The Dream of Voiceover, that came from a Dream, Literally

Rebecca Haugh has a Very cool life. She’s a voiceover artist who splits her time between Italy and California.

“And it all came to me in a dream,” she says. “I dreamed I saw a microphone through a window.”  Some people pay attention to dreams, and some don’t. Rebecca did. And that resulted in this.

Heavily cultured and degreed in television, film, and broadcasting, Rebecca had ample experience in all forms of show business before voiceover became a full-time occupation.

So, it wasn’t until later in life that Rebecca had an epiphany. “That’s how I’ll live internationally; I’ll do voiceover.”  And that’s exactly what she did, and it worked.

Rebecca’s first national ad.

Here, again, is an example of the gift that voiceover offers the cultured person. “I’m a digital nomad,” she says, “and I can be anywhere on earth from California to Rome and still deliver with the very same effectiveness.”

And she’s right. All the producer of any project is looking for is an exceptional performance. And Rebecca does that.

So, being as creative and seasoned as Rebecca, in fact, is - she imagined how to live a fascinating life in the arts, as she lives on the planet wherever she wanted to. It worked. www.LovethatRebecca.com

Educated at San Jose University, her fascination with broadcasting and all it entails took her down a road for years of being on-camera and remaining relative. And with a professor for a father and living as a playful kid in Culver City, Rebecca became an original. 

She could act. She could host. She could produce marketing and graphic design. She could do it all. And all that background led to the world of voiceover. “Because in VO, you do not have to live in LA or go to an office, and you can set the course of your life on your own terms.”

And Rebecca loves voiceover because of the anonymity. “Nobody knows who you are, and I like that,” she says. “I created this life.”

And amid this freedom, Rebecca created her project www.voimprov.com. It’s a way to teach the younger or older generation a great way to be original.

All of these ideas came to Rebecca through the course of several reinventions. From one stage to the next, she proved to herself that one size does not fit all. And she may be in the countryside of Rome, Italy, or somewhere in California, but you’d never know.

So, if you ever feel in a funk in your voiceover career, think about Rebecca Haugh. She took her dream of a microphone, which literally happened to her during sleep, and “I listened to that instinct.”

Next on her imaginative list is to host a show as the narrator. “I like animals, and I’d love to wind myself into narrating a show like that,” Rebecca tells me. “Not a serious show, but one written with a lighthearted touch.”

In summation, she is free to live in the business she loves and vagabond enough to live some in Italy and some in the U.S. Rebecca has the liberty to do anything she wants to do whenever she wants to do it.

Artistic people have a way, once seasoned, to create a life they want, not one a corporation has planned. And so, there is no question about it: Rebecca Haugh has a very cool life. What a dream!

Don’t Give Up - Get Started with Voiceover Recording

By Nate Meyers

Laying down the tracks of your voice can be a discouraging hill to climb. I know. It kept me from starting my journey for YEARS—no exaggeration—years. Just take that first step! I have some of the basics below for you. You’ll find that you can achieve great results with the right tools and a bit of practice! Let’s break it down step by step, making it as approachable as possible.

1. Choosing Your Equipment

Microphone

  • Type: A good condenser microphone is your best friend in voiceover work. It captures the nuances of your voice beautifully. Don’t worry—many great options won’t break the bank! Models like the Audio-Technica AT2020 and Rode NT1 are fantastic choices for beginners.

Audio Interface

  • Think of an audio interface as a bridge connecting your microphone to your computer. It’s essential for getting clear sound. Brands like Focusrite and PreSonus have beginner-friendly options that are easy to use.

Headphones

  • Investing in a pair of closed-back headphones is a smart move. They’ll help you monitor your recordings without any distracting background noise. Models like the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x are popular for their comfort and sound quality.

Pop Filter

  • A pop filter is a small, affordable accessory that can make a big difference. It reduces plosive sounds (like “p” and “b”) that can muddy your recordings. They’re easy to set up and well worth the investment.

Good equipment is essential but does not have to be expensive to get started.

