What were you doing before you started in voice-over?

Prior to becoming serious about voice acting I served in the Navy, and for many years I have been doing narrations in support of retiring Navy service members with things like reading retirement scripts and narrating short instructional videos. 

What made you choose Such A Voice? 

The primary reason I chose Such A Voice was the company’s reputation for training end to end. Such A Voice doesn’t just train a new voice acting talent and send them on their way, this team continues to provide support in the form of additional coaching, the VO Pro Membership, and having dedicated lifetime support. I feel blessed to have the team of absolute superstars that have supported me including Ms. Rosemary Chase, Cathi Colas, Angela Castonguay, and Mr. Steven Wahlberg. 

What was the most valuable part of your training with SAV?

The most valuable part of my training started the day I met my awesome voice-over coach Rosemary Chase. Rosemary not only trained me well in VO technique, she helped me to understand what it means to be a voice actor and the core elements of an effective performance. I work hard on every performance to make her proud. So the technique training I would say was the most valuable part of my training as in my opinion it is not about your voice, it’s about what you can DO with your voice!

What was your very first voice-over gig? How long did it take to book after you finished your training?

My first voice acting gig was for WhisperRoom, Inc. about five months after I completed my training and demos with Such A Voice. I made a decision to invest in my company and upgrade my recording studio to a WhisperRoom Voice isolation booth. I loved the quality of the booth, the sound isolation and ease of assembly. I told the salesperson, I would love to do a testimonial (watch that here) and I was put in touch with the Marketing Director. He and I have kept in touch since and I am expecting more work in 2024.

Tell me about how you got the work with Epic Invite? What has it been like working with them?

One of the platforms I use for marketing my business is Backstage. Epic Invite had a posting there seeking voice actors for their new product launch, custom invitations. They asked for demos and I applied. The response from the producer was as follows, “After listening to demos all day, we were very excited to hear yours! You probably get this all the time, but your voice is reminiscent of the great James Earl Jones! We’d love to have you on our roster if you’re interested”.

Thank you Anglea Castonguay for the great direction helping me produce my demos!

How did you get into Audiobooks? What role did your SAV training play?

 I decided that based on my past experience with narrating scripts for retiring military service members, and for my job in support of key milestones, I really liked telling the stories and bringing them to life. So transitioning to audiobook narration was almost a natural progression for me. The training I received from Cathi Colas has been absolutely instrumental and helped me to not only become a better storyteller and actor, but to also look one level deeper at the characters in fiction books to really bring out the emotions of those characters. The way I show my appreciation for all that she has and continues to teach me, is by continuing to refine my craft everyday. Thank you Cathi.

What is your absolute dream VO role?

My absolute dream voice acting job would be working for TV networks like The Discovery Channel, History Channel, or Travel Channel narrating stories, shows, or documentaries. 

How is SAV continuing to support you in your voice-over journey?

Consistent with my answer to why I chose Such A Voice, this team trains end to end. Such A Voice doesn’t just train a new voice actor and send them on their way, this team continues to provide support in the form of additional coaching, the VO Pro Membership, and lifetime support.

If you could travel anywhere in the world for a week, where would you go?

I would love to visit Germany for a week. In all my time traveling with the Navy, I never had an opportunity to visit.

Anything else you want to add or mention? 

The next phase of my business includes rebranding myself to really go after a niche market which is the Intelligence community (IC) and Department of defense (DoD), a total of 18 organizations. So, I am looking forward to having a brand that I feel really speaks to my military background, years of service, and commitment to our country. The tag line will be something like the “Voice of Service”. I feel as though partnering with the IC/DoD community will be a natural transition. 

Lastly, I have a framed piece of art, which hangs in the staircase area of my basement which reads, “Don’t wish for it, Work it”  – that’s my motto in the voice-over business. 

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Such A Voice: A Journey of Passion

As most of you know, I founded Such A Voice more than thirty years ago. Hard to believe! Many of you also know that I am a composer and keyboard artist, with a Broadway Musical as one of my credits (Anna Karenina). 

Now, as I prepare for the release of my first smooth jazz album (more about that later), I find myself looking back and reminiscing about my journey with Such A Voice.  I’d like to share some of my thoughts with you, and let you in on some of the reasons why Such A Voice was created in the first place, and why those of you who are with us have been working with people who are unquestionably the very best in the industry.

How it All Started

For me, it all began with music – and a deep fascination with and love for it. At two years old, I started playing the piano by ear. My mother played the piano at home when I was an infant, and I truly believe that listening to her play all day, every day, contributed to my playing by ear – much like babies picking up a language. 

Music was as much a language for me as speaking. I started playing actual songs before I could speak, and from that point, playing the piano was for me, the easiest way to express myself, my emotions, my ups, my downs – everything. The passion that I had and still have for music was the guiding light in my life that kept me from needing to submit to peer pressure…I had my music. 

Guided by My Love of Music

After graduating from the Manhattan School of Music, I began writing musical advertisements (jingles) which I continued for many years, and at the same time produced voice-overs for my clients. During that time, I also joined the BMI Musical Theater Workshop and began work on what would become my first musical; I never dreamed it would land on Broadway and earn me a Tony Award nomination, but it did.  

In the early 90s, jingles began to fade away. The industry took a nose dive as advertisers started using existing pop songs instead of original jingles. I thought about my next steps, and reflected on how every single major endeavor of mine was born out of passion: the piano gigs, the jingles, the musicals. It was one fun adventure after another.  And that’s how Such A Voice was born: wanting to share something that people are passionate about. 

From Music to Voice-Overs

Let’s face it, most people who use their voice for voice-overs feel as passionate about getting into that field as I did about getting into music. So it was a no-brainer to build a business around something people are passionate about. But I didn’t just want to build an average business. Just like I didn’t want to write a musical that would only be performed locally, I was intent on getting it to Broadway, despite all the nay-sayers who bemoaned that it would never happen. Well, it did! They said the same thing about my jingle business, “it’s too hard to get things sold and onto the radio” they said. Wrong again! I made it happen and in a very major way, always using the very best singers, the best musicians, the best studios. 

So when it came to teaching voice-overs, I wanted to start a company that not only helped people get into voice-overs, but one that would become the best in the industry with the best staff, the best coaches, the best ears in the business. I’m happy to say that after thirty years, I feel the pride and accomplishment of knowing that goal has come to fruition, and you, our students, are the recipients of that goal. Such A Voice has the most comprehensive voice-over training and production program in the industry, and that is no doubt thanks to our talented team of coaches, producers, and staff. That’s something I will cherish for the rest of my life, and I thank all of you who have helped make my dream a reality.

