As a teacher and voice over performer, I talk ad nauseam about the benefits of improv in voice acting. See this example and this one. But if a voice actor avoids an improv class due to fear, then my going on and on about its benefits doesn’t matter. So let’s tackle fear. Big, old, ugly fear. Here are five ways to conquer your fear of trying improv, or anything new.
1. IMAGINE THE WORST
Let’s imagine that you’re in an improv class and you give a “bad” idea for a scene, then what? Do you burst into flames; setting fire to those around you, the building and the entire block? Probably not. I don’t mean to make light of your concerns, but if you play out your fear to its worst possible conclusion, you may find that the big catastrophe only occurs in your mind. In reality, you may feel momentarily vulnerable or judged, and then the class will move on. The consequences of your participation are bearable.
2. EDUCATE YOURSELF
Did you know that improv has rules and boundaries? And that failure is cheered and applauded? That’s right. It’s not a free-for-all and mistakes are encouraged. Ease your fear by knowing what to expect. Research the school or instructor, and read about improv basics. Get started with a short and fun article by Tina Fey on the rules of improv.
3. BRING A FRIEND
This is a tried and true antidote to combat the fear of something new. Share your anxiety with your friend before you go. They may have the same nervousness, and sharing it will lighten your outlook. In those moments in the class when you feel on the spot, you will have a guaranteed ally. And think of the fun you’ll have sharing an experience.
4. THINK BIG PICTURE
Fear can make us think myopically and feel small. Encourage yourself to think about the end goal of why you are trying improv. Perhaps you want to increase your spontaneity in the booth, expand your skills on your resume, or work with a producer or director that values improv. Maybe you’re moving and improv will help you better compete in your new market. Focus on your end goal to stay excited about results and reduce shrinking from your fear of an imagined outcome.
5. TREAT YOURSELF AS YOU WOULD OTHERS
What if a good friend said that in order to move up at work they had to take an accounting class, but they didn’t want to because they were afraid of detailed math? You would likely give them a pep talk encouraging them to face their fear because of the big rewards. Give yourself that same pep talk. Meet your fear head on by sitting down and giving yourself the same heart-to-heart that you would give to someone else. Include all the love, encouragement, and non-judgment that you would give to them, and be sure to include how much you believe in yourself.
I hope that these ideas help break through your fear of trying improv. If you can get past that fear even temporarily, you’ll open endless possibilities. Give yourself a chance to be in the moment, however that feels, and follow your instinct from a class to the booth.
Making your audition stand out and connect to the listener is the route to success. Here are some great suggestions how.
Everything you need to know about why, how, and when to take the Voice One Core Curriculum this semester!
Standing out in a crowd is difficult, especially if you are consciously or unconsciously emulating what you've heard before.
What's up with the recent changes to Audacity?
Entire Core Curriculum is available from July 19th to August 8th in our Summer Fast Track!
Interview and Q&A with Tyler Rhoads on July 9
We now have fun and affordable offerings for you every Friday night!
Much has changed in Voice Over in the past few decades.
Tackling the issue of representation in the audiobooks industry comes with a number of unique concerns
An interview with a voice casting director on the state of the industry
Kelly Tran's seeming sudden prominence in the public eye is rooted in years of dedication to the craft.
Come meet our next guest talent agent!
Solid advice on being the voice actor that directors want in their projects.
Steve Pogatch – Lead Audio Producer – Pandora/Sirius XM/Stitcher (Studio Resonate)
Emi Lo, Apphiya Yu, and Shawn Gann discuss their perspectives on Asian-American representation in Anime and more
Knowing what works is great, but knowing what doesn't work can save you a lot of anguish.
What makes acting in animation believable and bookable?
Anjali shares realistic advice from what she has learned over the course of her amazing career.
Award season always brings up the question about recognition of voice acting by the Academy
We spoke with the legendary dialect coach on learning accents
Embracing your "imperfections" can make you a better creative collaborator.
It's not "one style fits all" in Character work.
Mary Lynn Wissner, Award Winning Casting Director
Join us for a free webinar! March 17, 10am PST
One of the most highly influential players in voice acting history
A change in perspective can really change what you bring to the table!
Dani and Lee speak about their histories with Anime, representation in voice acting, and inspiring fans to follow their dreams.
Cheryl Rosenthal, Video Producer and Director!
Check out what we have in store for you in February!
Join us for a free webinar! February 4, 10am PST
We get to see how the VO Boss assesses a high quality corporate narration spot.
Jim Edgar shares some perspective on resolving changes in your space's sound over time.
Ann Richardson shares suggestions on audiobook narration that can help you and others in the process.
Sally suggests letting these four words become your mantra for 2021.
Practical Advice for Achieving your Goals in Acting
Check out what we have in store for you in January!
Tiburon Actress Discusses her Role in Pixar's Soul.
An intriguing evolution of a Voice Over career
This holiday season put a little voice over in your gift basket!
Listen to two wonderful demos fresh out of the studio! (plus learn more about our Demo Production process)
Lake Bell talks about getting into the VO business and what it means for her.
Announcing December's Professional Invitational guest!
Texas-based company is making more opportunity for English dubbing beyond Anime
Check out what we have in store for you you this coming month!
Prolific voice actors of animation talk about their careers
by Clay Robeson October 1, 2020
Announcing October's Professional Invitational guest!
As a voice actor, you are your brand, but you can also become part of a company's "brand voice"
Check out what we have in store for you you this coming month!
A quick look at classes starting this week and next week!
Voice Actor phenom here to teach our VO Master Class
A quick look at classes starting this week and next week!
Voice One's new line of "Vocal Athlete" t-shirts are now available in red and black in the Voice One store!
Announcing our first Professional Invitational guest of the Fall 2020 Semester!
Angeli Fitch e-laborates on her experiences in E-Learning
Don't worry, a lot of people think that...
Check out what we have in store for you this month!
A quick look at what's coming to Voice One next week!
A quick look at what's coming to Voice One this week!
A quick look at what's coming to Voice One this week!
A quick look at what's coming to Voice One this week!
Join our official server! Open to current students, Voice one alumni, and prospective students too!
Sign up for both of our Advanced Character classes in June and save $50!
Download the Summer Brochure and check out our July-August classes!
