Well that went quick right? Or maybe 2024 dragged on for you? Either way, it’s now time to set our minds on next year as we’re set to run the final Voice Over for Beginners workshop for 2024. Actually our FINAL workshop was supposed to happen on November 9, however Covid-19 got in the way and we had to put it back a few weeks, so the final workshop is now taking place on November 23 – with just ONE place available.
If you’re looking to make a fresh start into 2025 and your to-do list includes finally satisfying your curiosity around the world of Voice Over, we have now set the date for the first beginners workshop for the new year – Saturday February 1st 2025.
These group workshops are great fun (for both us and you) and are the perfect introduction to Voice Over given that you’ll be learning face-to-face in a practical environment – It’s a much better experience compared to online live coaching or pre-recorded module learning.
Also at this time of year when you may be starting to plan your Christmas gifts, a place in our beginners workshop would make a great gift for someone you know has been talking about getting into Voice Over. Simply book a place in the next workshop then when we confirm your booking via email let us know it’s a gift and we’ll send you something you can print out and put inside a card to be opened!
Finally if you feel a group workshop isn’t for you when we are still running 1:1 voice over coaching sessions as needed. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions, or just book in and we’ll work out the best time and day.
Until next time, enjoy the rest of the year and we hope to see you soon!
Coaches Cecelia & Andy look forward to seeing you at the next workshop!
American Actor, the late W.C Fields once said “Never work with Children or Animals”. He was of course just concerned about them stealing the limelight on the filmset.
Do you have a teen who loves animation, gaming, and putting on voices? At Voices of Tomorrow, we’ve received numerous enquiries from parents eager to nurture the vocal talents of their teenagers. In response, we are thrilled to announce our Introduction to Character Voice session, tailored specifically for teens aged 13-17.
Workshop Details
This engaging 3-hour workshop will take place the impressive Bang Bang Studios in Southbank, Melbourne. Save the date: Saturday, October 26th, from 2-5pm. Here’s what your teen can look forward to:
Topics Covered
Microphone Techniques: Master the art of using a microphone to capture your performance.
Creating Unique Character Voices: Learn to different types of sounds with your voice.
Playing with Your Voice: Experiment with different vocal styles to bring characters to life.
Setting Up for Recording at Home: Get practical tips on creating a home studio setup.
Where to Start Looking for Projects: Discover how to navigate the voice-over industry and find opportunities.
Hands-On Experience
During the workshop, your teen will have the opportunity to record two different characters. They will be guided by our experienced Voice Over coaches, Cecelia and Andy, who are also active Voice Actors. Both coaches hold a current Victoria Working with Children Check, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all participants.
Essential Information
Location: Bang Bang Studios, Southbank, Melbourne
Date: Saturday, October 26th
Time: 2-5pm
Cost: $220 (including GST)
A Gateway to the Voice Over World
The aim of this workshop is to give your teen a solid introduction to the voice-over industry. While no coach or workshop can guarantee work in this competitive and exciting field, our goal is to provide your teen with the foundational skills and confidence needed to pursue their passion.
Enrollment Details
This workshop is strictly for ages 13-17 and is limited to a maximum of 7 participants to ensure personalized attention. For bookings and further information, please do not contact the studio directly, as they are not involved in the organization of this event.
Secure Your Spot Today!
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to help your teen explore the world of voice acting. Sign up today and let Voices of Tomorrow guide your teen on their exciting voice-over journey!
For more information and to book your spot, visit our website here. We look forward to seeing you there!
As an Audio Engineer, I regularly see the term “broadcast quality home studio” thrown around. But it occurs to me that there really isn’t a standard. So what does it actually mean? In an effort to be of some assistance, I’ve listed a few ideas below that address issues I come across regularly whilst in online sessions with actors in their home studios.
In no particular order…
Crystal Clear Audio: Your recordings should contain no background noise, minimal room reflections, and zero computer hum.
Proper Gear: You don’t need to break the bank, but you do need a few basic (professional-grade) items. A great mic (pro tip: USB mics are a no-no for true broadcast quality), a solid audio interface, quality headphones, and a trustworthy DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) are your best mates. And don’t forget, good cables can save you from a bunch of interference headaches.
Acoustic treatment. Soundproofing a home studio is near on impossible, but acoustic treatment is imperative. Some of those cheap foam panels can help, but getting creative with moving blankets, heavy curtains and bookshelves is a budget-friendly alternative and usually gives better results. Also don’t forget to try the mic in different positions in the room. A few inches can make a huge difference.
Consistent Levels: Your audio levels should be consistent and distortion free. Learn to set your levels appropriately for the work you’re doing, and get the hang of gain staging. It’ll save you and your clients a heap of trouble down the line. If in doubt, always err on the side of caution, low levels are better than files that are clipped and distorted.
Good DAW Template: While technically not essential, having a good template for your DAW that lets you playback and record during a live remote session isn’t a bad idea. There’s nothing more frustrating for a client than having to sit and listen to feedback and mumbled excuses when you’re trying to do something like playback or edit a take during a session.