My Newest Venture: Over The Moon!

So now, after years of teaching voice-over classes, and with the knowledge that we have the most capable teaching staff bar-none, I have taken a step back from the regular classes that I have taught for almost thirty years, and have focused for the last year on my original passion: music.  

I am so excited to announce my first smooth jazz album entitled, Over The Moon!  I wrote all the songs, played all the piano parts, and have the same goals for my album that I’ve had for all of my other ventures: to make it the best it can be!  

To help me do just that, I have two very special guest musical artists on this album: Kim Scott (flute), currently the #1 smooth jazz artist in the country — and Jeanette Harris (sax), one of the leading jazz and r&b sax players in the world today.  

I am also very fortunate to have been taken on by the #1 radio promotion company in the US. They are the ones who promote Kenny G, Dave Koz, Boney James, Carol Albert and others.  The first single to be released is entitled, “Our Kind of Love”, and I have attached a sneak preview (not quite the entire song) to this blog. 

As you’ll notice, my style is a little different from some others that you might associate with smooth jazz. I’m not crazy about repetition and songs that don’t have a “likeability” factor.  But whatever you think of it, and I hope you like it, it all comes from my heart. Kim Scott was kind enough to write this endorsement:

“Look out music lovers! There’s a new melodist on the scene and his name is Dan Alan Levine! Step into the creative oasis of this talented keyboardist and composer and you’ll be met with invigorating melodies that will stay with you forever. His style is classy and timeless, with a uniqueness that will undoubtedly set him apart from his counterparts in the smooth and contemporary jazz scene.”

– Kim Scott

I am including my middle name as part of my “performer name”: Dan Alan Levine, so when you see it out here, you will know it’s me.

Please visit my music website at www.danalanlevine.com.  

Even though the official release of the album is not until January 3, 2023 (single release is July 1, 2022), I am offering the album now to all of you who on the Such A Voice blog at a discount with the following code which you can enter in my store when purchasing the album: MYRJSAA

The single and album will also be available on all the usual streaming services including Apple Music, ITunes, Spotify, and Amazon. Right now it is only available at www.danalanlevine.com.

I want to thank all of you again for helping to make Such A Voice what it is today.  I hope each of you will discover your own special passion and use it to successfully achieve your goals and dreams.

Wishing you all the best . . .

Dan Levine

President and Founder of Such A Voice

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Talk about how you got into voice-over initially?

As an actress and singer since the age of eight, I never had known the voice-over business as its own industry, which it totally is. When I started studying at the Don LaFontaine SAG Foundation Voiceover Lab, I learned the biz from the ground up and met some of my mentors who I now call friends. Being prepared when I took a workshop from Vanessa Gilbert, was a match made in heaven. She is my agent to this day at RSA Talent here in Los Angeles.

What are your favorite types of voice-over jobs?

Anything that pushes boundaries; I also love the process of developing an original character with a director in-studio. That, and when I get to play a 90 year old. I can’t wait to be 90!

What is the most memorable role you’ve done?

I played the rapping Easter Bunny plush toy for Hallmark in 2019. My mom found one at Wal-Mart in Iowa. I got paid to rap. It. Was. Awesome. 

What would be a dream VO project for you to work on?

Doing multiple characters for Warner Brothers in an animated series!

What has been your favorite part of coaching at Such A Voice? Tell us a bit about your style.

I love the challenge of each student, and seeing them discover their imagination and how it applies to each script. I like to apply knowledge of my personal experiences in the studio and the eclectic jobs I have done throughout my career. I would describe my coaching style as “edutainment”. We have a lot of fun learning the curriculum and other tricks of the VO world today.

What advice do you have for students going through our program right now?

Keep your foot on the pedal with patience. Ask a lot of questions. 

Where has been your favourite place you’ve ever travelled? Where do you most want to go that you haven’t been?

I leave for Cancun in the morning…and I was last there 25 years ago. I’ll let you know if it’s still my favorite place!

What song is stuck in your head right now?

We Are the World – Lionel Richie & Michael Jackson

Anything you’d like to add, or projects you’d like to plug?

Sure! Check out the new animated series I’m in! I play Pearl the Mermaid who also narrates, along with a few other characters. Enjoy!

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Before VO was on my “to do” list or even on my radar, I was an actor and a singer. I started singing in 3rd grade and doing theatre in high school and college. Shortly thereafter, I moved to New York and I’ve been a professional theatre actress (and singer) for almost 20 years since. Much of my theatrical work has been in musical theatre and I’ve done a lot of character work including a lot of work with accents and dialects. 

When did you first encounter Such A Voice? What were your initial impressions of the intro class?

About 9 or 10 years ago, I was back in my hometown, in Pennsylvania, and I saw a Such A Voice class being offered at the local high school. I always loved doing voices and accents and thought it might be something I would enjoy but I knew nothing about voice-over, so I decided to check it out. I was really interested in everything the teacher was talking about and I enjoyed all of the exercises and practice copy readings we were doing. The coach, himself, told me, afterward, he was really impressed with my reads and would be interested in personally being my coach for the program. It all sounded amazing EXCEPT for the part about the cost of the program and equipment and the fact that I didn’t even have a computer. I was living paycheck to paycheck at that time, as is often the case with young actors, and there was no way I could afford all of that so the idea went on the back burner, but it was always at the top of my list of directions to go in. I started saving for equipment with the focus of ONE DAY being able to do the program. 

What finally made you decide to join the program?

What finally led me to joining the program was years of slow preparation, one really big random VO casting, and a sudden huge stretch of free time. For starters, a friend of mine in NY ran a small radio station and asked if I would be willing to record a few mini station break ads. He wasn’t able to pay but would take me out to lunch in return. I figured it would be worth it to get some experience. It became a tradition every year or two: 10-12 mini commercials and lunch. To date, I think I’ve recorded about 50 of them. Over the years I acquired a mic and interface but they sat in their box staring at me and occasionally reminding me that I wanted to get into voice-over and so I would take VO classes from time to time in the city. Unfortunately, I always held back because of the technical aspects. I’m not tech savvy and recording and editing myself really intimidated me. In the process of taking those classes and doing those radio spots, however, I learned not to be nervous in the recording booth and that made a really big difference for my mental game. Still, I didn’t do much to pursue VO at the time, because I just wasn’t sure how to get my foot in the door and learn the computer side of things.

