How To Start Becoming A Voice Actor | Hearinnh (2023)

How To Start Becoming A Voice Actor11 min read

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If you’re interested in a career in voice acting, it’s important to start with the basics. This guide will walk you through the process of becoming a voice actor, from understanding the industry to developing your skills.

1. Learn About the Voice Acting Industry

The first step to becoming a voice actor is understanding the industry. Voice acting is a form of acting that involves using your voice to portray a character or person. It can be used in movies, TV shows, video games, and other forms of media.

There are two types of voice actors: on-camera and off-camera. On-camera voice actors are the ones you see on TV and in movies. They usually have a more prominent role in the project and are often the face of the character. Off-camera voice actors are the ones you hear in cartoons and video games. They usually have a less prominent role and their voice is used to convey the character’s personality.

There are also two types of voice acting: commercial and narration. Commercial voice acting is when you’re used in advertising. You might be the voice of a company’s mascot or the person selling a product. Narration voice acting is when you’re used in non-fiction projects, such as documentaries or educational videos.

2. Develop Your Skills

Once you understand the industry, you need to develop your skills. There are three main skills you need to be a successful voice actor: acting, voice control, and microphone technique.

Acting is the ability to convincingly portray a character or person. Voice control is the ability to use your voice to convey a character’s emotions and personality. Microphone technique is the ability to use a microphone to capture your voice correctly.

There are many ways to improve your skills. You can take acting classes or voice training classes. You can also watch movies and TV shows to see how professional voice actors portray their characters. You can also practice by recording yourself and listening to the playback.

3. Start Your Own Business

The final step to becoming a voice actor is starting your own business. This involves creating a demo reel, setting up a website, and marketing yourself to potential clients.

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A demo reel is a short video that showcases your skills as a voice actor. It should include examples of your best work, such as commercials, narration, and video game voice overs. You can create your own demo reel or hire a professional to do it for you.

Your website is the online equivalent of your resume. It should include your biography, demo reel, and contact information. You can also use your website to market yourself to potential clients.

Marketing yourself is the key to success as a voice actor. You need to create a portfolio that showcases your skills and make yourself available to potential clients. You can do this by attending industry events, meeting with agents, and networking with other professionals in the industry.

Is it hard to become a voice actor?

Table of Contents

  • 1 Is it hard to become a voice actor?
  • 2 How much do beginner voice actors make?
  • 3 Where do I start if I want to be a voice actor?
  • 4 What are the steps to becoming a voice actor?
  • 5 How do I become a voice actor with no experience?
  • 6 How long does it take to become a voice actor?
  • 7 How long does it take to become a Voice Actor?

Voice acting is hard. It’s one of those things that might look easy from the outside, but once you get into it, you realize just how difficult it is to make a living as a voice actor.

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First and foremost, you need to have a great voice. Not everyone has a great voice that can be used for voice acting, so this is definitely a prerequisite.

Second, you need to be able to act. This is a key component of voice acting, as you need to be able to bring the character to life.

Third, you need to be able to work well with others. This is especially important in voice acting, as you often work with other actors and producers in order to create the best possible product.

Fourth, you need to be able to take direction. In voice acting, you often have to take direction from directors, who need to ensure that the voice acting is on point.

Fifth, you need to be able to work under pressure. Voice acting can be a very high-stress job, as you often have to work on tight deadlines.

If you can check all of these boxes, then you might have what it takes to become a successful voice actor. However, it’s important to note that it’s not always easy to make it in this industry, so make sure you’re prepared for a lot of hard work.

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How much do beginner voice actors make?

How much do beginner voice actors make?

This is a difficult question to answer because it varies so much depending on the actor’s experience, the size of the project, and other factors. However, beginner voice actors can typically expect to make around $100 per hour. This may vary depending on the region of the country, the skill level of the actor, and other factors.

Voice acting is a great way for beginner actors to get started in the entertainment industry. It is a highly versatile field that can lead to work in radio, television, video games, and other areas. As a beginner, it is important to be aware of the rates you can expect to be paid. This will help you to negotiate better rates and to be able to properly budget your time.

It is also important to be aware of the types of projects you can expect to work on as a beginner voice actor. Most beginner voice actors will start out working on smaller projects, such as commercials, radio spots, and character voices for video games. As you gain experience, you may be able to work on larger projects, such as animated films and national radio campaigns.

Overall, voice acting is a great way for beginner actors to get started in the entertainment industry. It is a highly versatile field that can lead to work in a variety of areas. As a beginner, it is important to be aware of the rates you can expect to be paid and the types of projects you can expect to work on.