 Acoustic Treatment

  • Consider creating a cozy recording space. Soft furnishings like blankets or pillows can help absorb sound and reduce echoes. This is an easy way to enhance your audio quality!

2. Setting Up Your Recording Space

  • Location: Find a quiet room to focus on your recording without interruptions. You’ll be amazed at how much this improves your sound quality!

3. Installing Your DAW

  • Choose a DAW: A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) is where the magic happens! Options like Audacity (free) or GarageBand (for Mac users) are user-friendly and perfect for beginners. Don’t hesitate to explore tutorials—they’ll make learning a breeze!

  • Installation: Download and install your chosen DAW. The process is straightforward, and you’ll be up and running in no time!

Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs) like Garage Band are easy (and free) to use to capture your voiceover recordings.

 4. Connecting Your Equipment

  • Connect the Microphone: If you have an XLR microphone, simply connect it to the audio interface. USB microphones are even easier—just plug them into your computer.

  • Connect the Audio Interface: Plug your audio interface into your computer via USB. Follow any setup prompts, and you’re almost there!

  • Headphones: Connect your headphones to the audio interface to hear yourself clearly while recording.

5. Configuring Your DAW

  • Open Your DAW: Launch your DAW and let the creativity flow!

  • Audio Settings: In the preferences, select your audio interface as the input and output device. Although setting this up may seem technical, it’s a straightforward process that will empower you to record.

  • Create a New Project: Start a new project and add an audio track for your voice. You’re officially ready to record!

6. Recording Your Voice

  • Setting Levels: Do a quick test to set your recording levels. Speak naturally, adjusting the gain until your levels peak around -12 dB to -6 dB. This ensures you capture clear sound without distortion.

  • Monitoring: Use direct monitoring on your audio interface (if available) to hear yourself through the headphones while recording. This can boost your confidence!

  • Start Recording: Press the record button and let your voice shine! Take your time; remember, doing multiple takes is perfectly fine. Each attempt is a step toward improvement.

7. Editing Your Recording

  • Stop Recording: Once you’re done, stop the recording and listen to your take. Celebrate your effort, regardless of how it sounds—this is all part of the learning process!

  • Editing Tools: Use the editing features in your DAW to enhance your recording. Most DAWs have intuitive tools that make this process easier than you might think.

  • Effects: To polish your audio, consider applying basic effects like compression and equalization. These are powerful tools that can help your voice stand out!

8. Exporting Your Recording

  • Finalizing: Once you’re happy with your edits, export your final recording. WAV files are great for high quality, while MP3s are perfect for sharing.

  • Settings: Choosing standard settings (like 16-bit/44.1 kHz) to maintain quality when exporting. You’re getting closer to sharing your voice with the world!

9. Continual Improvement

  • Practice: Embrace the journey! Regular practice is key. Experiment with different styles and techniques to discover what resonates with you.

  • Listen Critically: Keep listening to your recordings with an open mind. Each take is a chance to learn and grow.

  • Learn: Explore tutorials and resources. The more you know, the more confident you’ll become!

Don’t be discouraged; start laying your first tracks TODAY!

Starting your voiceover journey may feel like a big step, but remember, the expert has failed more times than the novice has tried. With each recording (no matter how cringy), you’re honing your craft and building your unique voice. Embrace the learning curve, stay patient, and, most importantly, enjoy the process! You have the potential to create something truly special. Dive in, have fun, and watch your skills flourish!

Try a voiceover class at The Voice Shop. There is a wide range of online or in-person classes for beginners with top industry voiceover coaches.

Get started today and boost your voice-acting capabilities with proven techniques and guidance.

#voiceover #voiceactor #voiceoverclasses #voicecoach #voiceovertraining

From a Lawyer to a Voiceover Artist

Emily McGonagle is a lawyer.

Well, she was. “It was three o’clock in the morning, and I was preparing for a case, and then it hit me,” Emily tells me. “I don’t think I want to be married to my job.”  And so, in that flash of a moment, Emily decided that the field of law that she was practicing in the UK was not for her. “I didn’t care about doing this job, and my heart just wasn’t into it.”

