What’s Improv Got To Do… Got To Do With It?

When I tell people, including many voice actors, that I teach a drop-in improv class for voice over, I get a lot of strange looks. Usually, those come right before the question, “Why?!” And to be fair, before I took Sally Clawson’s “Spontaneity” workshop at Voice One, I probably couldn’t have answered that.

Over the last twenty years, I have taught improv in both the theatrical and the business arenas. People immediately see why improv is important for actors on stage. A little less so for those in front of the camera, but all you have to say is “Spinal Tap” and they nod fervently.  And when you talk about how improv skills promote collaboration, understanding, and actual teamwork in the workplace, they seem to get that, too. But Voice Acting? When you’re standing in a little box all day with a microphone in your face and a bunch of people staring at you through a tiny window, unless you’re a Robin Williams caliber improvisor, you best stick to the script, buddy!

Unless you are specifically asked to improvise around a topic, the script is your bible. Every extra minute you’re in the booth is a minute longer that the director and audio engineer have to spend, and countless other people downstream have to wait to do their part in completing the project.

But that does not mean that the things we learn through improv don’t apply to voice actors.

One of the most important skills improv teaches us is how to trust other people. More importantly, it teaches us how to trust ourselves, which is one of the hardest things not only to learn, but to continue to do, even for seasoned improvisors.  There is always that little voice in the back of our heads editing us and judging us and making us second guess ourselves. Improv can help us quiet that little voice, even if only for a little while.

I was sitting in Elaine Clark’s office working through my commercial demo copy, finding the read for each script that made both of us triumphantly shout “NAILED IT!” and pump our fists towards the ceiling.  Yet, the moment the booth door closed and I was looking at the microphone, that little editor kicked in and made me second guess everything that I’d just prepared, to the point where 20 years of improv training went sailing right out the door.  It was painful for both of us. I know I am not alone in this. I tell this story to other voice actors and their eyes go wide with fear as they nod and express sympathy and understanding.

So, why do we have that little voice in the back of our head? What good does it do us?

Well, first, the little voice isn’t actually in the back of our heads. It’s in the front. It lives in the pre-frontal (aka cerebral) cortex of the brain, the area present in all mammals and responsible for creativity, mood, empathy, motivation, and self-expression.

However, there’s a smaller part of the cerebral cortex unique to primates called the lateral pre-frontal cortex, and that’s where your inner editor lives.  It is responsible for working memory, reasoning, planning, and active forms of imagination (such as imagining all of the things that might go wrong). When we are nervous, it’s the lateral pre-frontal cortex that subdues our instincts and makes us analyze (or overanalyze) a scary situation to search for the best way out.  It’s that part of our brain that muffles our instincts and turns our perfectly rehearsed performance into a train wreck of self-doubt.

Okay, sure, that was a lot of sciencey big words there, but what does this have to do with improv?

It turns out that consistently working in a non-threatening, supportive environment - such as an improv class - lets us experience a public state of creativity without triggering our nerves. In other words, improv allows us to get to a point where we don’t worry about what other people are going to think of our performance. We begin to trust them, and eventually, we figure out that we can trust ourselves, too. At some point we accept that we have the skills to complete the task at hand, and we stop giving our lateral pre-frontal cortex the bandwidth to shut us down!

Once you’ve experienced this state of self-trust enough, you’ll start to realize that it applies to other aspects of your life as well: getting over stage fright, speaking in public, presenting on a topic that you are an expert in, or even standing in the recording booth, doing a job you were hired to do because you were the best person for the job.

Improv reaffirms that if you weren’t good enough to be there, you would not be there. And since you are there, you are good enough to be there. Don’t let that internal editor tell you otherwise. Just do the job you were meant to do and enjoy it.

Find those moments of self-trust. Improv happens to be a great place to do that because not only do we become part of an ensemble we trust to keep us safe, we get our own moments to shine as well. Those are the moments where we learn to trust ourselves.

So, get out there and shine, and don’t let that internal editor even start to convince you that you can’t.



Clay Robeson, August 2020

(You can find out more about Clay by visiting his website)

Read Next

Voice One Verve Articles

Article

AI and the Voiceover Industry

How do voice actors protect themselves with the rise of AI?

May 31, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 30-June 4) and what's coming your way next week.

May 30, 2023
Read More
Article

The Elder Scrolls Online Voice Over Deep Dive

A deep dive with ZeniMax Online Studio’s VO Lead, Becky Ichnoski about how all of Tamriel’s characters get their voices!

May 24, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 22-28) and what's coming your way next week.

May 22, 2023
Read More
Article

Man gives funny voiceovers to animals and it's making the internet crack up

A hilarious social media handle has dedicated itself to narrating animals' inner monologues.

May 17, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 15-21) and what's coming your way next week.

May 15, 2023
Read More
Article

Celebrating AAPI Voice Actors!

Celebrating AAPI Voice Actors for Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

May 10, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 8-14) and what's coming your way next week.

May 8, 2023
Read More
Article

Finding the Poetry

If ad agencies are thinking about poetry, as voice actors we must also keep this top of mind.

