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Every semi-successful voice-over actor gets asked the same question over and over by fans and even their local plumber.
How do I get into voice acting?
If you want to know how to get into voice acting, based on my experience as a voice actor for 40 years, here’s my answer.
I don’t have a clue anymore.
I’m not kidding!
But seriously… The way to make it in the business changes every day
I want to give you the real truth as someone who has been a voiceover actor since 1981.
When I first got started, the voice acting business was competitive but strategically located. Although you could get some commercial or industrial work in major cities, the main markets were Los Angeles and New York.
I fell into anime dubbing accidentally after answering an ad in Drama-Logue which merged into Backstage West and I was lucky to get hired to do a ton of anime work over the years. But, I’ve also done all sorts of voice acting work including commercials, video games, ADR, audiobooks, and more.
I was lucky to be part of a small group of dubbers during the 80s, 90s, and 2000s. (Small meaning about 30 people compared to thousands today) Every time a project came into town, we would all be called to work on it.
Original animation, which is recorded before the animation is drawn, was and still is performed by a very small cadre of extremely talented voice actors. It’s difficult to break into unless you are hugely talented or lucky. The best animation actors are masters of improvisation. Those who are off the wall and have a flexible voice range do most of the work. Think Tress McNeille or Dan Castellaneta, who I worked with as a guest on “Hey Arnold.” They are insanely talented/
Anime dubbing requires a special skill. It is one of the lowest-paid genres of voice acting but many people want to get into it because they are fans. The truth is, to be successful in anime, you must be a serious actor but also have the ability to sync the dialog with a flapping mouth that has already been filmed in another language.
Okay, it’s a little easier to do than when I first started as technology has improved.
The best dubbers have a sense of musicality or “rhythm.” If you can sing, you will probably be good at dubbing.
How can I make big bucks in voice acting?
Original animation is more lucrative than anime because 90% of it is still done under a union contract. That means you must be a member of SAG-AFTRA or find a producer willing to Taft-Hartley you. You not only get residuals but can qualify for a pension and health insurance if you work enough.
Commercials used to be the way voice actors made the big bucks but because of streaming most commercials are now done mostly by celebrities or influencers on Instagram. I do brand deals as an influencer and get paid to do it. I have been doing it even BEFORE, it became a SAG-AFTRA contract. It may not pay your mortgage like a National commercial used to but it’s a good way to earn extra cash.
A few chosen voice actors, mostly men, make a good living doing voiceovers for movie trailer promos and announcer gigs but that’s a hard nut to crack even for highly experienced voice talent.
Video games also pay well, but they notoriously ruin your voice because there’s often a lot of screaming involved. Gamers love action and violence. You may not think that’s not a problem when you’re young but it can really mess up your vocal cords and put you out of business when you get older.
ADR (Automatic Dialogue Replacement and working in a Loop Group is another way you can make decent money in voice acting. Voice actors are brought in to sweeten up the voices of extras in films and TV shows and sometimes replace the voices of other actors.
With AI Technology emerging, this may become a thing of the past as voice actors’ voices are being cloned.
I did ADR on ANTZ, The Santa Clause, Beverly Hills Cop III, Dr. Doolittle, and many other projects over the years. I was mostly brought in to voice kid or teen party scenes because I have a young-sounding voice.
To be successful in ADR it’s best if you have an unrecognizable voice. My voice has a distinct sound so it limited my opportunities. Even though I’m old enough to be a Grandma, I still sound like a kid running through a hall when I’m doing a hospital scene. You have to be realistic about what your voice can do because you will almost always be cast in roles that are closest to your vocal range.
How do I become “successful” in voice-overs?
The industry these days is INSANELY competitive so I don’t recommend spending all your money to become a voice actor unless it’s a primary passion for you. Most voiceover work these days is done remotely by voice actors who have home studios. You can live in a tiny town in Kansas, and be successful if you work hard enough. On the downside, this has significantly increased the talent pool.
To land a paying job, you have to be talented, persistent, and dedicated
Some voice actors have packed up their bags, quit their real jobs, and moved to Los Angeles only to find themselves struggling to survive. I live in L.A. and can tell you it’s freaking EXPENSIVE to live here. Your entire income gets sucked up into your rent so you MUST have other sources of income or a full/part-time job when you are first starting out if you want to eat.
Young actors don’t always listen to their elders and don’t think about the future until it is too late. I know because I was young once. No one told me to save money, create multiple income streams, or plan for retirement. Most voice actors can never fully retire unless they have the luxury of being on a never-ending show like The Simpsons.
