Meet Team TVAS!
Melissa Moats
Head Coach & Founder of The Voice Actors Studio
Commercial – Promo – Mama VO
ladyluckvoiceovers.com
Melissa Moats LOVES all things voice over! Achieving her dream-career took persistence, passion and patience, and Melissa is equally committed to guiding her students to their own success! As a full-time voice actor and founder of The Voice Actors Studio, Melissa has been voicing for nearly two decades. You’ve heard her on everything from The Ellen Show to video games to commercials for major household brands from coast to coast. Her first step toward becoming a pro voice actor was attending the voice acting course offered through UNLV many years ago. And Melissa now teaches that course! She takes great pride in giving the Las Vegas Voice Over Community a home and a safe place to learn and grow creatively. A rare find, being both a mentor to many and still a busy full-time voice actor, Melissa is equally fueled by her love of people and her love of voicing! Every step Melissa has taken to make her own creative aspirations come true, she generously and openly shares – helping others do the same.
Troy Moats
Marketing – Business – Logistics Expert
Troy Moats is a man with MANY talents! After 16 years in the Airforce and earning his degree in Business & Marketing, he was top salesman with every company he set foot in. He’s been working side by side with his wife, Melissa Moats, targeting his marketing skills specifically to apply to the ever-changing voiceover industry! Troy is quite the strategist in Voiceover Marketing and Business, and shares the tools needed to be successful at landing gigs and creating longterm clients. As our “Logistics Expert” Troy fixes everything from hardware to software and makes everything behind the scenes run seamlessly! His “get things done” attitude is a driving force behind his own success, and his business philosophies will help you with your success too.
Amanda McCune
Studio Coordinator – Business Expert
aardvarkgirl.com
Amanda McCune, also known as “Aardvark Girl,” spent 14 years managing production companies before starting her own business aimed at helping others, primarily those in creative fields, handle the organizational and financial functions of their companies. Although she is not a voice actor herself, Amanda has been involved in casting for a variety of projects over the years, and understands what clients and producers look for from talent. She has always enjoyed working with the Las Vegas voice over community, and was excited to find an opportunity to join Melissa and the TVAS team as the Studio Coordinator. Amanda is also happy to be coaching some business workshops to help prepare students for how to deal with rates, bookkeeping, organization, etc. as they grow their own businesses as voice actors!
Milla Rutland
Assistant Studio Coordinator
Milla Rutland has been acting and dancing since she was a young girl and knew she was born to entertain, so it was no surprise when she packed up and moved to fabulous Las Vegas to pursue her acting and entertainment dreams.
This Vegas Vixen found her passion in burlesque, live theater and most recently – voice over acting! Milla currently stars a few nights a week in a murder mystery dinner theater show while actively pursuing the world of voice acting, and loves her new role at TVAS as the Assistant Studio Coordinator. A true believer in always learning, growing and honing your craft; she regularly attends classes at TVAS and is a member of the SEP team!
When she’s not in her booth/home office or at TVAS, she enjoys competing in pinup competitions, visiting Salem, Massachusetts as often as possible, planning for Halloween and spending quality time with her fur babies which include an Akita, 4 cats (yes, of course she has a black cat) and a Chilean Rose Hair Tarantula!
Chad Letts
Commercial – Narration – Radio – Promo
chadletts.com
Chad is a near 20 year radio broadcasting veteran that has successfully transitioned to full time voice actor. He has trained with Melissa and other top VO coaches around the country and is living (and working) proof that the techniques taught at the Voice Actor’s Studio really do work. He takes a practical approach to the craft of VO and a logical approach to the business side of things. Chad loves sharing his knowledge and experience with other voice actors. When not behind the mic, you will often find him at concerts all over the Las Vegas Valley, or a local pub sipping a fine drab of single malt Islay scotch.
