The secrets to becoming a successful voice actor, as revealed by Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt, are an inspiring journey into the world of voice-over performance.
Unleash Your Unique Voice
Yuri and Tara, with their extensive experience in the industry, share their insights on how to make it as a voice actor. They emphasize that your voice is your greatest asset, and when you embrace its uniqueness, you set yourself apart from the crowd.
But here's where it gets controversial... voice acting is not just about the voice; it's about the craft and the business of acting.
The Art of Acting: A Foundation for Voice Acting
Voice acting is acting first and foremost. To excel in this field, you must love the art of acting. It's about understanding the script, crafting a character, and making those creative choices that bring a character to life. Whether it's on screen, stage, or behind a microphone, a good performance shines when an actor immerses themselves in the role.
So, if you're aspiring to be a voice actor, start with acting. Take classes, perform in plays or improv groups, and create your own projects. Immerse yourself in the world of acting and fall in love with the process.
Embrace Your Body and Imagination
Voice-over work doesn't mean you should be a static talking head. Use your body to enhance your performance, even though only the director and engineer will see it. Your physical movements and facial expressions add depth and spice to your voice, and the audience will feel the impact.
Imagine a grueling fighting video game session; it's an intense workout! Let your body and face do the talking, and don't be afraid to express yourself fully.
Live Life to the Fullest
To quote Ian Holm, "You must bite your teeth into the ass of life!" This means that interesting people make interesting choices because they've lived life to the fullest. It's not enough to just take acting classes; fill your life with experiences that excite and intrigue you.
The more you live, the more depth and uniqueness you bring to your work. Your human experiences will infuse your performances with a distinct feel, setting you apart from the rest.
The Power of Being a Good Human
Being kind and easy to work with goes a long way in this industry. Understand that creating a project involves a team effort, and it's not all about you. By being a good human and recognizing the contributions of others, you make yourself more desirable to work with, leading to repeat opportunities.
Master the Art of Reading
Most of your work as a voice actor will involve reading scripts and bringing them to life in a booth. So, practice reading aloud every day. Strive to read with such skill that it doesn't sound like you're reading at all, even if it's the first time you're seeing those words.
Join Yuri and Tara in the booth, and remember, you have no real competition because your voice is unique. Embrace your individuality, and let your voice shine.
Get out there and raise your voice!
Tara & Yuri