And that’s a recurring theme in the world of voiceover. People reinvent their lives because of the circumstances they are in, which they don’t want to remain in. After all, when have you ever cradled your baby as you speak to your spouse and say, “Honey, someday she’ll be a voiceover artist.”  It doesn’t happen. Everyone who’s in voiceover got there unintentionally.

Emily hails from Colchester, England, in Essex County, and grew up in a close-knit family. “It was a normal childhood, and I was singing and dancing at three years old,” she says. And while always academically inclined, the arts were not on her teenage radar.

Emily attended the University of Bristol in England and also spent a year studying in Bordeaux, France. She got a Law and French degree and went on to train as a lawyer with an international law firm in London. “It was that TV show “Ally McBeal” that was the image I held in my head, but it wasn’t like that at all.”

Emily got married and suffered an ectopic pregnancy, undergoing emergency surgery, which devastated her. But luck smiled on Emily, and she had a successful pregnancy. That was followed by another child. And all along, she was searching for a business she could practice at home while caring for her children, and that’s when voiceover appeared in her life. “I had no acting background, but I loved the idea of doing character voices and animation.

Within a month, Emily booked her first job. Ultimately, Emily would book one in twenty-four. And for the uninitiated, booking two in a hundred is considered a success. “I’d always had an ear for accents, so Irish and Australian and Regional English and the general American dialects” were voices she could do.

“Gargoyle Doyle” the trailer

Emily has an affinity for cartoons. “I love entertaining characters and find that joy in cartoons.”

Me, The Family Pet?” voicing Rex and Sally.

In terms of how she finds the voice, her explanation is simple. “It depends on the character, so I need an image in my mind.”

“Fire Spike” voicing Mummy Dragon and Dr. Purr.”

 Commercials are also within Emily’s voiceover range.

Dr. Beckmann TV commercial

 Corporate explainer videos are also an area in which Emily excels.

Nominated for the One Voice Award for 2024, Emily got the nod for Best Character Performance in Animation.

And of all the payoffs that voiceover has brought into Emily’s life is her family. Voiceover and being a mum work well in Emily’s life. www.emilymcgonagle.com

And so, at 40 years old, Emily reinvented her life and is one of the most sought-after character voices available.

No question about it; Emily McGonagle no longer reports to the boardroom, and her lawyer days are behind her now.

#voiceover #voiceovertraining #voiceoverclasses #voiceacting #voicecoaching #EmilyMcGonagle

Tips for a Newbie to Voiceover

By Nate Meyers

Embarking on a voiceover career can be an exhilarating yet challenging endeavor. It’s crucial to grasp the basics of vocal artistry to set a solid foundation. Begin by familiarizing yourself with various voice types—such as baritone, tenor, soprano, and alto. Understanding your voice type will help you recognize the roles that best align with your capabilities and enhance your versatility. In addition, mastering fundamental vocal techniques like projection, articulation, and breath control is essential. These skills ensure that you deliver your voiceovers with clarity and engagement, captivating your audience from the very first word.

Check out the “Fundamentals of Voiceover” class, which covers all aspects of voice-over recording.

As you explore the diverse landscape of voiceover styles, including commercial, narration, character, and corporate work, take the time to experiment with each. This exploration will aid in identifying your niche, allowing you to discover where your talents shine the brightest. Regular practice is paramount in developing your voiceover skills. Setting aside a specific time each day for vocal exercises and practice sessions will contribute significantly to your improvement and bolster your confidence.

Make it a habit to read aloud from various scripts— from news articles and novels to advertising copy. This practice enhances your versatility and helps you adapt your delivery for different contexts. Additionally, regularly recording yourself provides an invaluable opportunity to monitor your progress. Listening critically to your recordings will enable you to identify areas for improvement, refine your techniques, and make necessary adjustments.

Daily practice by reading scripts and recording your voice helps improve your voiceover skills.