I continued to do theatre and then one random day, a former cast member of mine sent me info on a VO audition for a new project with a major auto brand. My first thought was, there’s no way I can do this. THEN I looked at what it would pay! I won’t mention the number but let’s just say it would get me out of a lot of debt, FINALLY get me a new computer, and have rent to spare for a while. So I IMMEDIATELY set out to do whatever I could to audition. I had a day and a half to get it in. I called the studio tech who had done all of those mini commercials over the years and he had me come in first thing the next morning to record (and said, “If you get the job, you can toss me $50.) The project required me to do a voice for a little girl and one thing lead to another and I got the job! That was a HUGE boost for me and my confidence. This was for a major American car brand and I landed the job, not really knowing what I was doing. I figured if I could do that, some real training and a great demo might actually provide me with a career. The other big kicker was that I actually enjoyed recording just as much as being onstage. That really shocked me. It just seemed like a perfect fit. Still, finding the time to dedicate to it was a problem.

That VO job led to another non-VO job and had me traveling all over and voice-over went on the back burner again for a few years. So “what FINALLY made me decide to join the program?” The pandemic. I had all the time in the world and three jobs that were all shut down with no sign of them starting up again. I was still hesitant about investing in something that cost so much when I had no foreseeable income, but I was never going to have this much free time again, (I assumed) and I didn’t want to waste it. After all those years since that first class, I was still on the SAV mailing list and would randomly get email updates. I didn’t read them but I also didn’t stop them from coming. One day, early on in lockdown, I saw one such email that said they were offering a free Zoom class and I thought, “let’s just see if the program has changed after all this time” and I did the class. I was really impressed by, not only the coaching aspect but, even more, the prospect of having someone teach me how to record and edit AND the marketing side of things. As an actor, that was always the side of the business that I struggled with and was intimidated by the thought of failing at that, in another side of the entertainment industry. So, with a good chat over payment plans and an overview of the program, I decided now was the time. I know myself well enough to know that although some people would be able to research and figure out the tech and marketing themselves, I wouldn’t. I needed a program to give me direction and focus and this was exactly what I needed. 

What was your favorite part of your training?

It’s hard to say what my favorite part of the training was. Every step gave me more confidence and peace of mind that I COULD, in fact, do this. For actors (a notoriously insecure breed), confidence in yourself and your abilities is often elusive and a true gift when attained so that was probably the best part. Actually recording the demo was a very close second. It was like a really fun graduation day. After weeks of being in my closet and working with a great coach and producer, and learning so much, it was a blast to be back in a professional studio (which, due to the pandemic, I wasn’t sure would actually happen) and to be working as an artist again with my producer and the sound tech. For an out-of-work actor who had been shut in for months, it felt amazing to be creating again. 

Was there anything in your program that you found unexpectedly useful?

This may sound off but what I found to be unexpectedly useful was how much of the program I was able to access or do on my own timeline. For example, during the time that I was going through the program, I decided to give up my apartment in NY and move home with my parents since I had no income. However, I knew that wasn’t where I would be staying permanently and I didn’t want to use my personal studio setup session on a temporary studio space. I was told I could schedule that whenever I wanted to and when it suited me best. So much of the program was flexible while still providing structure to the path toward VO. That, especially during a time of so much uncertainty, was/is incredibly helpful!

How did your first paid gig come about?

My first paid gig came about almost immediately after I recorded my demo, thanks to my amazing producer! She contacted K12, one of the top eLearning companies in the country. I received an email literally a day or two after I recorded my demo, from the company, saying I had been recommended to them by my producer and requesting I send them my demos ….which I didn’t even have back yet! Thankfully, the demo turnaround was very quick and I was able to send them along. After another quick submission with a sample of copy from K12, I got the job! I was originally told I’d get about 2 hours of recording time a month. However, thanks to that good ole pandemic, it turned into about 2-3 hours of recording time per WEEK. I’ve now been recording for them for almost 6 months and it’s been so much fun!

Talk a bit more about the work you’re doing with K12.

For the most part, I’ve been recording 2nd grade English lessons, which has been a lot of fun. No, REALLY! True, the lessons about vowel sounds aren’t the most exciting, but I also get to do a lot of character voices while reading from lots of different children’s books. This job has combined a lot of things I really enjoy. I taught an art class for a few years at a public school in NY and loved doing it. I get to teach children, again, through this. I also hope to get into audiobook recording and I really enjoy working on youth literature, so I’ve been getting to do some of that as well. I’ve even had a chance to do some singing in character voices for one of the stories and that was a lot of fun. And, as of last week, I’ve been signed for a new contract with K12, doing 3rd grade science. I’m truly thankful, not only for the work and the experience, but I’m also thankful to be able to say that this job has actually paid for my whole SAV program, already, in 6 months! That is huge!

What is your all-time dream VO role?

My ultimate goal / dream role is to voice a prominent character in a full length Disney feature, preferably a musical role. 

If you could travel anywhere right now, pandemic notwithstanding, where would you go?

If I could travel anywhere right now, it would be to Okinawa, Japan. My dear friend, and former roommate, has been there for the last few years as an English teacher and I promised I would come visit. I’ve always wanted to see Japan and he hasn’t been home since he moved so it would be great to bring a little of home to him. I had been saving for the trip, pre-pandemic, and I had to use that money to move to a new job. I still hope to go.

Anything you’d like to plug?

I’m now living outside “The Motor City”, working for that same auto brand that hired me for VO several years ago. I still work with the casting agency that cast me for it and, now that they know I do VO, they send me project submissions as they come in. I’ve been shortlisted for a couple, which is great. I still struggle with technology but seeing income on a regular basis is a great motivator. I’ve also been introduced to new software for the eLearning job so I’m still broadening my voice-over horizons. I’m truly grateful! 

Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voice-over actors here!

Want to learn more about voiceover? Signup for our introductory VO webinar.

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A lot. For the sake of time I’ll sum up: I’ve been acting since my first role in a regional theatre production at the age of six. I played sports in high school but got back on the stage in college and did some local improv shows, but most of my experience has been on the stage. Usually funny/character roles in musical theatre or straight comedies. However, right before having children I did get in front of a camera to do a few commercials, and a couple of very small roles on the small screen. I did get to be in a SAG-AFTRA commercial for a healthcare company with Magic Johnson in 2016.

