What is your background in vocal health and the voice?
I’ve been teaching people how to use their voices in a healthy way for 25 years. I started out just teaching singing workshops focusing on part harmony singing and breath work, but then in 1998 I took a full time training in Voice Movement Therapy in London which introduced me to the fullness of the human voice and how it relates to our emotional and physical health. I’ve been teaching singers with that methodology ever since then. However several years ago, when I myself became a voice actor, I quickly realized the extraordinary stress actors put on their voices, often way outside any training they have received in their normal course of training. I’ve been committed to bridging that gap ever since.
What would you say is the biggest vocal health concern for voice actors?
Video game sessions really. When you can often find yourself starting with a non-human creature which may involve some rasp or constriction, then add dying and attack efforts, and then go for 2-4 hours... well that can be a disaster waiting to happen.
What if you don't really do video game auditions/jobs? Are there health concerns that an actor who primarily does commercials or narration should be aware of?
Definitely narrators, any kind of long form narration like e-learning or audio books will tire your voice and put extraordinary strain on your instrument. Honestly, I think any professional voice actor should know this stuff no matter what their main area of focus. Vocal loss comes at us for many reasons and learning how to fully recover is invaluable.
Do you have a good tip or general advice for voice actors?
Hydrate! hydrate! hydrate! Make sure your body is loose and relaxed and remember that cooling down can be as important as warming up for vocally stressful sessions. Oh and don’t try to perform on a damaged instrument. If you’ve already lost your voice, stop talking!
Is vocal health something you should be concerned about as a beginning voice actor?
Of course! If you plan on making a career out of using your voice why wouldn’t you learn the tools to protect your investment? Vocal loss is real my friends, whether it initiates from sickness or shouting over loud music in a bar, the sooner you learn how to heal and recover the quicker you can get back behind the mic and you’ll also be MUCH less likely to cause any more serious damage down the road.
Join us for Vocal Health with Julia Norton and master the tips and tricks to keep your voice healthy all day long.
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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
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Tiburon Actress Discusses her Role in Pixar's Soul.
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Announcing December's Professional Invitational guest!
Texas-based company is making more opportunity for English dubbing beyond Anime
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Prolific voice actors of animation talk about their careers
by Clay Robeson October 1, 2020
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As a voice actor, you are your brand, but you can also become part of a company's "brand voice"
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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...
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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!
Join Sally every Wednesday morning and start your day with a free 20-minute Vocal Workout!
We are excited to announce our new guest instructor for Anime Mania!
Our next "Nailing the Audition" guest is from outside the Bay Area!
Three 2-hour "deep-dive" sessions have been added to the class calendar. Join one, two, or all three!
Starting in just a few weeks, this class is the perfect class for beginning and intermediate voice actors.
We've got four incredible workshops coming your way next weekend! Find out more in this update from Sally!
We've moved this class on the calendar to better suit the online format
How to Manage your Training and Career During Social Distancing
Look who's coming to Voice One next week!
Join Sally in the morning or evening for an 8-person 2-hour voice over workout!
For the time being, all Voice One classes have been moved online. Here are the confirmed dates.
