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Frequently Asked Questions about Voice Over Training
Q: What are voice-overs?
A: Voice-overs are the spoken parts you hear in radio and
tv commercials, automated telephone
systems, answering machine messages, audiobooks, movie trailers,
infomercials, training videos, video games, etc. For more
detailed info read
Chapter 1 of our book here.
Q: Do I have to be a radio announcer or an actor
to be successful?
A: No, not at all. There is actually a push away from the
big, announcer type voices. In fact, people with normal, everyday
sounding voices are in high demand> Just tirn on your radio
or TV and listen.
Q: Do I have to join a union and pay dues?
A: No. You can choose to be union or non-union. Most of the
parts you land at first will be non-union. Generally speaking,
you only see union work in the larger markets.
Q: Do I need an agent or a manager?
A: No. Many voice actors never have agents and are able to
successfully manage themselves.
Q: How much money will I make in voice-overs?
A: Ah, the $64,000.00 question. Honestly, I have no idea how
much money you will make in voice-overs. Voice-overs is not
a job with a salary, paid vacation and benefits. Voice-overs
is self-employment and the amount of money you make in the
voice-over business will depend on your level of talent and
how much effort you put into it. Voice-overs is truly a "work-from-home"
business. There are many voice actors who make a full-time
living, and there are even more who earn a part-time living.
How much you make will depend on you, your talent and your
creativity.
Q: How will I know if I have the talent for voice-overs?
A: Generally, you'll get a good sense of your vocal abilities
during your first voice over coaching
session. However, don't be too hard on yourself at first.
It may take a few sessions to really find out if voice-overs
are for you.
Q: What equipment do I need to get started in voice-overs?
A: To get started, you don't need any equipment. All you need
is reading material and a place to practice reading aloud.
A small inexpensive recorder is helpful when practicing, but
not neccessary.
Q: What do I need to get auditions?
A: You'll definitely need a "Demo
Reel" so potential clients can hear samples of your
voice. You'll need a telephone and a computer with Internet
and Emai. You should have business cards and having your own
web site is very helpful.
Q: Do I need a home studio?
A: Not at first. However once you get serious about voice-over,
you'll probably want to set one up. Many voice actors find
that a home studio enables them to work, practice and create
at any time of the day or night. And these days, a lot of
auditions take place on-line, so a home studio lets you compete
for jobs in a timely fashion.
Q: What is a "Demo Reel" and why do I need one?
A: The "Demo Reel"
is a professionally recorded and produced CD or mp3 consisting
of various segments that feature you doing your best voice
work. You'll need a demo reel in order for people to hear
your voice over samples to get auditions
and parts. Think of it as a voice portfolio.
Q: Do I have to take all of the voice coaching workshops
you offer?
A: No. You only take only the voice
over workshops that interest you.
Q: Do you offer private voice over coaching sessions?
A: Yes. In fact all of our voice over coaching sessions are
private, one-on-one.
Q: Why can't I just read a book about Voice-overs
and learn that way?
A: There are several good voice over
books, and we suggest you read as many as possible. Each
one strongly recommends hiring a "voice-over coach".
Plus, you really need to get into a studio to record and listen
to yourself. Private voice-over workshops are an easy and
smart way to get off to a good start. Many successful people
in movies, television, radio, music and the stage work regularly
with voice over coaches. By the way, we have a book we wrote
called, "Getting
Started in Voice-Overs; the Ultimate Beginners Guide"
which is FREE with several of our workshops.
Q: Are you a management company or talent agency?
A: No not all. I am perfectly happy to let you manage yourself.
However, clients often contact me looking for various types
of voices. And I often present various voice-over demos of
other actors I know and work with. Plus I'm available to help
you with ongoing voice-over business consultation.
Q: Are there additional fees or hidden charges for
private voice coaching sessions?
A: No. There are no registration fees, material fees or sales
tax for voice lessons. You only pay for the coaching sessions.
Everything else, scripts, CDs, other materials and advice
are included without charge.
Q: What if I need help managing my voice-over business?
A: I am available to consult with you on marketing, self-promotion,
web site design, demo production, studio set-up and continious
voice-over coaching.
Q: When and where are the private voice over coaching
sessions held?
A: Most sessions are held weekday afternoons or evenings and
on Saturday or Sunday in my private, fully equipped home studio
in Vernon,
CT (13 miles east of Hartford). I also offer voice-over
classes at Manchester Community College.
From time to time we hold voice over coaching workshops and
recording sessions in several of the top Hartford area recording
studios and radio stations.
Q: How do I sign up and pay for a voice over coaching
session?
A: Call 800.970.5151. Most times I will actually answer the
phone. If I'm in the studio recording, the answering machine
will pick up. Leave a message and I'll get back you shortly.
To reserve a coaching spot, payment or deposit is required
two (2) weeks in advance of your scheduled date. We accept
cash, check and PayPal. For complete details contact me by
phone; 800.970.5151 or by email; stew@voiceoverworkshop.com
Q: I have more questions. How can I get answers to
them?
A: I'm usually available by phone, 800.970.5151 between 10am
and 8pm eastern time, Monday through Saturday. When I'm in
the studio (which is often) the answering machine will pick
up. Please leave your name and number and I'll call you back.
You can always reach me by email; stew@voiceoverworkshop.com
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DISCLAIMER:
Voice Over Workshop LLC specializes in offering a hands-on,
practical, informational and inspirational experience for
voice actors, radio announcers, public speakers, business
professionals and anyone interested in strengthening, enhancing
and improving their vocal skills. our clients include working
voice actors, radio announcers, singers, authors, sales people
and hobbyists.
Voice Over Workshop LLC is not an occupational school or higher
education facility. We do not offer graduation or issue diplomas
or certificates for completion of our workshops. We do not
guarantee employment or make any claims regarding future success
or earnings.
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PAYMENT & REFUND POLICY FOR WORKSHOPS AND COACHING SESSIONS
All workshops and recording sessions must be paid for in advance by Cash, Check or through PayPal.
Should a workshop turn out to be not what you expected, YOU
ARE FREE TO WALK AWAY and get a refund that will be pro-rated
based on the time used. You will receive a refund check for
the unused balance of time.
I understand that weather or a personal emergency could prevent
you from keeping an appointment with me. This is normal and
when you give me advance notice, I will reschedule you. If
you choose not to reschdule, I will refund your money, as
stated in the paragraph above.
All refunds are issued by check from Voice Over Workshop LLC within 30 days.
What can we do for you?
Call or for voice-over
information.
Stew "Beef Stew" Crossen
800.970.5151
Daily 10am to 8pm, east coast
Connect with Stew on:
Facebook | WordPress Blog | MySpace
Member:
Connecticut Broadcasters Association
Connecticut Production Coalition
Hartford Radio History
Media Communications Assoc. Int. / CT Chapter
Voice123.com
VoicePunch.com
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