Minimal Processing: Yes, you heard right! Your audio should be noise free and have consistent levels with little to no processing. Relying on “fixing it later” can mean you are forced to work the plugins too hard to achieve your desired result. And this over processing forces an audio engineer to have to try and “fix” your mistake, usually at the expense of what they want to do with your audio. Aim for a clean, raw recording that sounds great straight out of the box.
File Delivery: When it’s time to hand over your masterpiece, make sure you’re exporting files in the right format and bitrate. Typically, a 24-bit/48kHz WAV file will do the trick. No one wants a low-quality MP3 when they’re after top-notch sound.
Beyond the techy stuff, remember this: Broadcast quality is also about your performance. A great read can sometimes forgive minor audio imperfections. So, warm up those pipes, get in the zone, and let your personality shine through the mic.
If you’re still interested in Voice Over but finding it hard to get started or lacking motivation to gain experience I may have just the thing for you!
I’m launching a new program in March to help get you back on track.
The Commercial Voice Over Workout Program is a 4 week program that will run on Thursday evenings from March 7.
Unlike coaching sessions and beginners workshops, this will be run the same as a professional recording session – you’ll be directed, not coached. Scripts will be chosen for you (you don’t get to choose your scripts in the real world). You will receive a copy of your raw recordings with the option to have them professionally produced at an additional cost.
Here are the details.
Cost: $660 inc GST (covers all 4 sessions) Location: Recording studio in Abbotsford (Different location!) Dates: March, 7,14,21 & 28 Times: 7-9pm
To attend this program you will need have have either done a beginners workshop or coaching session or have some voice over experience. If you’re not sure if this is for you please get in touch to discuss.
Could 2024 be the year that you finally realise your dream to explore the world of Voice Acting? To help you get started booking are now open for workshop dates in February and March.
On Saturday February 24, the popular Voice Over for Beginners workshop will run again. This one day workshop is a great way to learn some of the basics of voice over in a professional and practical setting. This workshop covers various genres such as commercial and corporate work and leaves you with a handful of recordings from the day along with some idea of ‘what to do next’.
Then on Saturday March 23 we’ll be running two “How to Create Character Voices” sessions. These 3 hour workshops introduce you to exploring using your voice for characters in video games and animation along with tips on auditioning and how to get started in this area. We ran this workshop in November and places booked out quickly!
Too shy to attend a group workshop?
We acknowledge that a group setting isn’t for everyone when you’re just starting out. If this sounds like you then you can still get started with a practical, in-studio 1 on 1 session.
Please feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about our workshops and other services.
You’re given and script and told that your character is a small, very nervous hedgehog. What does this creature sound like and where do you begin to create its voice? That’s what we’ll be covering in the “Creating Character Voices” Workshop on November 25.
In this 3-hour workshop lead by Cecelia Ramsdale with Andy Wells, you’ll learn techniques to help you create unique character voices and put them into action right away as you record different character voices in the studio.
Leading up to the workshop we’ll be on the hunt for an audition opportunity that everyone can work on during your time with us, which could be a great opportunity for you to get started.*
You’ll leave the session with those recordings being emailed to you, plus some ‘where to now’ information.
The workshop format is; 1 x 3 hour in-studio workshop on Saturday November 25 (10am – 1pm or 2pm – 5pm) Location will be Bang Bang Studios in Southbank**.
Cost is $330 per person inclusive of GST.
*We’ll look for a public audition that anyone can access regardless of whether they attend the workshop or not. You are not paying to audition, but for in-studio coaching and recording for creating character voices. **Please do not contact the studio directly regarding any workshops.
10am Session is now fully booked.
Enjoy Cecelia and Andy’s Character Demo Reels below.
Sharpen up your Voice Over Recording and Editing Skills. With a focus on practical demonstration the session covers; Software Options – Free Vs Paid digital audio workstations Recording – Audio formats / Levels / Noise Editing – Getting the basics right / common mistakes / client expectations…plus a few handy tricks. Plus Andy answers questions from participants throughout the session.
Cost is $25inc GST per person. You will receive a link to the Zoom session automatically when you pay. The session recording will also be made available for 1-month.
Andy Wells is an award winning* audio producer with over 3 Decades of experience having worked for Radio Stations, Studios and Production Companies across Australia.
*COMMERCIAL RADIO ACRA AWARDS, COMMUNITY RADIO AWARDS, NEW YORK RADIO FESTIVAL AWARDS.
Andy just finished producing a Voice Over Demo for Rosalind Mackay as she looks to expand her professional talent as a civil marriage celebrant. Take a listen.
It sounds great right? But do you really need a Voice Over Demo.
Short answer: Yes Long answer: Read on…
In the competitive world of voice over acting, a professional demo reel can be the key to unlocking numerous opportunities and working towards a successful career. A demo reel serves as a voice actor’s calling card, showcasing their skills, versatility, and range to potential clients and casting directors.
Great. So I’ll just go ahead do it myself. That’ll work right?
Short Answer: Yes and No Long Answer: Read on…
While some aspiring voice actors may be tempted to create their demo reels independently (and that’s ok), there are several compelling reasons why investing in a professionally produced demo reel can make a significant difference in their professional journey. Here’s why.
