The Art of Auditioning for a Voiceover Role

Technology is slowly changing the voiceover world. Apart from improved recording tools and applications, voiceover auditions have also changed significantly. You don’t have to attend the audition in person and you can simply record your audition and send it to the producers. Directly, through an agent or a third party website. However, digital implementation in the voiceover world has also come with its fair share of challenges. Online and pre-recorded online auditions can be very overwhelming. Here are some of the ways you can launch your career as a voiceover actor in Nashville, TN and elsewhere.

Do your Homework

Even before you hit that record button, make sure that you understand the do’s and don’ts in voice acting. Acquaint yourself with techniques that optimize your profile as a voiceover actor. More importantly, make sure that you have the necessary equipment to record a quality voiceover.

Don’t Read the Whole Script

In a real life scenario, people hate prolonged activities. The same is replicated in the voice acting industry. Potential clients will only be interested in the first few seconds of your audition. Remember, those few seconds should be your selling point.

Don’t always let the Copy be Your Guide

The voiceover industry requires a lot of creativity. Sticklers of the rules are less likely to make it big in the industry. This is why during your auditions, try to bring out the best in you. Simply following the guide does not bring forward the kind of personality that many producers want to work with. For example, if your original copy was just plain text, try including natural pauses... ums, ahs, etc. they way we all normally talk when recording your narration.

Avoid Slating during the Audition

Slating means mentioning your name at the beginning of the audition. This is however not recommended and unnecessary as your name is always alongside your audio recording for the clients to see. Just make sure you label your files properly with your name.

Be Authentic

How you approach a voiceover should project your unique way of doing things, your voice and your interpretation of the script. Whereas every voiceover job will have its guidelines, make use of your creativity to bring out skills that that are beyond your constraints. In fact, some people believe that creativity is best projected when the job has no set of guidelines. Ideally, this means that you are allowed to break a few rules to show your uniqueness.

Reflect on Past Failures-Focus on the Future

Making a breakthrough as a voiceover actor takes time. If you haven’t found success yet, it’s not the end of the road. Voice acting is a very tough field and with the numerous rejections you are likely to encounter, always remember that low-lows come with high-highs.
Just roll with the punches and don't take rejection personally.