May 3, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 1-7) and what's coming your way next week.

May 1, 2023
Read More
Article

Voicing concerns: are big-name actors ruining animated movies?

Pros and cons of celebrity voice acting

April 26, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (April 24-30) and what's coming your way next week.

April 24, 2023
Read More
Article

Celebrating National Poetry Month

In honor of National Poetry Month, Sally shares her love of poetry.

April 19, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (April 17-23) and what's coming your way next week.

April 17, 2023
Read More
Article

World Voice Day 2023

Your Voice Matters! Celebrating World Voice Day 2023

April 12, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (April 10-16) and what's coming your way next week.

April 10, 2023
Read More
Article

Studio Efficiency by Jim Edgar

Thoughts on Flow and Workflow

April 5, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (April 3-9) and what's coming your way next week.

April 3, 2023
Read More
Classes

Youth Summer VO Program 2023

The Youth VO Program returns this Summer! And it's better than EVER!

March 29, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Mar 27-Apr 2) and what's coming your way next week.

March 27, 2023
Read More
Interview

Voice Actress Sarah Natochenny and the Importance of Ash Ketchum

Sarah Natochenny voiced Pokémon’s Ash Ketchum for 17 years. Q&A.

March 22, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Mar 20-26) and what's coming your way next week.

March 20, 2023
Read More
Article

HBO’s The Last of Us: Voice Actor Cameos You Might've Missed

Warning -- spoilers ahead! Click to read about voice actor cameos in The Last of Us.

March 15, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Mar 13-19) and what's coming your way next week.

March 13, 2023
Read More
Article

Embrace Equity for International Women's Day

Everyone can embrace and actively support equity.

March 8, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Mar 6-12) and what's coming your way next week.

March 6, 2023
Read More
Article

Let Your Passion Give You Confidence

How to harness your confidence.

March 1, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Feb 27 - Mar 5) and what's coming your way next week.

February 27, 2023
Read More
Article

What Power Sounds Like

Samara Bay Wants to Change What Power Sounds Like

February 22, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Feb 20-26) and what's coming your way next week.

February 20, 2023
Read More
Article

2023 Super Bowl Recap

Highlights from the 2023 Super Bowl

February 15, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Feb 13-19) and what's coming your way next week.

February 13, 2023
Read More
Article

2023 Super Bowl Watching Guide

We've created a guide you can use for your Super Bowl watching party!

February 8, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Feb 6-12) and what's coming your way next week.

February 6, 2023
Read More
Article

25 Quotes About Improv

From Robin Williams to Tina Fey, here are 25 reasons why improv will not only make you a better actor, but will change your life!

February 1, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 30-Feb 5) and what's coming your way next week.

January 30, 2023
Read More
Article

Tips for Video Game Voice Actors

Words of wisdom on the video game industry from Voice over veterans.

January 25, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 23-29) and what's coming your way next week.

January 23, 2023
Read More
Article

Instructor Interview: Monday Night Acting at Voice One

Erika sits down with Marvin Greene to discuss the importance of studying the craft, his favorite breakthroughs, and more!

January 18, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 16-22) and what's coming your way next week.

January 16, 2023
Read More
Article

Overcoming Audition Anxiety -- WITH IMPROV!

Guest post: Overcoming audition anxiety with improv!

January 11, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 9-15) and what's coming your way next week.

January 9, 2023
Read More
Article

Simple Steps to Help Achieve Your Voice Over Goals

Get out of your own way and own your year in VO by applying this advice. Here are four simple steps to help you reach your goals!

January 4, 2023
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Jan 2-8) and what's coming your way next week.

January 2, 2023
Read More
Event

Voice One's 2022 Year-In-Review

Here's a look back at the fun we had in 2022

December 29, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Dec 12-18) and what's coming your way next week.

December 12, 2022
Read More
Classes

Holiday Gift Guide 2022

Check out these gift ideas for the voice actors in your life

December 7, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Dec 5-11) and what's coming your way next week.

December 5, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Nov 28-Dec 4) and what's coming your way next week.

November 28, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Nov 21-27) and what's coming your way next week.

November 21, 2022
Read More
Event

Our Heartfelt Gratitude this Thanksgiving

We wish you happiness, success, and good company this Thanksgiving

November 16, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Nov 14-22) and what's coming your way next week.

November 14, 2022
Read More
Article

Tips for Voice Acting in Toys

Three key tips for voice acting in toys

November 10, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Nov 7-13) and what's coming your way next week.

November 7, 2022
Read More
Article

Q&A with Cissy Jones, Melissa Hutchison, and Gavin Hammon

Cissy Jones, Melissa Hutchison, and Gavin Hammon share advice, discuss their careers, experience, and day to day life as working voice actors.

November 2, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Oct 31-Nov 6) and what's coming your way next week.

October 31, 2022
Read More
Article

Expert Voice123 Tips

Expert Voice123 tips from Natasha Marchewka and Katherine Tole

October 26, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Oct 24-30) and what's coming your way next week.