John McClain
Commercial – Narration – Audio Editing – Gear
dogandponystudios.net
John McClain is lead sound designer and the owner of Dog and Pony. His experience ranges from award winning campaigns for companies like Chevrolet and Dodge to a Grammy nomination in 2000 and a Grammy win in 2001 for his work with the late, great George Carlin. His work with HBO on the series 24/7 brought his company a national Emmy in 2008 and his work both as a voice talent and as a composer and sound designer brought him to the small screen in 2010 with the Comedy Central short series Shmitty, Mcfunkle and Stump. When not working his audio mojo, John likes to ski the avalanche-prone back country of Utah, cook paella for his friends and spend time with his beautiful wife Dawn and amazing son Declan.
Brent Mukai
Improv Specialist – Animation & Video Games
brentmukai.com
Brent Mukai is a stand up/improv comedian, actor, and voice actor from Pearl City, Hawaii. As an improv comedian, he is a part of Las Vegas’ longest running improv comedy show, Jest Serendipity, which has had residency shows at Planet Hollywood and The Palms Casino. He performs improv and stand up all over town, and currently produces the monthly two-man nerd improv show, The Cosplay Improv Mashup Show at the Millennium Fandom Bar.
As a teacher, he is an instructor at two schools in the city-wide improv league the High School Jesters, and also puts on corporate team building workshops. In his spare time Brent likes to freestyle rap, play pictionary, and write about himself in the third person.
Casey Eade
Social Media Guru for Voice Acting
Casey Eade is a content writer, marketing pro, and voice actor with a lifelong love of theatre (and of belting show tunes whenever it strikes her fancy). When she’s not recording in the booth or studying with Melissa Moats and the TVAS team, she’s navigating the non-stop world of social media. Casey works with brands and voice actors to help them create engaging content that drives business and establishes their unique presence online. She loves helping voice actors find their space on social media (and yes, that may involve a meme or two). In her downtime, Casey enjoys art, hiking, and pretending she’s either a) Barbara Streisand or b) the protagonist in a Victorian gothic novel (minus, you know…the tuberculosis).
Jack de Golia
Audiobooks – e-learning – Video Games – Commercial
jackwestcoast.com
Jack is our “Voice of Character.” He’s an award winning narrator of audiobooks and voice actor for e-learning, video games, and commercials since 2009. Jack is a consummate storyteller and character-voice actor, with a four-decade background in public relations and stage acting. Jack has a Bachelor’s degree in Dramatic Art from U.C. Davis. He has trained in voice-over with Alice Whitfield, Melissa Moats, Pat Fraley, and Marc Cashman. He’s also an enthusiastic member of the World-Voices Organization (WoVO). Jack narrates audiobooks at ACX, and for major publishers Blackstone, Bee Audio, Tantor Media, and Findaway Voices. In 2018, Jack won Audiofile Magazine’s “Earphones Award,” and was nominated for a Society of Voice Arts & Sciences award for best mystery narration. You’ll find him on Facebook, SoundCloud, Linked In, and Twitter, but mostly he’ll be making magic in his studio in Henderson.
Shelley Avellino
Commercial – Narration – eLearning
shelleyavellino.com
Shelley is actually from the other side of the pond. Originally from Wales in the UK, Shelley has spent her whole life in entertainment, whether it be singing, acting or playing one of the several instruments she owns. Her transition into Voice Acting was the next natural development in her creative career. She has lived all over the globe, which gives her amazing perspective on VO and she is literally bursting at the seams to share that with the rest of the voice acting community. Shelley is currently the main e-learning voice for Cisco, the narration voice for Microsoft, and the medical voice for Beyer. Shelley’s even done on screen camera work for Virgin Travel. When she’s not voicing, she’s travelling with pilot hubby or cuddling her two cats.