Where do I start if I want to be a voice actor?

Do you dream of one day becoming a voice actor? It’s a great career choice, and there are many ways to get started in the industry. This article will give you some tips on where to start if you want to become a voice actor.

The first step is to get some training. There are many great voice acting schools out there, and it’s important to get some formal training in order to learn the basics of the trade.

Once you have some training, it’s time to start building your portfolio. This is your chance to showcase your skills and talent to potential employers. Make sure to include a variety of voice acting samples, as well as your resume and contact information.

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The next step is to start networking. Meeting other voice actors and industry professionals is a great way to learn more about the industry and make connections that can help you in the future. Attend industry events and workshops, and get involved in online communities and forums.

Finally, keep practicing and refining your skills. The more you work on your craft, the better you’ll become. Continue to hone your skills and keep learning as much as you can about the voice acting industry. With perseverance and hard work, you can achieve your goal of becoming a successful voice actor.

What are the steps to becoming a voice actor?

If you’re interested in becoming a voice actor, there are a few things you need to know. Here are the steps you need to take to get started:

1. Research the industry.

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The first step is to do some research on the voice acting industry. Learn about the different types of voice acting, the different types of roles you could play, and the different types of projects you could work on. This will help you understand what the industry is all about and what to expect.

2. Get trained.

The next step is to get trained. There are a few different ways to do this. You can take voice acting classes or workshops, or you can study voice acting online or through home study programs. These classes will help you learn the basics of voice acting and give you the skills you need to start working in the industry.

3. Get experience.

The next step is to get experience. This can be done by doing volunteer work or by working on small projects. This will help you get used to working in a professional environment and will give you the experience you need to start working on bigger projects.

4. Build your portfolio.

The next step is to build your portfolio. This is a collection of your work that you can use to show potential clients. The best way to do this is to create a website or an online portfolio where you can showcase your work.

5. Start working.

The final step is to start working. You can start by looking for jobs on job boards or by contacting voice acting agencies. Start by bidding on small projects and work your way up. The more experience you gain, the better your chances of landing bigger and better jobs.

How do I become a voice actor with no experience?

If you’re looking to become a voice actor, but don’t have any experience, don’t worry – it’s not as difficult as you may think. There are a few things you can do to get started, and with a little bit of practice, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in no time.

One of the best ways to get started in voice acting is to take voice acting classes. There are a number of different schools and studios that offer these classes, and they can be a great way to learn the basics of the trade. Classes will usually cover topics such as voice projection, how to create different voices, and how to read for different types of projects.

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In addition to taking classes, you can also start practicing at home. One way to do this is to record yourself reading different scripts and then listen to the recordings to see how you can improve. You can also try doing some voice exercises to help loosen up your voice and improve your range.

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Finally, it’s important to start building your portfolio. This can include recordings of yourself reading different types of scripts, as well as photos and videos of you performing. This will help potential clients see what you’re capable of and will give them a better idea of what your voice sounds like.

If you’re serious about becoming a voice actor, then these are some of the things you’ll need to do. With a little bit of hard work and dedication, you’ll be on your way to a successful career in no time.

How long does it take to become a voice actor?

How long does it take to become a voice actor?

Becoming a voice actor is a process that takes time and effort. First, you need to have some experience with acting. This can be in the form of theater, school plays, or any other form of acting. You also need to be able to work well with other people and have a good sense of timing.

Then, you need to start working on your voice. You can do this by taking voice classes or by working on your vocal technique. You also need to be able to control your breathing and have a good sense of pitch and rhythm.

Once you have the experience and the voice training, you need to start looking for voice acting jobs. This can be difficult, as most voice acting jobs are not advertised. You need to network with other people in the industry and create a portfolio of your work.

It can take many years to become a successful voice actor. But if you are passionate about acting and have the drive to succeed, then you can make it happen.

How long does it take to become a Voice Actor?

How long it takes to become a successful voice actor largely depends on the level of experience and training an individual has. With that said, most people agree that it takes at least five years to achieve a high level of proficiency in the craft.

One of the first things aspiring voice actors need to do is develop a strong vocal and acting repertoire. This means studying and rehearsing a variety of vocal exercises and accents, as well as learning how to perform in different genres and styles.

Aspiring voice actors also need to be proficient in the use of recording equipment and software. This includes knowing how to use microphones, edit audio, and create vocal effects.

In order to succeed in the voice-over industry, it’s also important to have a good understanding of the business side of things. This includes knowing how to market and sell oneself, as well as how to find and work with agents and clients.