My day job is ministry. I have been working full time with students grades 6-12 until I moved to my first lead pastor role in 2012 here in West Palm Beach. We currently rent a movie theatre on Sundays for our church and I really enjoy helping out people in our community. 

Had you heard of VO before or considered it as a career path? If not, what about it appealed to you most?

I have always had a strong love for funny voices. I love doing impressions, and I’ve always enjoyed watching all kinds of animation. A dream tucked in the recesses of my mind would have been to get paid to do that one day. Doing things I love to do, and getting paid to do it…isn’t that the dream? 

What was the most valuable part of your training with SAV?

That’s tough because off the cuff I would say the excellent coaching. I had a fantastic coach in Tim Powers, not to mention Robin Brooke who led my introductory class and my MasterClass workshop. Even my Demo production coach Bill Brooks got me to another level that I would have NEVER been able to get to on my own. But after thinking about this question a bit…it’s really a tie. Without the technical training components early on from Ben Marney and the ongoing aid from Lauren Goode and the VO Pro Facebook group I’m not sure I would be where I am this soon into my endeavor. 

What was your first paid voice-over gig? How did it come about, and how did it go?

After auditioning around 70 times on Voices.com I landed my first gig. It was a humbling experience because after I delivered the files and got paid for the spot, I saw it posted again. Now, they could have decided to go with a female voice or something else entirely but man was it a confidence shaker. Fortunately, soon after that I booked my next gig, and that has turned into a repeat client. The rest as they say, is history. 

How would you describe your sound?

I’m still doing a shotgun approach in my auditioning, so it just depends on the day and the audition, but mostly I feel my sound is the warm yet engaging guy next door sound. I tend to get shortlisted any time there is a character voice involved so I’m pretty sure that will be my niche at some point. 

What pushed you to get representation?

Landing an agent this early on was HUGE for me. It came a bit sooner in my plan that I had expected due to the stories I have heard about how difficult it can be to secure VO

representation. But apparently I had enough jobs under my belt and my demos were quality enough to get signed. I signed in February and haven’t been booked yet, but the clients are bigger, the budgets are bigger, and the opportunities to fill out the resume with bigger clients is well…bigger.

What would your dream VO role/project be?

Easy. A comedic animated voice for any property Disney owns.

What advice would you have for folks currently going through their VO training?

Stay at it. Be Persistent. Do the work. Every day just move the ball a little bit more down the field. The hardest part for me is that I tend to slow down when I haven’t booked in awhile. If you haven’t booked yet, it feels even harder to keep going, I know. But your investment will pay off. Just keep at it. 

Aside from VO, what are your hobbies or passions in life?

My main reason for getting into VO was that I needed a creative outlet that would allow me to stay around my biggest passion: my wife and kids. We have 2.5 year old and a 4 year old, and auditioning and booking on-camera stuff was taking me away from the house far too often. Plays…forget about it. VO has given me a place to continue my acting, and get paid to do it. Aside from VO and Ministry, I love anything to do with Star Wars and Marvel. 

Anything you’d like to plug?

I have a Facebook group for SAV alum called: SUCH A VOICE-Over Group.

We are there just for encouragement and support. About 22 members right now. We are open to listening to auditions, giving peer feedback, and from time to time we have a SAV pro checkin and give insight. We haven’t done much yet but we seemed to be hitting a sweet spot with SAV folks who have booked a little and are wanting to take the next step. We tend to ask questions that may be too much for the bigger VO Pro group. All are welcome, here’s the link.

Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voice-over actors here!

Want to learn more about voiceover? Signup for our introductory VO webinar.

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How did you first get started in voice-over? 

About 14 years ago, I moved out to Los Angeles to pursue my dream of working on-camera in film & TV. Truthfully, I never had any interest in voice-over! People would tell me that I had a good sound for it and that I should look into becoming a voice actor but… I can be really, really stubborn when it comes to taking other people’s advice, especially when it’s about my own personal life choices. Then about 10 years ago, I was asked by an acquaintance at Pandora Radio to send in a demo. I know it sounds crazy but I was reluctant to do so; I had it in my head that I was only going to be working on-camera. Like I said, stubborn! Long story short, I got on their roster, started recording commercials and promos regularly, found the work to be a lot more fun that I had imagined (and kicked myself for not starting sooner), slowly built up my contacts and repeat clients through P2P sites and other avenues, and before I knew it, voice-over was my full time job. 

What is the most memorable VO job you have ever done?

Most of the VO work I’ve done falls within the commercial, promo, and narration realms but a few years ago I did dip my toe into video game dubbing and worked on one of the Blade & Soul games. I booked the job right around the time that I was placing most of my energy and focus on my intuitive guidance business, otherwise I probably would have pursued more of those opportunities. It was truly one of my favorite work experiences. I loved getting to voice different characters. 

What would be a dream voice-over role for you? 

You know, I’ve dabbled in most voice-over genres but I haven’t really done much animation. It would be cool to work on a show that made me laugh. And was somewhat magical. Perhaps

 with an uplifting or deeper message. For kids (so my nieces and nephew could watch it) but also for adults. I realize this is getting more specific by the minute. Maybe I just need to write it myself!

What has been your favorite part of coaching at Such A Voice? Tell us a bit about your style. 

I think my favorite part of coaching would have to be connecting with my students. I’ve met some really amazing people through Such A Voice! I love witnessing the incredible transformations students go through in the program. By transformations, of course I mean within their voice-over skill set, but I’m also referring to those other transformations; like feeling more confident in who they are and discovering a love for the sound of their own unique voice (even if they always hated it).As far as my coaching style goes, I treat every script as an opportunity to tell the truth of the moment, whatever it is. It doesn’t matter if we’re working on a deodorant commercial or Shakespeare, we still have to be present in the circumstances and tap into the emotional truth. We still get to play and “make believe” just like we did when we were kids. And I tend to utilize imagination and sensory-based techniques to do so. When working with students on scripts, I always aim to be honest, constructive, and encouraging. 

What advice do you have for students going through our program right now? 