Developing a unique voice is another vital aspect of your voiceover journey. Take the time to discover what sets your voice apart and embrace that individuality; your distinct qualities will distinguish you from other voiceover artists. Experiment with tones, accents, and inflections to uncover your signature style. Authenticity is key in voiceover work, so don’t hesitate to let your personality shine through in your performances, making them more relatable and engaging for your audience.

Learning from seasoned professionals can significantly enhance your skills. Immerse yourself in the work of experienced voiceover artists, paying close attention to their techniques, pacing, emphasis, and overall style. Consider enrolling in voiceover classes or voiceover workshops like those at The Voice Shop. These provide personalized guidance and constructive feedback opportunities that can significantly accelerate your voice acting development. Networking with fellow voiceover artists is also invaluable; sharing experiences and insights can foster relationships within the industry that may open doors to new opportunities.

Explore the wide range of voiceover classes, from animation to audiobooks and more, available at the Voice Shop

Creating a conducive home studio is important in establishing your voiceover career. Start by finding a quiet room in your home, free from distractions, to set up your recording space. Invest in high-quality equipment, beginning with a good-quality microphone—preferably a condenser microphone designed specifically for voiceover work. An audio interface is essential to connect your microphone to your computer, while a pop filter will help minimize plosive sounds (like “p” and “b”) that can detract from your recordings. High-quality headphones are crucial for accurately monitoring audio and ensuring you capture every nuance of your performance.

Additionally, ensure your computer has sufficient processing power and storage to efficiently handle recording and editing tasks. A Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), such as Audacity or Adobe Audition, will be your go-to software for recording, editing, and mixing your voiceovers.

Effectively marketing yourself is just as critical as honing your craft. To start, create a demo reel showcasing your best voiceover work—a powerful tool to attract potential clients. Establishing a professional online presence is essential; create a website and utilize social media platforms to showcase your talents and connect with prospective clients.

Engaging with industry professionals at events and conferences can also be beneficial, as it allows you to meet agents, casting directors, and others in the voiceover field. Additionally, leveraging online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and Voices.com can help you find freelance voiceover opportunities that align with your skills and interests.

Lastly, it’s important to cultivate patience and persistence as you build your voiceover career. Understand that achieving success in this field is a gradual process that requires dedication and hard work. Don’t be discouraged by rejection; instead, view setbacks as valuable learning experiences that can help refine your skills and improve your craft. Stay informed about industry trends and developments to maintain your competitive edge. With unwavering dedication, perseverance, and a genuine passion for voiceover, you can navigate the challenges ahead and ultimately realize your goals, crafting a rewarding and fulfilling career in this dynamic field.

#voiceover #voiceoverclasses #voiceovercoaching #voicecoaching #voiceacting

The Privilege of Voiceover

Little Moji Doyle was born into privilege. “From the beginning, we wanted for nothing.”

Enrolled in private school, Moji was exposed to the regal sector of society, with children from around the world—children like the heirs to the Guinness beer dynasty.

Educated in Europe, her mother was from Germany, and her father was from Iran, and he practiced medicine. This gave the family social and financial status that so many children are never exposed to.

Moji on her first day at school

 The school was for children of the world’s most privileged families.

As she grew into her teens, Moji remained interested in languages and continued to excel, “but never thought there was anything unusual about it; it was just so easy for me,” she says.

Her good looks, or what’s termed nowadays as “pretty privilege,” remained a dominant aspect in her life. She modeled. And here’s a shot of a professional photo shoot.

The opulence of wealth creates opportunities that so many are never privy to. So, here’s an example of one of her mom’s hobbies: flying. Her mother became a pilot. “And she was the most wonderful mother in the world,” says Moji.

As Moji entered her college years, she wound up studying in France, “and it was a language-based school, and I found learning different languages so easy for me.” She earned a bachelor’s degree in “Applied Languages,” encompassing German, French, English, philosophy, law and economics. “The goal was to become an interpreter,” says Moji.

Moji’s first job was as an event planner in Nice, France. “And my language skills were a real asset to work in this field because I could speak three languages fluently.”

In the early 90s, she met her husband and moved to the United States in 1994. Other jobs would come along, “and I’d get scooped up because of my language skills,” says Moji.

