies, and emerging demands. Dedicate yourself to ongoing learning and improvement, adapting your skills to meet the field’s evolving needs. This commitment to growth ensures you remain competitive and relevant in the industry.

Come along on a transformative trip into the heart of narrative and performance art as you learn how to become an actor and unlock the secrets to mastering your profession, navigating auditions, and developing a resilient attitude.

Tips for becoming a voice actor

Study successful voice actors

Take the time to delve into the careers of accomplished voice actors. Analyze their performances, understand their techniques, and observe how they approach various roles. This can provide valuable insights into what works in the industry and help you adapt and develop your own style.

Know your unique voice qualities

Recognize and embrace the distinctive qualities of your voice. Each voice has its unique timbre, tone, and characteristics. Understanding these attributes allows you to leverage them effectively in your performances. It’s important to realize that your voice is your signature and can be a powerful tool in creating memorable and impactful characters.

Create a warm-up routine

A warm-up routine is crucial to prepare your voice for recording sessions. Just as athletes warm up before a game, voice actors need to condition their vocal cords. This can include gentle vocal exercises, breathing techniques, and articulation drills. A well-prepared voice ensures that you can deliver consistent and high-quality performances.

Pursue passionate projects

Seek out projects that resonate with your passions and interests. When you’re genuinely invested in a project, your authenticity shines through in your performance. This authenticity is what creates compelling and relatable characters. Whether it’s a genre you’re passionate about or a cause you deeply care for, aligning your projects with your interests enhances the depth of your portrayal.

By incorporating these tips into your journey as a voice actor, you’ll refine your craft and increase your chances of delivering standout performances that resonate with audiences.

Salary and job outlook

Initially, voice actors can expect to earn around $200 to $300 per hour. In the early stages, annual earnings may range from $10,000 to $20,000, making it advisable to maintain other sources of income. With experience, income potential increases. By the second year, voice actors can see an increase to an average of $50,000 to $60,000 annually, or approximately $4,000 to $6,000 per month. It’s important to note that these figures pertain to actual recording hours and do not account for the time spent on non-paid activities like self-promotion and auditions.

Voice acting often starts as a part-time endeavor, but for those who secure recurring roles in series, it can transition into a full-time occupation. Some voice actors have achieved significant financial success with time and dedication, even earning millions from major roles and residual earnings from aired productions. This accomplishment requires sustained commitment and a genuine love for the craft.

The best place to find voice-over work

Voices: A leading platform connecting voice actors with diverse project opportunities.

Voices123: A reputable marketplace for voice-over artists to showcase their skills and connect with clients.

Fiverr: A versatile freelancing platform, including voice-over services, offering flexibility in pricing and offerings.

PeoplePerHour: A comprehensive freelancing platform encompassing voice-over work, allowing voice actors to bid on projects.

Upwork: An emerging platform for voice-over work, providing opportunities to connect with a growing community of talent and clients.