Immerse yourself in the VO universe, absorb as much information as you can, and keep practicing! It really is like building a muscle. If you wanted to get stronger biceps, you would exercise your biceps. You wouldn’t expect to work out once a week and see the same results you’d see if you worked out every day. So much is learned in the actual doing; in the repetition and the hours spent focusing your attention on your area of interest. It’s ok if you get frustrated by your rate of progress, but just keep at it. You never know when things will start to click. Just like lightbulbs can only turn on when they’re plugged into a source of electricity, aha moments and insights can only arrive when we put ourselves in the right place to receive them. 

Pandemic notwithstanding, where do you most want to travel? 

Oh man, the list is long. But one thing I’ve realized about my travel-enthusiast self – which maybe others can relate to – is that it’s often less about WHERE I go and more about HOW. Meaning, I just love the traveler’s mindset. That’s the part that is most addicting about travel: feeling open to experience, walking around with a sense of wonder and possibility, finding the most common everyday things interesting. I could be in my own city or I could be halfway around the world, it doesn’t matter. It’s that feeling of new discovery. 

What is your favorite food?

Zen Bakery’s blueberry oat bran muffins especially when served with spreadable goat cheese and a hot cup of dark roast coffee. [Editor’s note: Yum!]

Anything you’d like to add, or projects you’d like to plug? 

About my favorite food? Well, I’m bummed they don’t sell them where I’m living in South Carolina but I’m sure I can find a way to get them shipped out here.  

Otherwise, yes, I do have a project I’m really happy to share! This year, I published my inspirational message books, Wisdoms Of The Formerly Wilted: Vol. I & II. They’re available for purchase through Amazon and some other places where books are sold. More info can be found on my website: erikadward.com  

Check out our free PDF with pro-tips from real working voice-over actors here!

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How did you first get your start in voice-over?

I knew this was the thing for me from a very early age. When my grade-school classes did plays, I was always The Narrator. My voice changed when I was about 9 or 10 and everyone said, “Wow, little boy, you should go into radio!” I LOVED rock & roll – at 10 or 11 I had just discovered The Beatles (This was about 1979 or so) and consequently I also discovered the dying days of AM Top 40 radio. This may be a dated reference but I wanted to be Johnny Fever so badly. Three days after I graduated from high school, I was in my first radio broadcasting class at a college in St. Louis, where I quickly became the program director… and discovered both the joys and heartbreak of radio. 1987 was a golden age for free-form college radio and we had 50,000 stereo watts to play with in the St. Louis area. At 18, I had a taste of fame. 

Over the years, I worked “town to town, up and down the dial” like a lot of radio folks, and I got tired of working for as little money as possible, so I started looking for other ways to make a living. In my 30’s, I found myself in Los Angeles, working as a stand-up at the Improv and the Comedy Store, as well as with various improvisational troupes in LA including the Groundlings, Upright Citizens Brigade, and the LA Connection, and I was introduced to my first VO mentor, the late Lori Tritel. She saw something in me and took me under her wing. I remember working with her at the legendary Buzzy’s studio on Melrose in LA (where all the celebrities who had recorded there had signed the wall – I was more excited to see Soupy Sales than Rob Paulsen) and Andy, the owner of Buzzy’s, pulled me aside and said, “Tim, you’re ready. Let’s do this.”  And ever since, I’ve been able to work with clients like Disney, Warner Brothers, a ton of Netflix projects, and a lot more. 

What was your favorite part of working in college radio? Is there anything you learned then that you hold on to in your career now?

Those are two very good questions. In the 80’s we were still playing vinyl records and MTV was still playing music videos. We weren’t beholden to sponsors, so we could do pretty much whatever we wanted as long as it didn’t violate the college’s code of conduct. I remember being the first station in the St. Louis area to play U2’s “Desire” as a special gift from the record label. We got to play new releases from “new” acts who you now hear on the overhead music at your local grocery store:The Cure, Depeche Mode, The Ramones, REM. he DJs could play 

whatever they wanted, as long as it was cool. If you ever saw the movie “Pirate Radio” with Phillip Seymour Hoffman (and you should; it’s awesome!) it was a lot like that. Crazy, young men and women living, eating, and breathing good music. 

The biggest lesson I carry with me today is to never buy into the pretense of celebrity. Just because you get recognized for your voice at a concert, or because you get fan mail, it doesn’t make you any better or more important than anyone else – and further, you need to consider the feelings of others. You’re never so important that you can afford to be impolite or arrogant. Be courteous, protect your personal boundaries, but ALWAYS be kind.  In other words, and these are OLD words in Hollywood, “Never believe your own press.” 

What voice-over jobs have been your favorite to work on? Why?

The one that stands out for me is when I was hired to do an ADR (Automated Dialog Replacement, or “dubbing”) job for a movie on Netflix. I was paid a good amount of money per hour, and guaranteed a two-hour minimum, so I went to the studio prepared to give my best performance and put in a good, strong workday. I got into the studio, met the director and the engineering team, got mic’d up, and watched the scene I was to dub. In the scene, my character was a guy in a cell-phone costume dancing outside a cell phone store, and he gets jostled by the lead in the movie. My line, my SINGLE line, was a four-letter word that polite company might replace with “fudge.” I did 8 takes, I made the full two-hour pay, and I was back in my car in just 28 minutes. 

I’m sure my mother is proud. 

What would be a bucket list VO role for you?

My DREAM job is to play Marvel superhero Mister Fantastic in a full-length CGI Marvel movie starring The Fantastic Four. I’ve been a Marvel fan since 1975 and I’d love a chance to play in that universe.  

How have you enjoyed your time at Such A Voice so far? Give us some insight into your coaching style!

Such A Voice’s internal staff are all wonderful people, It’s rare that you join a company where EVERY SINGLE PERSON you encounter is not only devoted to what they do, but good at it. From the accounting team, to the admins, to the home studio coaches, to us on the front lines, every single person I have worked with has been excellent.

My coaching style morphs from client to client. I consider myself a coach instead of a teacher. If someone could learn VO out of a book, they would. But like a sport, or a musical instrument, the learning process is a lot easier with someone in your corner reminding you to do what you’re supposed to do. I think there are more secure ways to make a living, so if VO is your chosen vocation, you better have fun at it. Otherwise, go get a desk job. So I try to approach my sessions with a sense of fun and playfulness, knowing that you “gotta get the work done.” 

Heather Costa says I get “epic fan mail” from my students, so I guess my style is working.  

Plus, I’ve had clients who have booked their first job BEFORE they’re even done with me. That’s saying something. 

