The voice is one of the most important tools for actors, adding nuance and quite literally breathing new life into texts. Whether you’re looking to create a goosebump-inducing showstopper or simply add emotion to your lines, taking the time and making the effort to train your voice is essential.

Some voice actors specialize in character voices, creating distinctive sounds for cartoon characters or commercials. Others are more suited to narrative projects or films. Those with both skills sets may be better suited for a hybrid career, recording voice overs in addition to acting on camera.

In addition to learning how to read scripts and preparing for auditions, it’s important for voice actors to build a portfolio of quality work. A good showreel contains a sample of a variety of different styles and will demonstrate any special skills, such as singing.

It’s also important for voice actors to define a niche, or at least what they are best suited to. Are you a character actor who loves to play different voices, or are you more suited to commercial voice overs? Then you can focus your training and practice on achieving those specific skills.

One way that voice actors can hone their craft is to attend a voice over coach class. These classes often take place via telephone or video chat and provide a more class-like environment than a standard webinar. The coach will take notes as the actor performs a script and offers guidance and feedback. This is a great option for those who are busy or preoccupied with other commitments, as the sessions can be booked according to your schedule. Voice actor training