Q&A for How to Become a Voice Actor/Voiceover Artist

It's important to rest your voice as much as possible between auditions so you don't wear your voice out.

If you have multiple auditions back-to-back, don't use your full vocal capacity in each audition or you could wear your voice out. You can also use steam to moisturize your vocal cords between auditions.

There is no limited age. The most prominent age group is mostly 18-40 but any age is fine provided you have the right voice.

There's no age limit. However, if you are a minor, then certainly there are limits of how you will get paid for your role in production. Whatever role best suits you, that is where you will be chosen for.

No. Typically, voice work is done in chunks, so as long as they don't call you to an audition or to record during one of your classes, you should be fine. Some voice work can even be taken care of from home in your own studio on your own time.

Yes and no. Due to the ferocity of the industry, a unique voice is helpful in getting more voice acting gigs in the big league. However, you can get gigs with your talent and a normal voice if you are prepared to try many different things, especially small budget and independent ones.

A degree is not necessary, but some form of training will help, whether attending workshops, acting classes, or voice lessons.

Yes, but it is not as a big industry as in the US. These jobs would most likely be based in radio, audio books, and animation. You can audition for US based jobs, but you may be discounted based on your current location.

Yes! You have to believe in yourself, and the most important thing is to practice. Practice whenever you have time. Try to imitate people you know, or someone from a movie/game.

To make a demo reel, create a quality recording of yourself voice acting. It should be short, around a minute long. Record yourself, then edit all the recordings you like together, preferably in mp3 format.

Talk with your parents about your wish to become a voice actor/voiceover artist.

This will depend on your equipment. If you need to buy new equipment in order to make the recording, a demo reel can get quite expensive. If you already have the equipment, or if you have access to a recording studio, the demo reel can be practically free to make.

You can use an electronic device from home. For example, some people use their iPods, while others use their cellphones or laptops/computers. As long as it has good, clear quality sound, you can use it.

It can take a few tries, you need to exercise your vocal chords. Don't expect to be great on your first try, but keep practicing. Like any muscle related activity, your vocal chords need working and strengthening if you want to have a good voice, and most importantly, know the lyrics.

Certainly. Voice acting can be done all over the world, but the main places to find success are Los Angeles, New York, Dallas and San Francisco.

Very much so. While having a memorable voice helps you stand out as a voice actor, speaking tones and accents that are fluent and believable are essential.

You don't have to use one who needs money, some voice coaches are free volunteers.

That is dependent on the production crew. Sometimes, there might not even be an audition since your demo reel could be the major source of whether you will get accepted into the role. If there is an audition required, an well-known example of one is through recitals of monologues.

I recommend you study the patterns of a male voice through video and animations done by professional male voice actors. Or you can try listening to anime that has the male protagonist's voice acted out by ither female voice actors. That will give you tips of how to use your voice more efficiently as a male character.

Of course, you can. Voice acting is everywhere -- in games, film, animation, audio books and even stage plays. If media has voice in it, it needs a voice actor.

Yes. You can become a voice actor without training. Yet, the majority of employers are looking for voice actors that already have experience in the field and/or are trained.

Definitely. Mark Hamill, John de Lancie and Morgan Freeman are among the many actors who voice act professionally.

Practice using different pitches while speaking, and be aware of each pitch you are using. This will allow you to have more control over your tone and will empower you to use your voice more intentionally. Increasing your vocal range will not only help your voice, but may also help you get a job.

Of course! Make sure you use that talent to land you a gig or two. Just make sure to kept practicing until you do.

The best way is to pick a cartoon and find out where the recording takes place. It's possible you may be suggested to move. If you are open to the idea, either send in a video or animation of you voicing something. You may even need to go and audition.

Generally, you would contact SEGA's casting director. However, Sonic the Hedgehog voice actors and actresses work under contract, so don't get your hopes up. It could be years before they are open roles.

Yes. The more you practice, the better you get.

Voice acting in Japan is insanely competitive. However, there are several schools in Japan dedicated solely to training anime voice actors and actresses. If money is not a problem, consider enrolling at one of these schools.

There's no straight answer for that. Some people are prodigies, and natural-born public speakers. However, you don't need a "good voice" to be a voice actor. Some voices need to sound plain or even ugly. The more versatile your voice is, the more you're worth, of course. So the more you practice and expand your range, the more good you will do yourself.

That depends. You can take vocal training, improv, drama, theater, or acting classes; they will do the trick. If you really want to, there are specific voice acting schools that you can start building money toward attending.