First Impressions Matter:
In the voice over industry, first impressions are crucial. A professionally produced demo reel allows voice actors to present themselves in the best possible light right from the start. With a high-quality demo reel, voice actors can immediately capture the attention potential clients or agents, showcasing their talent and professionalism. A well-crafted demo reel creates a lasting impression, increasing the chances of being considered for potential voice over opportunities.
Showcasing Range and Versatility:
A professionally produced demo reel provides voice actors with a platform to demonstrate their range and versatility. Through a thoughtfully curated collection of voice samples, actors can showcase their ability to perform various styles, genres, and character voices. A professional producer source appropriate scripts, creating a reel that highlights the talent’s unique strengths and abilities. By showcasing a diverse range of vocal skills, actors can attract a wider range of clients and casting opportunities.
Industry Standards and Quality:
In an industry that demands excellence, a professionally produced demo reel reflects an actor’s commitment to maintaining high standards. Professional producers possess the technical expertise, equipment, and experience necessary to create a polished and high-quality demo reel. They understand the industry’s expectations and can provide guidance on script selection, audio editing, mixing, and mastering, ensuring that the final product meets professional standards. A professionally produced demo reel not only demonstrates a voice actor’s talent but also conveys their professionalism and dedication to their craft.
Targeted and Customized Content:
One of the significant advantages of working with a professional producer is their ability to tailor a demo reel to suit specific target audiences. By understanding the client’s needs and preferences, a skilled producer can create a reel that aligns with the desired market or niche. Whether it’s commercial work, animation, video games, or audiobooks, a customized demo reel can effectively showcase an actor’s abilities in a manner that resonates with potential clients. This targeted approach enhances the likelihood of being considered for relevant voice over projects.
Keeping Pace with Industry Trends:
The voice over industry is dynamic and continuously evolving. What may have been popular in the past may no longer resonate with current trends and demands. A professional producer stays abreast of industry developments and can guide voice actors in creating a demo reel that aligns with current market preferences. They understand the nuances of the industry and can provide valuable insights and advice on script selection, vocal techniques, and performance styles. By keeping pace with industry trends, a professionally produced demo reel positions voice actors as contemporary and marketable talents.
In summary. Your voice over demo is a powerful tool that allows you to quickly showcase your abilities – no matter how far into your voice over journey you are. Making sure that demo represents you well and is professionally crafted will make a good impression.
Our next Voice Over Workshop is happening on Saturday June 24.
It may seem obvious, but the “Voice Over for Beginners” workshop is perfect for ANYONE who has absolutely no experience with voice over. If you’ve never set foot in a recording studio, never spoken into a microphone or recorded for voice for any reason, it doesn’t matter! That’s what we do this workshop – to give you an introduction to what Voice Over is all about.
Over the course of the workshop we’ll talk about the voice over industry and how it all works, including the different areas where voice over is used and how people find work in this area, but it’s also a very practical session.
You can expect to record 4 or 5 different scripts throughout the day while learning some of the key skills needed for this type of work.
At the end of the workshop we’ll send you your recordings and some photos of yourself in the studio, along with some ideas of ‘what next’ as you start on your voice over journey.
The Actor’s Voice Course is a one month vocal training program that will enhance your vocal skill, knowledge, and confidence. This course teaches fundamental breath and voice practices that will be able to help you as a voice professional sustain your voice for longer. Leading to greater vocal health and strength as well as vocal play. This course is based in the physicality of voice, what the voice feels like being produced in the body not how your ears perceive it.
The course is split into two parts. ‘Educational’ and ‘Exercises’
In the ‘Educational Videos’, one per week, you will learn: – Basics of Vocal Mechanics – How the voice works! – Vocal Health and Conditions – Vocal Management – Your Voice and The Future – Continuing your voicing journey! In the ‘Exercise Videos’, one per week, you will learn different foundational exercises that provide you with better: – Breath management – Breath support – Volume Management – Voice balance and awareness – Vocal fold co-ordination Basically, everything you need for foundational, effective, and safe vocal habits!
As well as all this you will receive an exercise routine to follow along and practice daily. Increasing in skill as the weeks go on.
As this is live teaching, you will be able to ask questions in the moment and receive helpful feedback on exercises.
What do you get out of it? – Peace of mind from taking the guesswork out of voice work! – Increased breath awareness and support – Increased vocal awareness for use and vocal health/management – Increased vocal confidence – A foundational warm up routine – Vocal practices you can use your whole vocal career – A strong, reliable, and confident voice
About Tessa Livingston.
Tessa Livingston is a speech pathologist, vocal coach, voice over artist, podcaster and content creator. She is a New Zealander who specialises in voice health, safety and production for vocal athletes, especially voice over artists. She is all about empowering people to feel how your voice is produced in the body for the most reliable and successful outcome. Tessa is on a mission to bridge the gap between ‘voice’ and ‘acting’ for the everyday voice actor. Knowing your voice and how it works is a foundational practice that all vocal performers should engage in. Look after your voice to look after your career. Everyone wants a voice that will last long term, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Begin your journey with Tessa and start developing your lifetime voice.”
Credentials
Bachelor of Speech and Language Therapy with Honours (NZ)