In general, the best way to become a successful voice actor is to start out by doing as much training and experience as possible. This includes taking classes, working with coaches, and auditioning for roles in student films, theater productions, and radio commercials. The more experience an individual has, the more likely they are to find success as a voice actor.

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FAQs

Is it hard to become a voice actor? ›

Voice-over artists need to network and build strong working relationships to land the right jobs as they build upon their skills. Heavy competition. Landing a job can be difficult because there is so much competition from aspiring, intermediate, and veteran talent.

How does one become a voice actor? ›

3 Ways that Voice Actors Land their First Gigs

Find an agency to represent you. Volunteer or audition for voice work in your community. Look at community job boards online and consider auditioning, but remember to only audition for jobs that you think your voice will be a good fit for.

Can anybody become a voice actor? ›

If you've already taken some voice acting or voice-over classes, then you are already on your way. But the truth is, almost anyone can learn how to voice act. All you need is a passion for acting, a desire to succeed, and the willingness to put in lots of practice.

How can I start voice acting at home? ›

  1. Take a Voice Acting Class. ...
  2. Practice Reading Out Loud. ...
  3. Seek Out Pro Bono Gigs to Build Your Resume. ...
  4. Network With Other Voice Actors to Build Your Network. ...
  5. Practice Proper Breathing. ...
  6. Produce a Voice Over Demo. ...
  7. Create a Voices Talent Profile. ...
  8. Follow Up and Be Persistent.

How do I get into voice acting with no experience? ›

How to become a voice actor
  1. Work on your craft. There are two types of voice acting training, both of which can level up your skills: taking acting classes and hiring a voice coach. ...
  2. Define your voice. ...
  3. Record a demo reel. ...
  4. Audition consistently. ...
  5. Practice every day. ...
  6. Network in your industry.
Mar 21, 2022

Do voice actors get paid well? ›

According to ZipRecruiter, industry averages include: Entry-level voice actors: $13,500–$31,999 per year. Mid-level voice actors: $69,000–$87,499 per year. Experienced voice actors: $111,500–$199,000 per year.

How much does it cost to be a voice actor? ›

Word count recording duration

0 – 1 minute with 150 words or less costs $50 – $200. 2 – 5 minutes with 150 – 750 words costs $200 – $350. 5 – 15 minutes with 750 – 2250 words costs $350 – $500. 15 – 30 minutes with 2250 – 4500 words costs $500 – $750.

Do you need a good voice to be a voice actor? ›

Countless people have been told they have a good voice and should think about doing voiceover. However, in the industry having a good voice really isn't the most important talent, ability, or characteristic you need to have for a long-term voiceover career. In fact, it may not be necessary at all.

What skills do you need for voice acting? ›

Aside from being able to skillfully control the voice, the ability to read eloquently from a script is also important. A voice-over actor may be asked to read a script several times in different ways, emphasizing different words and using different emotions or accents.

Is it too late to get into voice acting? ›

It's never too late to start a career in voiceover. If you have a background as an actor like me, use your past experience to help you.

Can you live off being a voice actor? ›

Eventually, if you keep working at it and start landing major roles to get residual income from airing productions, you can earn millions of dollars as a well-known voice actor. You have to love what you do and keep at it for many years to reach this level, but it's absolutely possible and has been done by many actors.

Are voice actors in high demand? ›

In fact, the same Voices.com study revealed that 31% of brands are hiring freelancers, like voice actors, in 2022 at least once per week! That's an increase of 13% over 2021, meaning voice actor job growth continues to rise.

How do voice actors get paid? ›

Voice actors get paid on a per project or per job basis.

The use of the material is also taken into consideration and whether or not you are granting a license to use your material for a specific duration on specific channels or if you are seeking a fee for a universal buyout.

What is the best age to start voice acting? ›

Know That Voice Acting Careers Can Start at Any Age

If you're wondering how to start voice acting as a kid, know that ten years old is not too early to start professional training. All voices are needed at some point and teen voices are quite popular. Just look around at all the teens in commercials on TV.

Does voice acting require training? ›

No formal training is required for voiceover. Unlike stage or film acting, it's rare for aspiring voice actors to pursue a university degree exclusively to learn more about voiceover. Honing your technique, knowing your genres, and putting in the work are they keys to getting started in voice acting.

Do you need math for voice acting? ›

At many a gathering either virtually or face-to-face, voice talent has been known to utter this phrase – “There is no math in voiceover.” It has various meanings for each of us, but usually means that we are grateful that we don't have to tackle calculus or quantum physics in order to do our jobs.