When she was a child, “We loved American movies with big stars like Rock Hudson; I was just fascinated by these big actors,” Moji tells me.

And that’s why she took such an interest in show business. “My first VO gig was to translate into French and voice a radio interview featuring Paula Abdul, which was later aired on a regional French radio station,” Moji tells me.

“My second job was in Florida, where I translated for free, and I loved it,” Moji comments.

Moji, then being a fitness buff, developed a school for pre-natal fitness. “I’ve always been into wellness,” she says. That lasted for fifteen years.

But in 2019, before her divorce, Moji experienced an ah-ha moment. “Voiceover kept coming back into my life, so I got involved with a trainer and entered the commercial voice world. It wasn’t without challenges. “I had to live on my savings to make it through the rough patch.”  But here’s what came of it.

But unbeknownst to her, Moji’s voice was needed, as always in another language, so she began to voice in French.

And then came yet another language that she’s fluent in - German.

Moji reflected on her early years and how no one really explained and coached her on how the voiceover business works. So, she started a school for newbies and those in later life who want to reinvent themselves. “Nobody tells you all of the details outside of your voice how to succeed,” she says. “I teach the full array of the business from finance to how to find your voice and how to market.”

Moji presently lives in Palma de Mallorca, in the Balearic Isles, a 30-minute flight from Barcelona and the mainland of Spain. “I walk around and look at my surroundings and am baffled at what I see.”

And it is here that she lives as an international tri-lingual voiceover artist. And location doesn’t matter because she’s got a home studio.

She’s on her own now. The kids are grown. The marriage reached its conclusion. But the passion for life and its beauty is a staple in Moji’s life. She’s found a way to live on her own terms, where she wants to live.

And that, alone, is a privilege.

#voiceover #voiceoverclasses #voiceovercoaching #voicecoaching #voiceacting #mojidoyle

The Bowhunter in Voiceover

Lorena Belcher is a bowhunter, “and I never put the bow down until I’ve made the shot.”

Lorena parallels the philosophy of actor Jim Johnson. Jim believes, “We miss a hundred percent of the shots we don’t take.” Jim, pictured here as a criminal, is not. But you’d never know that unless I clarified because the picture is so convincing. Jim always takes the shot. “And I always will.”

 Lorena Belcher is also an actor, a voiceover actor. “And I always take the shot,” she says, “because if I don’t, I don’t have a chance.”

And so, now begins the story of a woman living in Hico, Texas, who is, in fact, a voiceover artist. She’s on a 168-acre ranch, completely isolated from the entire world. “It’s real quiet out here, and I like it.”

She’s impossible to cast as the voice of a witch in a video game because her unique style was influenced by her authentic, non-apologetic country-girl background.

Lorena’s likeness to that of a bowhunter is just like the mindset she takes on in voiceover. “If it’s not a perfect shot, it’s not a shot I wanna take,” she says. “Because using a bow is just like delivering a voice track; it’s got to be a perfect shot, or all is for loss.”

Raised in ranching, Lorena comes from the backwoods of Texas.  Lorena was not interested in sports but very motivated to sing in the choir. And that one decision would end up getting her a scholarship in singing at Tarleton State University. “It was something I could really do, and that was to sing.”

Years would pass. Lorena would marry. Have a family. Then, become an empty nester. But in 2019, Lorena recorded an on-hold message for a company, which would be her unique entry into the voiceover business.  “It just felt right and was a perfect shot,” she says.

Then COVID hit, and her father passed away, “and I was really floundering.”  But what voiceover did is it offered this backwoods country girl a chance to develop the voice that she’s known for. It’s highly specific and overwhelmingly noticeable.

Over and over again, Lorena kept getting cast in material that fit that country girl image.

Presently reinventing herself on the edge of 60 years old, Lorena believes that if you just put yourself in the situation of a good shot, you’ll probably hit your target.

Lorena does demonstrate a gentle comedy range and, in this case, was able to illustrate her edge of comedy, which fits right into this national brand.