Struggling actors work as Uber drivers, deliver food, do temp work, work as extras, do flexible jobs online, start a YouTube channel, or become a mock juror. Some even work as clowns for children’s birthday parties. Hey, being a clown is creepy but it’s acting, right? You shouldn’t feel guilty about trying to survive so do what you need to do.
The truth is, you can be a big fish in a small pond or a small fish in a big pond. Are you sure you want to pack up, move to LA, and swim with the swarm?
Cattle calls, really?
I always had better outcomes when I walked into a casting office and did an audition. When I recorded auditions at my agent’s office and they were sent to casting directors, I wasn’t nearly as successful. Can you imagine what it’s like now with thousands of actors emailing their clips from home or posting links to their demos on social media sites? You have to record hundreds of auditions to book one gig. In-house auditions are almost non-existent. Getting cast is like winning the lottery!
In my opinion, cattle calls are a waste of time and mostly result in little to no pay. Some of these “online casting directors” may also be data mining as well, so be careful.
I don’t mean to be a Debbie Downer but . . .
Realize there are people out there who are ready and willing to separate you from your money even if you don’t have a chance in hell of becoming a successful voice actor.
Only get into voice acting if you have a burning desire to do the work, can deal with rejection well, are mentally stable, and have sufficient talent and training as an actor. If you only want to do it because you are a fan, good luck, but I don’t recommend it!
DO NOT pay big bucks for classes, demo reels, websites, home studios, or advertising unless you are absolutely determined to succeed and train as an actor!
Do you really need a voiceover coach?
Big confession: I never hired a voice acting coach. I was fortunate to learn on the job.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t hire a coach. They can make a difference in your success if they know what they are doing. The problem is, there are too many “coaches” who are unqualified, overpriced, or mediocre. Their main goal may be to get you to make a professional demo reel, which costs a fortune. An actor’s income is unpredictable, so be careful what you invest in and do your research.
Scammers and those just out to pay their rent are willing to take on anyone who says they want to be a voice actor even if they have zero talent or are mentally unstable. These aspiring actors spend the money they need to live on with no return on their investment. I know one voice actor who took 50 classes online during the pandemic. He must be rich, his parents are paying for it, or he’s deeply in debt. Just saying.
Find a coach who is successful in the business and is good at teaching. Not everyone can coach or teach. I certainly can’t.
The word “Voice Actor” has the word “actor” in it for a reason
I trained as a theatre actor before going into voiceovers. I started in high school, was a theater major in college, and performed on stage in Los Angeles where I won awards for outstanding performances. Take “acting” and “improv” classes first.
What got me gigs as a voice actor was not only my acting experience but also MY VOICE. I naturally sound like a kid, even in my 60s.
Don’t feel that you must create a wide range of character voices. The majority of roles you will land will be in your normal speaking range. Almost all the roles I have played as a voice actor are variations of my own voice. When you work outside of your range it’s difficult to maintain, especially in a large role and you could damage your vocal cords over time. That’s not to say you shouldn’t try to stretch or be original but there will always be actors who will be more suited for that type of voice than you.
Focus on what you do best.
Are agents still necessary?
I was signed with a top voice-over agency for 25 years that set up my commercial and animation auditions. I booked some great ones including national commercials. However, I got the bulk of my work on my own, through friends I knew in the business.
Then, life happened, my agent retired, and I got booted out because the agency’s main focus was more on movie trailers and promos and not animation which my voice is more suited for. It’s sad to say but the voiceover industry is not necessarily loyal, especially as you age or have things happen to you in life. There will always be someone newer and cuter and there are fewer roles for women, period.
An agent is most helpful if you are in the union and live in a large market like Los Angeles or New York. They get 10% of what you make in commission but that 10% does not come out of your paycheck unless you have a shady agent. You are entitled to scale. Your agent negotiates 10% on top of that and whatever he or she negotiates over that. A manager can take over 15% commission on top of what your agent gets.
Most actors do not need a manager unless they are at the top of their field. If you land an agent, that’s great but many are not worth your time. Always check the list of SAG-AFTRA franchised agents and look at online reviews. If you want to be a voice actor, make sure the agency focuses on that or forget about it.
Why you should join SAG-AFTRA when you qualify
I’ve been a member of SAG-AFTRA since 1981. Union membership protects actors from shady producers who want to take advantage of them financially. The union is not easy to get into and it’s expensive but I’m proud to be a member. Working non-union undercuts actors’ rates and you get nothing in return for the future.