How much do Netflix voice actors make? ›

How Much Do Netflix Voice Over Jobs Pay per Hour? $13.22 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.

Who is the highest paid voice actor? ›

According to Path of Ex, the top-five highest-paid voice actors in 2022 are:
  • Matt Stone – worth $800 million, known for South Park.
  • Trey Parker – worth $600 million, known for South Park.
  • Seth MacFarlane – worth $300 million, known for animations.
  • Hank Azaria – worth $90 million, known for The Simpsons.

Do voice actors have to memorize their lines? ›

When acting in front of a camera or on a stage, an actor must have the lines memorized. In voice over, however, one never has to take his or her eyes off the script.

How much is a 3 minute voice-over? ›

The voice-over for an average 2-3 minute internal corporate video costs about $250 - $300.

How much do beginner voice actors charge? ›

Voice-over rates typically start at $100 and increase from there based on word count, finished minutes and usage.

Are voice actors paid by the hour? ›

The national hourly average rate for voice actors in the United States is $37 per hour. However, that's not to say you won't earn more or less. This statistic can range depending on location, industry, time of voiceover, and whether it's union or non-union etc.

How can I practice voice acting? ›

10 Top Industry Tips On Voice Training For Actors
  1. Always warm-up. Do this before every audition, every rehearsal and every performance. ...
  2. Practise sight reading. ...
  3. Breathe at punctuation. ...
  4. Relax the jaw. ...
  5. Strengthen your tongue. ...
  6. Shape the words. ...
  7. Practise good alignment. ...
  8. Yawn.

Can every voice actor sing? ›

Voice actors who specialize in creating character voices for animation will benefit the most from knowing how to sing, but working in this discipline doesn't specifically require musical ability. There are plenty of top-notch voice actors who have created hundreds of characters, never having sung a note in their life.

What are 3 qualities you need to be a successful voice actor? ›

7 Qualities Every Successful Voice Actor Should Cultivate
  • Resilience. Resilience and drive are found in abundance in successful voice talent. ...
  • Focus. Build a set of realistic goals. ...
  • Adaptability. ...
  • Work Ethic. ...
  • A Sense of Play. ...
  • Enthusiasm. ...
  • Confidence.
May 27, 2021

What are the six techniques in voice acting? ›

Six Audition Tips for Voice Over Actors
  • Slate in character.
  • Study the casting spec and script.
  • Say the words right.
  • Lay down two takes.
  • Record it well.
  • Do your best and let it go.
Oct 12, 2017

Who hires voice actors? ›

But when it comes to your own project, you're the one that has to find voiceover actors that fit.
...
Decide what kind of voiceover casting you are trying to do.
  • Film and television animation.
  • Audiobooks.
  • Documentary film and television.
  • Commercials and promotions.
  • Video games.
  • Podcasts.
  • Reenactments.
  • Event announcing.
Jun 27, 2022

Whats easier voice acting or acting? ›

Voice acting is a form of acting that requires you to do so much with so little. You need to express emotion, beauty, clarity—you need to have all the qualities of a stage actor—but only with your voice. Some may argue that stage acting is harder, but voice acting seems to be the more difficult kind.

Is voice acting a good side hustle? ›

While it does require some talent and knowledge, people from all walks of life have enjoyed a healthy side hustle in vocal acting, with some growing and becoming full time voice actors.

Do voice over actors work from home? ›

It is not uncommon for voice actors to submit an audition online, get hired, and complete the entirety of their voice over jobs from home, without the need to meet a client face to face.

How do I market myself as a voice over artist? ›

Agency Representation: One of the best ways to get your name out there as a voice over artist is to find an agency to represent you. Agents will advocate for you and help you find meaningful voice over work. All you'll need to do is keep in touch throughout the process to ensure you're being adequately represented.

How old is the average voice actor? ›

Voice Actor Age Breakdown

Interestingly enough, the average age of voice actors is 40+ years old, which represents 40% of the population.

How do you audition for a voiceover? ›

Try online casting: There are multiple voiceover casting site options—like the Backstage audition database and voice talent sites—where talent agents, producers, and casting directors subscribe to hear and hire a wide variety of professional voice talent.

How long do you have to study to be a voice actor? ›

No formal education is required to become a voice actor, but obtaining a degree from an acting college or university is one path to learning all of the skills you need in one place.

What are the chances of being a successful voice actor? ›

Put in the hard work. It's been said that the top voice artists on one of the big P2Ps have - at best - about a 4% success rate. That means they're rejected for 96% of the work they audition for.

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