What is one of your favorite moments from a class?
My favorite moment in any class is seeing a student suddenly put things together and find something they didn't know was there. There are so many micro-skills in voiceover that need to be built up. It can sometimes feel like there's a lot of "plateau" while assembling those skills. But then it will all come together during the performance of a script - the "breaking it down" analysis, the breath control, the strong/wrong choices, the mic technique.... and the look of "WOW!" on a student's face when that happens is priceless. They move from astonishment at what they did to the confidence of what they now know they can achieve.
One of your favorite/memorable moments from a recording gig?
I still have that crazy-good feeling of excitement before any gig, but I remember finishing a four hour video game session and having to just sit in the car for 30 minutes because I was so exhausted. Most recently, I had a crazy fun live/in-person session where we knocked out the script in about 10 minutes, and then at the encouragement of the producer, spent another 30 minutes just ad-libbing through it for options. We were cracking each other up so much that my stomach hurt.
Top 3 things students of VO should be practicing or thinking about or doing while taking classes? What about outside of classes?
While taking a class...
First, I think it's important not to multitask during the lass. I realize that life may intrude, but simple things like telling housemates or family members not to disturb you during a class is important. I talk about this in the Recording at Home class, but creating a space where you can isolate from the hundreds of little distractions at home is important for creative focus. It's a practice that will benefit you for gigs as well. There is an infinite amount of distraction in the world. Navigating that well is the mark of a pro.
Second, listen to everything! When you aren't on the microphone, that's the time to start developing your self-direction skills. Think about what you heard, what you liked, and how it could be better. Listen to what the feedback the instructor gives and think about how it might differ from what you heard.
Finally, do your prep and research before the class. If it's a visiting director or agent, what can you learn about them beforehand? Have they been interviewed? What projects have they worked on? What can you learn about their agency? Again, this is a mindset that will help with clients later on.
Outside of class... take care of yourself. Be curious. Listen to how people speak when they are being natural. Immerse yourself in any VO genre that interests you. Ask "why does this work/not work" when listening to performances. Read. Watch great performances. Be still and breathe.
What is a question you get a lot from aspiring voice actors? And how do you usually answer?
Obviously, I get a lot of studio and technical questions. One thing everyone wants to know is the "BEST" mic for voiceover. I'll let you in on a secret.... the "Best" microphone for voiceover is the one you have. Sure, there are always going to be "better" mics, but even relatively inexpensive gear can capture a magnificent performance. I remember when a good friend of mine sent me an audition. They had recorded it on their phone while on a lunch break and needed it to be converted to an MP3 (not an issue these days... but once upon a time...). It was a jaw-droppingly good performance which booked them onto a national spot. You can always get a little more out of anything you own. Each time we use our instrument - which includes our voice, the choices we make, and our focus as well as the space and gear - we get a little better with it.
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