Andrea Balsa is a fascinating young woman who is setting the world on fire with her outstanding talent in bilingual voice over. The day I interviewed Andrea, I was sitting in my home in Las Vegas, NV and she was sitting in her room…in Poland! Yes, Poland, doing a huge text-to-speech project. She was hired to do a job for a big U.S. department store, and had to hunt for a studio to record the project in Poland. That’s just one of the projects Andrea is currently working on. [Read more…] about Joy’s Talent Spotlight: Andrea Balsa
The Power of Enthusiasm
Want to know my word of the day? Enthusiasm.
Remember when you were a kid and someone mentioned ice cream? Or a water park? Or camping in the back yard? It was the greatest thing ever.
Enthusiasm is a state of mind. Enthusiasm breeds energy. It inspires action and is the most contagious of all emotions. I think one of my secret super powers in life is bringing genuine enthusiasm to everything I do. When I get up in the morning, I’m excited about what the day holds. I genuinely look forward to experiencing my first sip of coffee, going on my morning walk, and then seeing what creative opportunities await in my inbox! What on earth will I be voicing today? I can’t wait to find out! [Read more…] about The Power of Enthusiasm
Joy’s Talent Spotlight: Samantha Berman
“One girl can never have too many passions and understandings,” says voice actor Samantha Berman. She started her professional singing career in 2008 on the Holland American Cruise Line. Sam then began her dance, singing and acting career as a dance captain for various New York venues. She earned her BA in drama and dramatic/theater arts at the University of California. [Read more…] about Joy’s Talent Spotlight: Samantha Berman
How long should you spend on a voiceover audition?
You want to audition a lot. But how long should it take you to complete and submit a single audition?
Well, if you’re brand-spanking new to the auditioning process, it ain’t gonna be quick! And that’s normal!
First, you’re reading and interpreting the script, then voicing it several times. Then come the questions: Is your mic on? Is it set at a proper level? Did you shut the AC off? Is there any other background noise that could ruin your recording? Dogs barking? Kids yelling? (Wait…did you shut the AC off?!) [Read more…] about How long should you spend on a voiceover audition?
Top 5 Tips for Acing Your Live Recording Sessions
Whoo hoo! You’ve booked your first live session with a client! Or maybe this ain’t your first rodeo and you’re no stranger to live sessions. Whatever the case, it’s important to keep a few things in mind—and in your booth—when you get on the line with your client. [Read more…] about Top 5 Tips for Acing Your Live Recording Sessions
Auditions: Submit and Forget
Auditioning. The big, scary “A” word. Let’s dig a little deeper into that, shall we?
Over the years, I’ve heard a lot of newer voice actors say things like, “I was so perfect for that job. I’m definitely gonna book it. I think I’ll email the producer and see if he’s heard anything yet.” [Read more…] about Auditions: Submit and Forget
How’s Your Energy?
You know what’s really important to pay attention to as a voice actor?
Energy!
Okay, okay, it’s easier said than done. We only have so much energy in a day, ya know?
So, when do you feel your best? Morning? Maybe you’re a night owl. Or does mid-day feel great for you? I ask this because that’s the ideal time to be auditioning/voicing your booked projects! If you’re tired, groggy, or not warmed up properly, you won’t be able to give 110% to your performances. And I know you want to give your best. [Read more…] about How’s Your Energy?
Are You Having Fun Yet?
I’ve got 4 words for you: Do. What. You. Love.
Are you having fun? That’s the most important part of this whole thing! If you’re doing what you love, you should be having fun! We have to remind ourselves as we build our skills and learn the VO biz that we started this journey because it spoke to our hearts. The creative kid inside of us was like, “Hey! I want to play! I wanna tell stories and bring kooky characters to life!” Heck yeah, baby! You were born to do this. [Read more…] about Are You Having Fun Yet?
Jacked Up: When in doubt, ask or look it up!
When you make your living talking, you’re bound to run into words you’ve never seen before. And then there are those words you just learned how to say, not realizing that most people don’t even say it the way you do.
Of course, that second group of words will bring nothing but endless surprises when you see people react and you wonder what’s going on. [Read more…] about Jacked Up: When in doubt, ask or look it up!
Courage, Confidence & Vulnerability by Geoff Riddle
You cannot be courageous and confident without risking vulnerability first. It’s a three-legged stool. Ironically, taking risks and failing grows your confidence. If you choose to learn from the challenge, it can make you feel bolder moving forward. [Read more…] about Courage, Confidence & Vulnerability by Geoff Riddle