A big fan of cars, trucks and equipment, Lorena fits right into the voice for automotive.

Raised by an extended family, Lorena believes her life actually began from a foundation of a strong supportive family. And it was here in rural Texas that she feels her habits of being a family woman began.  And it started for her as a little girl.

“Ya know, I’m so used to being alone. I don’t like crowds, like a concert, but I love the microphone because that’s where I get to tell stories, and no one is around,” she says.

https://atexasgirltalks.com/

And Lorena is at home in the middle of nowhere, so she can create without pressure. “This quiet environment is perfect for how I want to create in the world, and I get perfectly into voicework.

So, there’s no question that Lorena’s specialty is a far cry from the voices of Hollywood. But then, that’s not a shot that Lorena would want to take. “So, just like bowhunting, I think voiceover is always takin’ a shot…because unless you do, you’ll never succeed.”

#voiceover #voiceacting #voiceovertraining #voiceoverclasses

#LorenaBelcher

The Voiceover Artist for all Seasons…

Richard Crossman is a maestro of voiceover. A professor of the voice and what it can do. “And I’m gonna do it til I die,” he tells me. He’s a storytelling extraordinaire. And he’s been doing it in some form of theatrics for forty years. But he started thinking about it in early childhood.

Richard with Aunt Molly and Uncle Lyle

Educated in classic theatre, Richard became aware of the market to use only his voice as a performance mechanism years before the current movement. And the result is a storyteller that is versatile in every genre.

He paints a picture with his voice that takes you into a world that transcends the art of the voice. He’s a true vocal magician.

His experience began in his youth in the theatre, encouraged by his Mother who is an important part of Richard’s life to this day.

Richard with his Mom in 1959

And as he aged, he noticed as an opera performer, that “the voice” was the star, not the person on stage, “and that’s when this all clicked for me.

He doesn’t mind taking a risk, so Richard will voice politics, of which these days is a slippery slope.

Perhaps most interesting to Richard is the art of the medical narrator. Coached by the incomparable Anne Ganguzza. Richard is a force to be reckoned with, and so is Anne.

“She’s the best in the business,” says Richard.

His fascination with learning is his hallmark. So, it won’t surprise you that Richard loves the e-learning space “because I myself love to learn,” he says.

Born in a small Canadian town, Richard lives in Simco, Ontario. And he was attracted to the arts at three years old. “I recited “T’was the night before Christmas.” In that moment, “I knew that this would be my life’s work,” Richard professes.

Richard in 1966

He’s spent four decades molding his craft, and he’s viewing this business “as my retirement plan,” he tells me. But because I was trained in theatre, in 2018, “I had to learn to pull back the voice and not project so much as is necessary” when performing for a live audience. “In voiceover, where projection is not used, that was my learning curve, and I learned,” Richard comments. “No matter what you’re voicing, you don’t project; you just tell the story.”

Known basically all over the world for his ability to emulate various accents, Richard operates quietly from his home studio. https://www.voiceactingmagic.com #RichardCrossman

And, he is a man for all seasons. He designs costumes for theatre.

And, he plays Santa Claus in Russian, known as Father Frost. He plays Santa in France, known as Noel. And he plays Santa in the UK known as Father Christmas. The costumes are not a fat man in a red outfit. “That was developed by Coca-Cola as a way to sell the soft drink and was brilliant, but it does not exist in other cultures,”  Richard informs me. And that’s why 99-percent of his work is out of North America.

Father Frost, Russia’s version of St Nick

“Any day that you can wake up and see that the grass is green is a good day.”  That’s Richards’ philosophy. He appreciates life and loves the art of creation. And that is why he’s known as the maestro of voiceover.

#voiceover #voiceacting #voiceactor #voiceovertraining #voicetraining #RichardCrossman

The Geeky Nerd in Voiceover

Emma Romasco is a nerd, “and I always have been,” she says. “I’m just a geeky nerd.”