Dustin Ebaugh
Commercial – Narration – Promo – eLearning
dustinebaugh.com
Dustin has been behind a microphone since the age of 15 with a 20-year career in radio as a DJ, production director, program director and operations manager. Now, as a full time voice actor for over a decade, Dustin works in the industry every day for clients like Ferrari, UPS, The Harley-Davidson Museum, Cholula Hot Sauce and many others. Most of his work is commercial, narration and eLearning. As one of the founders and president emeritus of World-Voices Organization (WoVO), Dustin is most interested in helping others in our industry and sharing what he’s learned over the last three decades.
Jesse Estrada
English and Spanish Voiceover
jevoiceovers.com
Jesse Estrada once heard someone say “I’m the guy that just won’t go away,” and since then that’s how he approaches his business. Jesse is a bi-lingual voice actor with over 15 years of experience behind the mic. He is passionate about two things – his family and his career. He began as a DJ, graduated to radio as an on-air radio personality, and moved up the ladder in the radio world. Quenching his thirst for more, he earned certifications in audio engineering and broadcasting and now operates as a full-time Voice over actor, director, coach, and audio engineer. His passion for VO has landed him opportunities to work with clients like Disney – Cirque du Soleil – Shakira – Political Candidates – Costa Rica – Dodge RAM – AXE and many more.
Denise Thistlewaite
Commercial – Narration – eLearning – Meditation
suitnsneakersvo.com
Denise is a proud student of TVAS turned full-time VO pro. Her life experiences, education and career path have covered a vast spectrum, and have all contributed in a unique way to her success in voice over. Denise truly believes that through the power of positivity, hard work and perseverance, anything is possible! She loves sharing the practical knowledge she’s gained through training and her personal VO journey to help new students to the craft, flourish! She feels great joy watching students grow in talent and in confidence.
For fun, you’ll find Denise on a Southern California beach with a good book, practicing Mindfulness Meditation (both on and off of the mat), or stepping out of her comfort zone with her husband and kids to swim with sharks in Hawaii, or zip- line in Alaska. Amazed and appreciative of every singe one of life’s treasured moments!
Alan Weinstein
Alan Weinstein – Audio Production & Editing, Mac & PC Expert, Commercial & eLearning
alanwvoiceover.com
Alan’s journey began as a sound engineer for live entertainment at Walt Disney World. His evolution continued with audio-visual presentation support and productions while in Orlando. As computers evolved (yes, Alan remembers when they were introduced), his technical expertise shifted to computer solutions and integration. When Alan retired in 2017, his focus moved to voice over and supporting the TVAS community. Alan’s unique background in Corporate IT Services and Audio Engineering experience makes him a perfect fit to support TVAS students in tech and audio.
Andrea Balsa
English and Spanish Voice Over
andreabalsa.com
Andrea Balsa is a passionate bilingual voice over actor with over 20 years of experience in broadcast media. Before earning her Bachelors in Communications, she was already an on air personality in one of Mexico City’s top radio stations, Alfa Radio.
She moved to Las Vegas in 2004 where she worked for Univision as a News Anchor, reporter and producer. Having always loved being behind a microphone, she is beyond grateful to now be a full time voice actor and mother of two. Her voice has taken her around the world for various projects, and her love for our beautiful craft has landed her gigs for Netflix, Target, State Farm, Toyota, Sprint and many more.
Abby Elvidge
Animation – Video Games – Audiobooks – Commercial
voiceabby.com
Abby Elvidge is an Audiobook Narrator and Character Specialist. She recently narrated the Brilliance Audio production of ‘GRUNT: The Curious Science of Humans at War’ A New York Times / National Bestseller written by Mary Roach “America’s funniest science writer.” (Washington Post)
“I won the vocal-cord lottery when Abby Elvidge took an interest in narrating GRUNT. She is perfect for the project: energetic, friendly, and right on the mark with her tone and inflection.”
-Mary Roach
“Abby is also featured in award winning voice actor, producer and coach Patrick Fraley’s Cutting Edge Audiobook Narration course, alongside Scott Brick and other luminaries in the industry. Along with fellow coach, colleague, and friend, Jack de Golia, she was an Audie Award Finalist as part of the ensemble cast of “GADZOOKS!”