The other, even more, important reason, is that union work is W2 income. Social Security and health care are taken out to assure that they will be available to you when you need them. You may not think they are important when you are in your 20s, 30s, or 40s, but shit happens and you will be sorry and in deep trouble when you get older.
A freelancer will often take all the income from a 1099 job and use it to eat or pay rent. When tax time comes around they may be surprised that they owe taxes if they don’t take deductions AND will receive a teeny-weeny Social Security check when they are old.
What else do I need to make it in voiceovers?
If you plan to get into voice acting you must realize it’s a business. As artsy as you think you are, you HAVE to market yourself. Successful voice actors know how to sell themselves. They get the people who are hiring on projects to hear their auditions and demos.
Other voice over actors and fans are not the people you should be promoting yourself to. Get to know casting directors, and producers, and collaborate with brands that may need your type of voice. Connect with them in person, online, and on social media. I do sponsored social media and blog posts with brands who pay me to advertise brands on sites like Instagram and Facebook. YouTubers can make big bucks and monetize their channels by creating their own content in whatever niche interests them.
As much as it kills me to say this, you can get started doing voiceover work on sites like Fiverr, and Upwork doing freelance gigs. Some people do well at this though it is not taken seriously in the industry.
In summary, here is what you need to make it in voice acting
- TALENT – As I mentioned before, training as an actor (theatre, improv) is essential if you truly want to be successful in voice acting. Don’t delude yourself by thinking you can skate by without it.
- A qualified coach – Bob Bergen, Kalmanson and Kalmanson, (Cathy used to be one of my agents) Steve Blum, & Marc Graue, are just a few “qualified” coaches who come to mind. DO NOT SPEND big bucks on classes, equipment, or demos unless you ARE SURE they will benefit you.
- Persistence – You need to get your name out there. Meet casting directors and producers, stay in touch with them, call them up if needed, and network. I honestly have to say I completely SUCK at this but it’s necessary.
- Build a professional website – This is important. It wasn’t a thing at all when I started. In the old days, we mailed out reels, headshots, and resumes, which usually ended up in the trash. The reason your website is your most important online real estate is that you own it. Social media platforms come and go. You may have zillions of followers on TikTok, but what would happen if TikTok suddenly gets banned? I created this website by myself because even though I’m a Baby Boomer, I’m tech-savvy. I recommend WordPress because it has the most functionality and is fairly easy to use. Your website needs to be responsive and mobile-friendly. If you can see your entire site when you look on your phone, it’s as OLD as ME.
- Build up your following on Social Media – Your website is your online real estate, but you must also have a Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube presence. Some people have created their own celebrity by uploading home-produced videos on YouTube, TikTok, Reels, or whatever the latest platform is. Use your social media profiles to make connections and don’t rant. (Okay, I got booted off one of my Twitter (now X) accounts for ranting – my bad!)
- Pay to Play sites SUCK! When I was coming up as an actor, the Screen Actor’s Guild always warned us, “If anyone asks you to pay to audition, run away as fast as you can.” Charging for auditions is WRONG and most of the work is non-union and underpaid. Those companies are only out to make a buck . . . from YOU.
- Build a home studio – I ADORED having an engineer set up my mic and worry about the sound quality so all I had to focus on was my performance. Now YOU have to be an engineer and all those cool engineers are out of work. Many struggling actors do not have a suitable space to work in so be creative. Even a pillow fort can work. You need decent equipment and the right software. Still, you don’t have to invest in an expensive booth. If you have a closet you can record inside there. Clothing is fabulous for sucking up sound and so are furniture pads. Set up a space between your sweatpants and your winter coat. Then, hope your dog doesn’t bark or the gardener doesn’t show up when you are recording. Once you become wildly successful, then, invest in a professional booth if you have the space.
Watch my TikTok of me in my closet – which I couldn’t stand and am now looking for a better space.
- Equipment – Smartphones are getting better all the time but they aren’t a replacement for a professional microphone. However, it doesn’t have to be expensive. I am still using an Audio Technica 2020 condenser mic, a pop filter, a small Beringer mixer, Sennheiser headphones, and record using Audacity, which is free. There are more expensive setups out there but remember all your business expenses will add up so wait to upgrade AFTER you start making lots of money. You will also need Source Connect, Skype, Zoom, Teams, or whatever is required for your gigs.
- Demos – You can spend a huge amount of money on a demo, then get an agent, and 99% of the time, they will want you to make new a new one to their specifications. If you are at the start of your career, be careful, and only make a professional demo when you are ready. You should also update your demos frequently. I just recently took off my commercial for MTV. LOL!