Emma has a very respected educational pedigree, graduating from NYU as a theatre major. She might see herself as a nerd, but being selected to attend this school is an achievement all on its own. Many of the great performers of the stage once walked the halls of this prestigious school. However, Emma’s journey continued to be uncomfortable, “because I was heavily bullied all the way back to high school,” Emma tells me. “it was painful, but I had a confidante that helped me through it all, and she to this day is right by my side.”

Emma is speaking of her life-long connection to Kira Rasmussen. “She was there for me always, and still is,” Emma tells me. “I indulged her love of imagination and fantasy, and I didn’t shy away from her eccentricities, but embraced them.”

Emma loved anime, “Of which in high school was social suicide.” But again, Emma is not a traditional woman. And neither was Kira who remains her rock-solid influence. “She was always there, always.” And as for her reputation in acting, “my high school theatrical opponents, did not like the fact I was good, and I was.”

It’s true.  All of us have that one person in our lives that supports us and is there for us no matter what. For Emma, it was Kira. “She helped me in every way imaginable.”

Born in Bolton, Massachusetts, Emma was a standout beginning in high school in theatre acting, “and the resentment from the seniors was very intense.”  She demonstrated a talent that got her chosen over upper classmen in theatre, and it produced a social resentment that Emma could not handle alone. “But I had Kira, and that meant I had everything I needed.”

Emma also incurred loving resistance from her parents at 7 years old when she announced she wanted to be a performer. “I always wanted to be an actor, but my parents steered me toward sports, but I just wasn’t interested.”

Emma was quite simply a natural at the art of performing. So, she followed her heart and wound up getting in with the crème de la crème of theatre schools. Studying at   NYU in theatre with an emphasis on musical theatre, she was associated with the very best professors and performers in the world. It was a stunning personal achievement.  “I got in, and I got what I wanted.” However, the negative vibe continued in college “and the teachers were abusive…and you cannot create when you’re afraid.” She was unsettled.

Life after college involved working in professional Equity theatre.  For the uninitiated, that’s union theatre and it is not offered to everyone. Only the very best get in the union. However, every profession has its complexities and performing with the very best involves an edge of toxicity. The reasons are many, but in general, the very talented can be very difficult and Emma was working with some of the most difficult performers in professional theatre. So, internally she was searching for an answer to the working environment.

When COVID hit, the equity show she was on tour with was shut down, and that landed her on the couch.

Emma asked herself, “Okay, why am I doing this?” she recalls, “and the reason was I wanted to tell stories.” And in that moment, she realized she did not want to be famous, she wanted to be a storyteller. And the goal was in anime and video games.  And that was when the profession of voiceover entered her life.  “In anime, a popular theme is the power of friendship.”   She transcended into voiceover immediately.  Kira was in the back of her mind. The parallel of them as friends fits perfectly into her creative life. https://www.emmaromasco.com 

For Emma, a sensitive and very calm personality, she discovered a world of people that were all for her success, not resentful of it. “I’ve never felt bad energy in voiceover; everybody is just so supportive.” Her work now is focused on video games. And here’s a famous one.

Emma voicing Ivanovna in Gensin Impact

The switch from stage to voiceover was an immediate successful connection. She dove in. And she took on the world of cosplay, which she loved, and video games which tied in nicely to her passion. Here she is with Peter S Beagle, the author of “The Last Unicorn” where Emma is in costume playing Lady Amalthea.  A fascinating photo opportunity in Emma’s life.

To work in voiceover, being versatile is important.  So, Emma accepted the commercial world and embraced it with all she had.

Emma is realistic about the future of using her voice for a career. “I don’t care how long it takes,” she says, “because I have finally found my community, and I feel welcome.”

And so, for the 29-year-old voiceover actress, next comes her planned move to Los Angeles “because I’ve done the New York thing, and I want to explore a new world.”

Her voice studies are an integral part of her life. “It saved acting for me,” Emma says. “I study voice constantly, and I always will.” Meanwhile, Kira became a veterinarian. And Emma decided to commit to performing for life. “And, as long ago and in the present day, I always will be a geeky nerd. I’m just that way.”

#voiceover #voiceacting #voiceactor #VO #EmmaRomasco

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