Joyce Castellanos
Producer – Prior Agent – VO Guru
Joyce Castellanos, often referred to as “VO Mama”, began her career in the voiceover industry as an audio director/producer at NBC, Disney Channel, Warner Bros. Marketing, and The WB Television Network that spanned over 25 years. She also trained as a voice actor to enhance her skills as a director, giving her the ability to communicate clearly with the talent. Since leaving the networks, Joyce worked as a talent agent, mentoring voice actors on their careers, and taught “Introduction To Voiceover” at Ventura Community College and West LA College, while expanding the genres for coaching voice actors at all levels for over 20 years. Having recently moved to Las Vegas, she is excited to be working with TVAS and the wonderful voiceover community here as well as those studying remotely. Joyce’s broad experience and passion for this industry keeps her on the cutting edge.
Jason Rooney
Commercial – Promo
Jason Rooney is a nationally recognized voice actor who started his career in the early 2000s in Las Vegas and is now living and working in St Louis. He is married with 4 kids and a chihuahua. You’ve most likely heard him on commercials or promos from some of his notable clients, like The Wendy Williams Show, ABC, HGTV, Travel Channel, A&E, Saturday Night Live, TruTV, Proactiv, Pepsi, Nintendo, LEGO, Honda, Disney, McDonalds, Home Depot, & Chrysler to name a few!
Trent Clausen
Graphic Design – Photography – Digital Illustrator
After spending fifteen years in the live entertainment industry making everyone’s dreams come true but his own, Trent left behind his life of babysitting rock stars to pursue his artistic passions (though he hates the word “passion” with a…well…passion).
Now a proud part of the TVAS family as well as a VO student, Trent freelances primarily as a digital illustrator, but also offers a variety of creative services which include graphic design, photography, film production, editorial writing, music production, and, as recently as this very moment, making long-winded, shamelessly self-indulgent lists regarding his aptitudes.
Although he has completely forgotten how to do long division, it has had a remarkably minimal negative impact on his life and Trent has managed to become a very happy person.
Taylor Moats
Videographer – Photographer – Media Producer
As a 20 year Las Vegas local, spending half of that time serving tables on the Las Vegas Strip, Taylor Moats has absorbed the essence of hospitality while pursuing his passion as a photographer and videographer. Capture, Create, Deliver. That’s this Las Vegas local’s mantra, and deliver he does.
After 2 years of launching his business, Moats Media – Taylor has recently transitioned to full-time media production, and has recently teamed up with TVAS to continue creating some killer content showcasing the journeys of the talent who consider The Voice Actors Studio their home away from home. 😉
Taylor now spends his energy growing his Youtube channel, creating promo content for clients & their businesses, and capturing those special moments in life that you never want to forget. When Taylor isn’t behind the camera, you can find him contorted in a yoga pose cleansing his body, mind and spirit.
Amy Ayoub
Keynote Speaking
thezenspeaker.com
Do you wish you could conquer your anxiety when you’re asked to speak in front of a group? Do you wish you could be calm, confident and compelling when making a presentation? You can…simply connect with Amy Ayoub at The Zen Speaker! Amy has been coaching politicians, nonprofit leaders, business owners, law enforcement officers, attorneys, entrepreneurs, celebrities and more to improve their speaking skills for decades. She opened her own company, The Zen Speaker, 10 years ago and is known as the premier communications coach in Southern Nevada.
Amy is a lifelong Las Vegan. A self-described recovering political fundraiser, Amy has been appointed by various Nevada Governors and Senators to four state and federal commissions. Fun fact: Amy was the first female appointed to the Nevada State Athletic Commission, better known as the Boxing Commission!
Amy personally knows the impact of sharing your story and standing in your power. She has a unique way of helping you find your power and articulate your story in a way that is helpful and healing to you and to your audience.