October 24, 2022
Read More
Article

Tips for Your VO Recording Settings

What are the "right" settings for voiceover recording?

October 19, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Oct 17-23) and what's coming your way next week.

October 16, 2022
Read More
Article

October: Dyslexia Awareness Month

Many actors are affected by dyslexia, but it isn't talked about enough.

October 12, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Oct 10-16) and what's coming your way next week.

October 10, 2022
Read More
Interview

Celebrating Hispanic Voice Actors!

Celebrating Hispanic Voice Actors for Hispanic Heritage Month

October 5, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Oct 3-9) and what's coming your way next week.

October 3, 2022
Read More
Interview

VO Spotlight: Desirée Goyette

Spotlight on a phenomenal voice actor, composer, singer, and teacher.

September 28, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Sep 26-Oct 2) and what's coming your way next week.

September 26, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Sep 19-25) and what's coming your way next week.

September 19, 2022
Read More
Interview

Insight and Advice for Voice Actors from Kaitlyn Robrock, the Voice Of Minnie Mouse

Insight and advice from Kaitlyn Robrock, the voice Of Minnie Mouse, for voice actors

September 14, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Sep 12-18) and what's coming your way next week.

September 12, 2022
Read More
Interview

VO Spotlight: Cissy Jones

Interviews with this phenomenal voice actor and teacher

September 7, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Sep 6-11) and what's coming your way next week.

September 6, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Aug 29-Sep 4) and what's coming your way next week.

August 29, 2022
Read More
Article

Insights from Working Voice Over Actors and Creatives

Helpful Insights from Working Voice Over Actors and Creatives

August 24, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Aug 22-28) and what's coming your way next week.

August 22, 2022
Read More
Article

Summer Fast Track Highlight Reel!

Check out our highlight reel of the 2022 Summer Fast Track program!

August 17, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Aug 15-21) and what's coming your way next week.

August 15, 2022
Read More
Article

Instructor Interview: Shelley Avellino and Angeli Fitch on Expanding your Bookings

Erika sits down with Shelley and Angeli to discuss marketing tips on how to grow your voice-over career and their upcoming classes focused on LinkedIn Marketing for Voiceover and Booking International Work.

August 10, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Aug 8-14) and what's coming your way next week.

August 8, 2022
Read More
Article

2022 Summer Fast Track Three Week Update

We're three weeks into Summer Fast Track 2022! Take a peek at how things are going so far.

August 3, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (Aug 1-7) and what's coming your way next week.

August 1, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 25-31) and what's coming your way next week.

July 25, 2022
Read More
Article

Summer Fast Track 2022 has Begun!

It's week one of Summer Fast Track 2022! Take a peek at how things are going so far.

July 20, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 18-24) and what's coming your way next week.

July 18, 2022
Read More
Article

Stranger Things Actor's Voiceover is Creepily Good

**Spoiler Alert** This article discusses a pivotal character from Stranger Things season 4.

July 13, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 11 - 17) and what's coming your way next week.

July 11, 2022
Read More
Classes

July classes for advanced students and working pros

Don't miss these three classes to keep your skills (and your audio) sharp this summer!

July 7, 2022
Read More
Article

What a Voice Actor does in a Workday

Curious as to what an average workday for a voice actor looks like? Well, look no further!

July 6, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (July 4 - July 10) and what's coming your way next week.

July 5, 2022
Read More
Article

The 2022 Fall Schedule is Here!!!

The 2022 Fall Schedule is Here!!! Get it while it's hot!​ ​ 

June 29, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (June 27 - July 3) and what's coming your way next week.

June 27, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (June 20 - 26) and what's coming your way next week.

June 20, 2022
Read More
Article

21 Things You Never Knew About Being A Professional Voice Actor

21 Things You Never Knew About Being A Professional Voice Actor, According to Austin Tindle

June 15, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (June 13 - 19) and what's coming your way next week.

June 13, 2022
Read More
Article

How Kristen Schaal Became the Queen of Quirky Voice Acting

How Kristen Schaal became the queen of quirky voice acting

June 8, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (June 6 - 12) and what's coming your way next week.

June 6, 2022
Read More
Article

People of Global Majority VO List: Interview with Jennifer Sun Bell

Jennifer Sun Bell of The PGM VO List has an enlightening conversation with Voice One's Danny Scott about global majority voices in the voiceover industry.

June 1, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 31-June 5) and what's coming your way next week.

May 31, 2022
Read More
Article

Video Game Voice Acting is More Diverse Than it Has Been in the Past

Hear advice from Anjali Bhimani, Cissy Jones, and Jennifer Hale as they discuss voice acting for video games from the feminine perspective in this panel from GamesBeat Summit.

May 25, 2022
Read More
Classes

This week at Voice One

A quick look at what's new, what's here this week (May 23-29) and what's coming your way next week.

May 23, 2022
Read More
Article

Why Dubbing Has Become More Crucial to Netflix’s Business

Explore the role dubbing plays at Netflix, with interesting nuggets from the dubbing and subtitling team at Netflix themselves!

May 18, 2022
Read More