What advice do you have to newcomers in VO? 

Work on performance first. Anyone can read off a piece of paper – what will get you the job is your ability to make it compelling to listen to, to be believable, to connect with the listener. Having a good voice or a $5000 microphone no more makes you a voice actor than having a Fender Stratocaster makes you Eric Clapton. Performance, acting, theater, script analysis – all the parts that aren’t glamorous – are what sets you apart from the hundreds of people who bought a $50 mic on eBay and think they’re the next Mel Blanc.  The reason Billy West gets the money he does is because he takes the time to prepare his performance – not because he can sound like Stimpy the Cat. 

Where is your favorite place you’ve ever travelled?

You know, this sounds dopey, but I used to live blocks from Hollywood and Vine, and I used to LOVE to walk up and down Hollywood Boulevard and see the stars on the street, the handprints in front of the Chinese Theater, the old NBC studios where Bob Hope worked, the Columbia lot where they shot The Three Stooges, The Capitol Records Building where Stan Freberg recorded all his brilliant stuff.  I moved out of Hollywood proper, but I’m only 15 minutes away now.  I’ve been all over the place, but I am very happy to live here in Hollywood. We could use a better place for pizza in the entire LA area, but otherwise, it’s pretty cool.  

Best-ever slice of pizza?

Fortel’s Pizza Den in St. Louis. Ask for Shelley. There is no debate on this whatsoever.  

Since you’re working from home: are you the “get up and get dressed in real clothes”-type or the “sweatpants forever!”-type?

I haven’t worn a pair of socks in five months! After 12 years of Catholic School uniforms, I swore I’d never wear a tie or a shirt with a collar ever again. I do from time to time because, well, my wife makes me, but left to my own devices, I’d be in my Captain America pajama pants every day. I’ll put on Levi’s to run errands, but more often than not, at home, I’m in pajama pants. To be honest, I’m glad it’s getting cooler, because I love a good, cheap hoodie, too. 

Anything you’d like to add or plug?

As a matter of fact, yes. Beginning September 22, you can subscribe, FREE, on your favorite Podcast platform, to “Carcerem: The Series,” Carcerem is a completely original audio drama series featuring a full cast, original music, and immersive sound design. More like a movie than an audio play, this captivating fantasy series put you in the middle of the action. Featuring sword fighting, monster attacks, giant battles, heartbreak, and humor, Carcerem is the next step in the evolution of audio entertainment. The cast includes Neil Flynn, Jane Lynch, legendary VO director Kal-El Bogdanove, Piper Laurie, the guy who was Cousin Oliver on The Brady Bunch, Pat Fraley, and me.

Dig it here: https://www.carceremtheseries.com

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Karen-Eileen Gordon is one of our newest coaches and is already getting rave reviews from students and staff alike for her talent and enthusiasm. In addition to coaching, Karen-Eileen has led a 10+ year long career in voice-over, doing hundreds of commercials, audiobooks, video games, and mush, MUCH more! Read about her and her VO journey below!

What first struck your interest about the voice-over industry? 

When I was a kid, I (gently) kidnapped my younger brother and sequestered us in a bedroom with a giant, old-school cassette recorder and the Disney “Haunted Mansion” sound effects record…I cast us as a million different characters, and we’d do what I now know was a Radio Drama, LOL! I feel like I came onto the planet already enormously predisposed to love all things voice and voice-over!

When did you get started?

I had an experience in college that really started me on this path, without my knowing. Almost daily, I’d change the outgoing message on my voicemail – different characters and impressions, usually trying out something funny – and the campus newspaper found out about it, and voted me “One of the 10 Funniest People on Campus!” 

I had no idea what voice-over was yet, but I had the light-bulb moment of, “Is there a career that exists, where I get to play like this with my voice…and make money?!” As it turns out, YES!

My official entry into this voice-over world came when I met my first mentor, a woman named Connie who had a huge voice-over career in New York and was in love with teaching, and starting voice-over careers of newbies. She’s responsible for my launch. And, in what I now know is unusual, my on-camera and voice-over careers grew in tandem; I’ve done both, from the start, and they have delicious things to share with one another in terms of technique.

 What kind of voice-over projects have you done so far? 

I am in love with this question, because it still blows my mind how wide and vast and deep the voice-over world is! Even voice-over artists who have been working for a bit find things that are new to them. Plus, as the world of technology and social media continues to balloon, new categories of voice-over come into being: for example, demos for podcast intros/outros or apps was not a “thing” until recently. 

My great blessing is that I’ve done something in almost every category that I currently know about – and I’m always excited to imagine what’s coming. I’ve partnered with clients on hundreds of commercials, narration, lots of industrials, audiobooks, animated projects, video games, IVR, things in Spanish, podcast intro/outro, dubbing…and I’m about to debut my very first podcast! Another area of voice-over where I’ve been blessed to have lots of experience is ADR: Automated (or Automatic) Dialogue Replacement – that’s a world lots of folks don’t know about, and working with the “Loop Groups” who are on studio sound stages creating those voices for crowds, non-principal characters, background actors – it’s technical and fascinating and improv-heavy and gorgeous. One of my great passions, in addition to storytelling, is wellness, so I’m creating original voice-over content in that universe to give to the planet.

Tell us more about your role here as a voice-over coach at Such A Voice. How would you describe your voice-over coaching techniques?

First and foremost, as a coach, my core values are kindness and patience. I had mentors and coaches who were so patient with me – especially with the tech. For Such A Voice, I’m thrilled to coach both Technique and Home Studio Advisory. When I started in VO, I literally would call my mentor in tears over some tech shenanigans that made me want to give up! So, my students all know they can ask me the same question a thousand times and it’s all good. I’d also say I’m a “whole body” voice-over coach – I think EVERYTHING plays a part in how we tell the story authentically: mind, heart, body, emotions. All of it needs focus and strength.

As a coach, what advice do you have for newcomers to the voice-over industry? 

I’d say (and everyone reading this is already here), find a really strong, knowledge-filled voice-over “village” to plug into. There is no artist on the planet who succeeds without a giant, mighty support village behind them.

What would be an all-time dream voice-over gig for you?

Three answers here: I would say being the go-to audiobook narrator/producer for Rights Holders who love putting out high-vibrational material – fiction or nonfiction – things designed to empower, illuminate, bring joy. And, a hilarious animated character that lifts people. Also, doing motion capture for a creature-or-human that I then have the privilege of voicing!

