Ever dreamed of becoming a voice actor but felt overwhelmed by where to start? You're not alone. The world of voice acting is both thrilling and competitive, but with the right guidance, you can turn your passion into a career. Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt, seasoned voice actors with decades of experience in video games, animation, and commercials, share their insider tips to help you break into the industry. But here's where it gets controversial: success isn’t just about having a great voice—it’s about mastering the craft, embracing vulnerability, and living a life worth acting out. Ready to dive in? Here’s their five-step blueprint to launching your voice acting career.
1. Fall in Love with Acting—Not Just Voice Acting
Voice acting is acting, plain and simple. Whether you’re on stage, on screen, or behind a microphone, the core principles remain the same: understanding the script, crafting a character, and making bold choices. And this is the part most people miss: if you want to excel in voice-over, start by honing your acting skills. Take classes, join a theater group, or even film your own projects with friends. Let your imagination run wild—it’s your most powerful tool. Without a deep love for the craft, your voice will just be another sound in the crowd.
2. Use Your Body—Even If No One Sees It
Here’s a surprising truth: voice acting isn’t just about your voice. It’s about your entire body. Even though only the director and engineer will see you in the booth, your physicality adds depth and authenticity to your performance. Picture this: during an intense fight scene in a video game, Yuri and Tara often break a sweat, fully embodying their characters. Let your body move, your face contort, and your emotions flow—the audience will feel it, even if they can’t see it. Just remember: don’t knock over the microphone!
3. Live a Life Worth Acting
To quote Ian Holm in Big Night, ‘You must bite your teeth into the ass of life!’ What does this mean for voice actors? Here’s the bold take: interesting people make interesting characters. Don’t limit yourself to acting classes. Fill your life with experiences that excite, challenge, or intrigue you. Travel, learn new skills, or pursue hobbies that light your fire. These experiences will infuse your performances with depth and uniqueness, setting you apart from the competition.
4. Be the Person Everyone Wants to Work With
This might sound obvious, but it’s worth repeating: kindness and professionalism go a long way. The entertainment industry is collaborative, and being a team player makes you memorable—for all the right reasons. Show up on time, respect everyone’s contributions, and remember: it’s not just about you. When you’re easy to work with, directors and producers will keep calling you back. Simple as that.
5. Master the Art of Reading—Without Sounding Like You’re Reading
Most voice acting happens in a booth, script in hand. The challenge? Making it sound natural, even if it’s your first time seeing the words. Here’s the secret: practice reading aloud every day. Train your voice to flow seamlessly, so you’re not just reading—you’re performing. Think of it as becoming an Olympic medalist in reading. The better you get, the more your unique voice will shine through.
So, are you ready to step into the booth? Remember, your voice is one of a kind—own it, nurture it, and let it soar. As Yuri and Tara say, ‘Raise Your Voice!’
Now, we want to hear from you: Do you think natural talent or hard work is more important in voice acting? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