- Find a knowledgeable tax advisor so you can write off your business expenses properly.
- Determine if a voice acting career is really for you. Start a podcast. It’s fun and you can even make sponsorship income doing it or collect donations on Patreon. You’ll get practice using equipment, work on marketing, and see if you like the sound of your own voice.
- Be prepared to fly by the seat of your pants – Acting work is cyclical and unpredictable. You may be flying high one year and live on food stamps the next. This can take a toll on you mentally and could affect your family and kids. There are many immensely talented actors out there who never got a break and end up on the street. You have to be strong enough to work through the ups and downs.
- Create your own projects – The creator space has the potential to make actors and other creative types a shitload of money. The best platform to do this is YouTube. People search for “how-to’s” all the time. If you are good at something people are searching for, they will find you on YouTube. Once you build up an audience you can earn Google ad income that is passive. You can also create your own celebrity. If the thought of rejection makes you want to vomit, you won’t have to worry about that as a digital creator. I’m having fun with my 3 YouTube channels and am forcing myself in front of the camera.
Think about your future because I didn’t
One day you will get old, trust me. As a “senior” I receive a check from Social Security and a small SAG-AFTRA pension in addition to any voice acting gigs I get and my blogger/influencer business.
You have to have a fallback plan and invest in your retirement because if you only work sporadically, as most voice actors do, life will happen and you must get through it. It “happened” to me!
I survived 2 men who died of cancer, was a single mom, and suffered in the housing crisis of 2008. In addition to doing voiceovers, I sold makeup, promoted a large networking organization, built websites for clients, and later became a blogger/influencer. I did it to support my kids until they moved out and now to afford rent as a single woman in Los Angeles. That doesn’t mean I gave up my voiceover career at any point, but sometimes people in the industry get confused and think I did. Never feel guilty about doing what you must to survive.
Contribute to your Social Security account by either working W2 income (union work) or by paying your self-employment or corporate taxes. JUST DO IT!
Books on voice acting that are worth checking out:
- Voice-Over Voice Actor: The Extended Edition by Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Platt
- Voice-Over 101: How to Succeed as a Voice Actor by Debi Derryberry
- Sound Advice: Voiceover from an Audio Engineer’s Perspective by Dan Friedman
Technologies change in a heartbeat. You can learn just about anything on YouTube and other social platforms but check the date to make sure the videos you are watching are current.
Learn voice acting and business skills online on sites like Udemy and Masterclass.
Trade Publications
Voice Over Tips Online
- VO Buzz Weekly
- Bob Bergen offers free tips online on his Instagram account and is extremely generous as an online mentor.
Conventions as a guest voice actor
A popular anime voice actor once told me the bulk of his voice acting income comes from being a guest at anime conventions. That says a lot about the unpredictability of working in voiceover. Some actors have convention agents. You get paid to attend as a guest, free airfare, hotel, and per diem. As a guest, you can sell your autographs and other merchandise.
Although selling autographs can be awkward, it seems to be the current business model for alternative streams of income. The convention may require you to do panels and sometimes hold a class. I have been a guest at many anime conventions. What I love is the free travel and engaging with my fans. I enjoy the extra income too. There are still costs involved like paying artists to commission drawings and print copies and make banners, which can be costly. Sometimes it is provided for you depending on the gig.
It is essential to have a life aside from acting
I have two kids who are now adults, I love to travel, have hobbies, am a blogger, and enjoy dogs (although I am dogless at the moment) Do things that spark your interest in addition to your acting career to provide balance in your life. Go to museums, art galleries, concerts, films, theatre, take a cooking class, learn to fly, whatever. Acting is not the end-all, be-all of life.
Stay fit. OMG! As someone in my 60s, I can’t tell you how important that is! You can’t record in a dark booth or a recording studio all day if you can’t stand up. Go for a walk, take a hike, workout, swim, or whatever as long as you keep moving and get some sunshine!
Eat SMART! You don’t have to be a vegan but make sure to consume plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and protein, and stay away from soft drinks and too much alcohol. Drink plenty of water!
Become a whole and interesting person and not just a workaholic. That means being present in the moment. If you are traveling don’t spend your vacation doing auditions in your hotel room! Enjoy the experience fully and learn something new about the world.
Working as an actor or voice actor can be brutal to your ego and you can age out even as a voice actor. Enjoy life, have a family if you want someone to take care of you in your old age, and live a balanced life.
If you have questions about voice acting follow me on Twitter @rebeccaforstadt or email me at rebecca@rebeccaforstadt.com
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