Onto the fun stuff!

Where is your favorite place that you’ve travelled? 

I was very honored to live in Paris for a bit – that was amazing: every street and building oozed this incredible history and refinement. (Plus, it blew my mind that every meal was meant to be a highly-celebrated and deeply savored experience!) Also, I have ancestors from Scotland (Clan Gordon!) in Aberdeen. I’ve visited once, and had the most surreal experience of déjà vu and connection. 

What’s the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

I jumped out of a perfectly good airplane. It was a tandem skydive, so I was strapped to an instructor – terrifying and phenomenal. Someone else jumped out with us (with a camera on his head!) and recorded the whole thing – so I have it to watch! After I catapulted myself into the void and stopped screeching…when the parachute opened…there were precious moments where I literally felt like I was standing still in the sky. I actually reached out with my hands, and passed them through CLOUDS. So amazing. 

What odd food combinations do you really enjoy? 

This is a really great question. I’ve always experimented with ways-of-eating,…and have been vegan, vegetarian, a food-combiner, organic-only, an alkaline eater, pescatarian…now, I’m Alkaline Green Pescatarian Keto, LOL! The most odd thing to others (to me it’s normal!), is that I can eat little hunks of firm tofu as a snack, just plain. I think they’re tasty!

What’s something that will always be in fashion to you, no matter how much time passes? 

Kindness. And, a solid-black outfit with a single dreamy piece of jewelry.

What are some of your favorite summer activities? 

Long list! When the world is open and humming: beach at sunset and night-time, munching on fresh summer berries, bonfires, picnics or pot-lucks with loved ones, a great binge-movie-night on an outdoor screen, with tasty snacks and folks to share…and awesome interviews like this. <3 Thank you!

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What were you doing before you got into voice-over?

My family owns a roofing company, so coming out of high school that became my first job. Working on roofs, residential and commercial and also working in the office. Between that, I worked various jobs in retail and office.

What appealed to you most about starting a career in voice-over?

I would say that the main appeal is that I found my dream job and it was attainable. To have that become a reality was incredible! I remember about a decade ago now, I was introduced to Voices.com and I was ecstatic that such a thing was possible. 

What was the most valuable part of your training with Such a Voice?

My one-on-one coaching with a trained voice-over professional. I loved the steps taken on each lesson in learning to use your voice like an instrument. There is so much to continually learn in what it takes to be a successful VO and the tools were there in each class. My coach was always there to teach and answer any questions that I had and if she did not have the answer, she would take note and research for me, I really appreciated that.

What was your first voice-over gig? How did it come about, and how did it go?

My first voice-over gig was in 2013. The job was for a virtual homeschooling session on social studies. I remember when I saw that I booked it I was so excited! And then nervous! I took it as seriously as I could because I knew that somebody put a lot of time and effort into their project and I wanted to give it as much justice and quality as I could. Thankfully, the person that hired me was very pleased and gave a 5 star review. It was a great start.

I’ve heard you’ve done some work in audiobooks – what was that experience like and how does it differ from some of the other work you’ve done?

To date, reading audiobooks for Learning Ally has been the most fulfilling VO work and most fun! The intern crew that we worked with was so incredibly kind and ready to help us with anything that we were struggling with, or had questions on. The team got to know each and every one of our voices and would send us suggestions on a new book to read each time we completed one. They sent me a wide array of subjects and emotional ranges. From children’s books, to Disney, to graphic novels (like Speak) to actual novels. I learned so much from reading books. You have to know how to read narratives, multiple character voice changes and perform believable acting. The challenge was both educating and fulfilling. In the end, I believe that I read around 7-10 audiobooks. The best part was knowing that we were helping children with reading challenges gain understanding and confidence in reading that ultimately led to them having a higher self esteem. The internship did end but I loved working for them so much that I have signed up to continue reading for them as a volunteer.

What other VO work have you done? 

There have been quite a number of jobs over the years in the commercial, animation, and audiobook spheres, but some of my favorites have been voicing three different children in an E-Learning course for parents, a travel commercial I did for Riau Island, and providing VO for the Wedding Salon video game. 

I also know you’ve written a novel this year – tell us a little about that!

Yes! My novel’s name is Wanders Pass, it is now available on Amazon. It is about a young woman, Elise Blath who lives on the coast of Oregon. One day she receives a mysterious letter and comes to find out that her family has hidden a deep secret from her her whole life. At a crossroads, she must decide what she is going to do, have things stay the way they always have been or go on the adventure her heart has always been yearning for. 

Something else that I am so thankful for in working with Learning Ally, is that I gained  experience in reading audiobooks. Currently, I am making Wanders Pass into an audiobook. I have hired a man narrator to perform all of the male parts and Jan Haley-Soule, my Such A Voice coach to perform a main female role. The audiobook will be available by the end of July and I’m so honored to have such an amazing cast be a part of it all.

How would you describe your sound?

I would say that my sound is youthful, sweet, and childlike. Depending on the reading, I can range from emotionally serious to a fairy-tale type sound.

What would your dream VO role/project be?

Ultimately to be a character in a cartoon for children. Either in a show or in a movie, I would love that. If I were to shoot for the stars, being the voice of a Disney character someday would be a dream come true.

Is there anyone in particular (at SAV or otherwise) that has been a mentor/role model in the industry.

Absolutely, my Such A Voice coach, Jan Haley-Soule. Jan has a heart of gold and truly cares about her students. Jan was my coach in 2014 and to this day, if I have questions she is always there to help. I appreciate her so much, she is full of knowledge and experience and more than willing to be that mentor that I need. Also, I had two sessions with a coach named Nancy Wilson. I loved her approach to coaching in that she really helped me to delve into what the script was actually saying and not compromising on quality. As she told me, Robin Williams said that in any acting pursuit; make it personal and make it specific. Will always remember that – it has really helped.

What advice would you have for students currently going through their VO training?

Be honest with yourself through the process. Give each lesson and training tool given to you through SAV all of your attention and energy. When you go out into the world of VO, there are going to be a lot of auditions and there is going to be a lot of competition. If you truly love VO and you know that this is your passion, that this is what you want to do, not just your career in life but as your passion; you will find a way to make it a success. Find the unique voice that you have in this industry and have confidence in it. Tell yourself that your voice is what people have been wanting to hear and have been looking for.

