November Study Group
In this video, I share my experiences with voice acting and character work, reflecting on my recent sessions for a video game and the valuable lessons learned about preparation and character development. I discuss the importance of establishing relationships and locations in improv, which directly translates to voiceover auditions. We engage in warm-up exercises, including improv games, to enhance our skills and creativity. I encourage everyone to embrace these opportunities for learning and growth, both in improv and voice acting. Please consider how you can apply these insights to your own work and continue to practice your improv skills.
(You can watch the video directly on Loom to be able to click on timestamps)
00:00 Introduction and Expectations
01:40 Checking Attendance
04:03 Character Work Reflection
06:25 Professional Aspirations
09:01 Learning from Others
10:41 Focus on Mid-Range Content
12:22 Learning and Presenting
14:04 Building Client Relationships
16:19 Side Projects vs. Main Focus
18:01 Importance of Recreation
20:13 Improv Warm-Up Activities
23:47 Sending Auditions
26:01 Warm-Up with Seven Things
29:24 Seven Things Exercise
33:12 Alphabet Game Participation
October Study Group
In this study group session, I welcomed Diane and Nikki, discussing the purpose of our gathering, which is to help assimilate course information and engage in improv exercises to enhance our voiceover skills. We explored the importance of creativity in our reads and how to trust ourselves in the booth. I addressed questions about setting up a voiceover studio and when to upload samples to ACX, emphasizing the value of feedback and coaching. Additionally, we talked about the significance of embracing our unique voices and backgrounds in our work. I encouraged everyone to continue practicing and to reach out with any further questions or for feedback on their progress.
(You can watch the video directly on Loom to be able to click on timestamps)
00:00 Introduction and Welcome
02:00 Study Group Purpose
04:00 Creative Voiceover Techniques
05:48 Setting Up Studio
07:40 Uploading Samples
09:40 Nikki's Early Morning Thoughts
11:40 Building Relationships
13:40 Exploring Unique Voices
15:40 Authenticity in Voiceover
17:40 Practicing Voiceover Skills
19:40 Reading Commercials
21:40 Mental Load in Voiceover
23:40 Navigating Bad Scripts
25:40 Personal Stories Shared
27:40 Encouragement and Motivation
September Study Group
In this video, I share updates about our upcoming study group sessions and the importance of improv for voice actors. We discussed how improv can enhance our auditioning skills and help us think on our feet during recording sessions. I also addressed some common challenges with auditioning platforms like ACX and Voices.com, encouraging everyone to consider marketing as an alternative path. I invite you to participate in our upcoming webinar on Thursday, where we'll dive deeper into these topics. Please feel free to reach out with any questions or insights you have!
(You can watch the video directly on Loom to be able to click on timestamps)
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
01:40 Travel Plans Discussion
05:46 Study Group Overview
07:30 Improv Benefits for Voice Acting
09:58 Auditioning Platforms Discussion
11:48 Personal Experiences on Platforms
14:30 Technical Questions on Equipment
16:10 Microphone Setup Clarification
20:12 Improv Exercises Introduction
24:01 Game Rules Explained
26:35 First Game: Types of Jackets
29:01 Fast Food Items Game
31:06 Types of Fish Game
32:48 Items at the Beach Game
34:56 Improv Scene Setup
August Study Group
In this video, we had a productive session discussing our recent wins and challenges in voiceover work, including the balance between auditions and agent bookings. I shared my experience with unexpected bookings from auditions and how I’m adjusting my routine to accommodate voiceover practice. We also engaged in some fun improv exercises to enhance our skills, focusing on high and low status dynamics in scenes. I encourage everyone to think about specificity in their performances and interactions, as it can greatly enhance our auditions. Please consider practicing these techniques before our next meeting, where we’ll continue to build on these skills.
(You can watch the video directly on Loom to be able to click on timestamps)
00:00 Introduction and Greetings
02:14 Technical Difficulties
04:04 Booking Updates
06:06 Audition Insights
07:58 Online Casting Discussion
10:01 Trenise's Wins and Updates
11:51 Audiobook Course Discussion
19:00 Alphabet Game: Candy
23:16 Character Scene Preparation
26:44 Baby Shower Scene Setup
30:16 Scene Performance: Expecting Mother
34:59 Scene Reflection and Feedback
39:20 Gerald's Scene Introduction
41:28 National Park Scene Setup
46:31 Scene Performance: Tour Guide
July Study Group
Improv Skills and Techniques
The study group session focused on improv exercises, with Carrie explaining their purpose in helping actors develop quick thinking and audition skills. Carrie introduced the basic rules of improv, including "Yes, and," which involves affirming and building upon a scene partner's statements. The group then played a warm-up game called "7 Things," where participants take turns naming items in a category while the rest of the group counts and encourages them, even when they make up names if they can't think of a real one.
Deepening Improv Through Storytelling
Carrie led an improvisation exercise focused on building relationships and giving meaningful gifts in scenes. She emphasized the importance of adding backstory and familiarity to conversations, contrasting with transactional exchanges. The exercise aimed to encourage deeper, story-driven improvisation rather than purely transactional or superficial interactions.
Improv Exercise and Feedback Discussion
The group discussed their experiences with an improv exercise, where they played scenarios involving a carnival and a mother's role. Carrie provided feedback on the exercise, emphasizing the importance of not asking questions unless it's part of the game, as questions can sometimes hinder the flow. Brooke shared her observation about the challenge of shifting into a motherly role and the difficulty of saying "no" versus "yes" in improv. Gerald, who was new to improv, expressed his enjoyment of the exercise and his willingness to continue practicing. The group also discussed the TV show "Bluey" as an example of improv-like behavior in a scripted context.