Aside from VO, what are your other interests?

The outdoors. Whenever I’m needing to feel refreshed and grounded on what really matters, I go to nature. It makes me feel at peace and close to our creator. Also singing and playing my piano and flute.

Any other thoughts you have about voice-over in general?

There is no understatement here when I say that voice-over has always been a passion of mine and my dream job since I was a child. Though I could not put a name to it at that time, I remember watching my favorite cartoons or movies and trying my best to imitate in voice or song their individual and unique voices. I believe that is one of the beauties of being human. At a young age, we have our own wonderful personalities and our passions develop. I have talked to other VO artists and we all seem to have that in common, that when we were children, we were drawn to doing voices and it followed us into adulthood. I think that is wonderful!

Anything you’d like to plug?

I’d love to:)

My VO demos on Voices.com

A link to my novel on Amazon!

Want to join Leah? Start your voice-over journey (or just pop in to learn more about the industry!) at our introductory voice-over webinar!

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What were you doing before you got into voice-over? Had you considered VO a viable career path?

I had been working as a regulatory affairs manager at a drug and medical device company. Although I did well at it, there was just something missing. In search of a creative outlet, I would often take classes at my local community college, which is where I took Such A Voice’s introductory voice-over class. I had so much fun in that class, that I wanted to learn more. I had not thought of VO or audiobook narration as a viable career path until I saw the many successful people in the industry who had similar paths to my own. All I had to do was take the steps and do the work to make it a reality. I did, and now I am a full-time audiobook narrator!

What was the most valuable part of your training with SAV?

For me, there were two things that were most valuable. First, there was the one-on-one coaching with Jan Haley-Soule that gave me the attention to help shape my personal style and direction of my VO journey. Her instruction and guidance  encouraged me to find where I belonged. Second, the experience going to a studio to record my demos was valuable to learn how to work professionally in a studio with an engineer and a director. 

What was your first paid voice-over gig? How did it come about, and how did it go?

My first paid gig was on ACX. After auditioning for VO gigs, I found my heart just wasn’t in short form narration or commercials. I gave ACX a try and landed my first audiobook about a year after I started with SAV. Things went pretty well, I’d say, because I was a finalist for best female narrator in the 2020 Independent Audiobook Awards, and have just started recording my 38th audiobook!

I’ve heard most of your work is in audiobooks – how did you find your niche there?

After reviewing my homework, my coach Jan would often say, “That sounds like an audiobook.” When your coach says things, you should listen! So, I researched audiobook narration, and practiced reading aloud just from books off my shelf, then volunteered as a narrator for Librivox.org. When I started auditioning for books on ACX, my goal was to narrate books that mirrored my reading interests (mystery, thriller, British historical fiction, and memoirs). I learned fast that my voice is suited for mystery and thrillers, but isn’t suited for British historical fiction (kind of need a convincing accent!) But I discovered my voice is suited for other genres as well, like science fiction, fantasy, romance, and non-fiction. Finding my niche will be a lifetime journey, I’m sure. 

Do you have any fun projects in the works, or particularly fun books you’ve done recently? 

I just finished narrating a thriller called Redemption by Stephanie Baldi, a sci-fi fantasy called Falling: Adalta Vol. III by Sherrill Nilson, and a dual narration with Michael Reid called Cabin 2 by Amanda McKinney. All of these books were fun, challenging, and just so well written! It was definitely my pleasure to narrate them. 

Later this summer I’ll be working on narrating books in a few other genres: a cozy mystery, an Amish Christian romance, and a non-fiction book about parish scandals in 18th century France.

How would you describe your sound? 

My voice is warm, intuitive, and clever. Listeners have described my narration as “a very smooth voice” and “a delightful tone for the first-person perspective.” I like to give each character a unique voice, and many listeners have applauded my ability to voice male characters. 

What would your dream VO role/project be?

I’m living the dream right now! My dream is to narrate anything that helps someone learn something, or create something, or believe in themselves, or helps them view the world and humanity in a positive light. I know this is a broad answer, but if I’ve learned anything in this journey, the thing that will keep you going is to keep an open mind. Let your values guide you, but stay open to opportunities. 

Is there anyone in particular (at SAV or otherwise) that has been a mentor/role model in the industry?

From SAV, my coach Jan Haley-Soule guided me toward learning about my voice and what it “sounds like.” I owe it to her for helping me discover long form narration is my “gig.” Though I never worked with her directly, Heather Costa provided wonderful encouragement in her conference calls and marketing materials. 

Outside of SAV, Sean Pratt, Shannon Parks, Jayme Mattler, Johnny Heller, Karen Commins, and Jeffrey Kafer have been huge influences on my journey as both a narrator and as a business person (because this is a business, you know). The audiobook world is a wonderful community of people who love what they do, give out wonderful advice, and will lift you up. 

What advice would you have for folks currently going through their VO training?

First, keep an open mind. You will discover things you didn’t know about yourself. Second, try new things. You will discover your voice is suited for something you never thought it was. Third, learn as much as you can. Always be learning. Do your research, get coaching, ask questions, listen, and then pay it forward. 

Lastly, here is a piece of advice that audiobook coach Sean Pratt once told me that changed everything in my journey: “Auditioning is the job. Booking the gig is icing on the cake.”

Aside from VO, what are your hobbies or passions in life?

I’m an introverted introvert, so I love doing creative things like crafts, watercolor painting, and zen doodling. I also like to design scenery and lighting for community theatre, take classes at the local community college, and explore the sights in Milwaukee, Madison and Chicago. 

Any other thoughts you have about voice-over in general?

I’m not going to sugar coat it: it’s not easy. It’s hard work. It’s a business. Treat it that way. Learn about the business, build relationships with your clients and other VO artists and audiobook narrators, work hard, and you’ll set yourself up for success.

Anything you’d like to plug?

If you’re looking for a place to start in audiobook narration, audiobook narrator Karen Commins developed a fabulous website called NarratorsRoadmap.com. 

If you’d like to learn more about my books or hire me as a narrator, you can find me at www.amydeuchler.com, and on these social media:

facebook.com/AmyDeuchlerNarrator

twitter.com/amy_deuchler

linkedin.com/in/amydeuchlervo

instagram.com/amydeuchler

goodreads.com/amydeuchler

Want to join Amy? Start your voice-over journey (or just pop in to learn more about the industry!) at our introductory voice-over webinar!

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