How to Become a Voice Actor (Tips and Tricks)

Want to learn how to become a voice actor? Read on two and discover everything there is to know before diving into this field.

Voice acting is a highly competitive field, but it offers exciting opportunities for those passionate about performance and storytelling. As the demand for voice actors continues to rise, driven by the growth of streaming platforms and the need for voiceovers in various media forms, now is a great time to explore a career in voice acting.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for voice actors in 2023 was $21.45 per hour or $44,590 annually. While the financial rewards can be attractive, it’s important to note that success in voice acting requires dedication, skill development, and persistence.

To become a voice actor, you must hone your vocal techniques, develop a diverse range of character voices, and learn to interpret scripts effectively. Building a professional home studio setup, networking with industry professionals, and creating a standout demo reel are crucial steps to showcase your talent and land voice acting opportunities.

ocal techniques, develop a diverse range of character voices

With the industry projected to grow by 5% from 2020 to 2030, now is the perfect time to embark on your voice-acting journey. So, grab a microphone, unleash your creativity, and start your path toward becoming a skilled and versatile voice actor.

So let’s dive into how to get into voice acting and come one step closer to achieving your dream. 

What is a Voice Actor?

So what is voice acting, and who exactly is a voice actor? 

A voice-over actor is a performer who lends their voice to various forms of media, such as commercials, films, TV shows, video games, and audiobooks. They use their vocal skills to bring characters to life, convey emotions, and deliver engaging performances.

What is a Voice Actor

A voice actor must possess exceptional enunciation, control over tone and pitch, and impeccable timing. They work closely with directors and producers to interpret scripts and deliver the desired voice performances. 

Through their voice, the voice actor has the ability to captivate audiences and create memorable experiences across different mediums.

7 Types of Voice Actors

If you are considering becoming a voice actor, you need to know the different types of voice actors:

  1. Character Voice Actors: Specialize in bringing animated characters to life in films, TV shows, and video games.
  1. Commercial Voice Actors: Provide persuasive and engaging performances for advertisements promoting products, services, and brands.
  1. Narrators: Deliver clear, engaging, and captivating voiceovers for documentaries, audiobooks, and educational materials.
  1. Video Game Voice Actors: Bring video game characters to life through voices for in-game dialogues, cutscenes, and interactions.
  1. Radio and Podcast Voice Actors: Engage and entertain listeners through radio shows, podcasts, audio dramas, and storytelling.
  1. ADR and Dubbing Voice Actors: Provide voiceovers for foreign-language films, TV shows, and animations, synchronizing performances with original dialogue.
  1. Trailer and Promo Voice Actors: Deliver impactful voices for movie trailers, television promos, and advertising campaigns, creating anticipation and excitement.

How to Become a Voice Actor in 5 Simple Steps

We’re here to answer a frequently asked question: how do you become a voice actor?

How to Become a Voice Actor in 5 Simple Steps

If you have a passion for storytelling and a distinctive voice, pursuing a career as a voice actor can be an exciting and fulfilling journey. Here are simple steps on how to become a voice actor:

  1. Develop Your Voice
  2. Pursue Education in Voice Acting
  3. Get Professional Recording Equipment
  4. Build a Professional Demo Reel
  5. Audition for Gigs 

1. Develop Your Voice

To become a professional voice actor, investing in comprehensive voice acting training is essential. Focus on developing your voice through techniques such as voice control, breath control, and diction. Enroll in acting classes to enhance your character development and emotional expression skills. 

Regularly practicing vocal exercises will strengthen and refine your voice, preparing you for the competitive world of voice acting. Remember, consistent voice acting training and dedication are key to honing your craft and achieving success in the industry.

2. Pursue Education in Voice Acting

To learn how to do voice-overs, consider pursuing a degree or certification in voice acting, acting, broadcasting, or communications. These educational programs provide structured learning experiences and equip you with essential skills like voice control, character development, script interpretation, and studio recording techniques. Through formal education, you can deepen your understanding of the industry, refine your talent, and gain valuable credentials to excel in the art of voice-overs.

3. Get Professional Recording Equipment

Investing in professional recording equipment is crucial to ensure studio-quality voice recordings. Start with a high-quality microphone that captures the nuances of your voice accurately. A pop filter helps reduce unwanted plosive sounds. Also, choose reliable recording software with noise reduction and editing capabilities. With the right equipment, you can produce professional-grade recordings that meet industry standards.

4. Build a Professional Demo Reel

To become a successful voice actor, building a professional demo reel is crucial. It is a powerful tool to showcase your talent and attract casting directors and clients. Select your best vocal performances, including various voices, accents, and styles. Record them in high-quality audio and create a concise and engaging demo reel. With a compelling demo reel and the right skills, you can pave the way toward a successful career in voice acting.

5. Audition for Gigs 

To secure voice-over jobs, actively audition for opportunities online, through agents, and casting calls in the entertainment industry. Explore reputable voice casting websites and submit your demo reel for relevant projects. Additionally, consider working with talent agents who can connect you with potential openings. Stay updated on audition notices and industry events to maximize your chances of landing jobs. Through consistent auditions and networking, you can increase your visibility and expand your opportunities in the voice-acting industry.

4 Benefits of Becoming a Voice Actor

Becoming a voice actor offers several benefits that make it an appealing career choice:

  1. Flexible Schedule: Voice actors enjoy the flexibility of working from home or on-location, making it a career with a flexible work schedule.
  1. High Demand: The demand for voice actors is growing rapidly. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of voice actors is projected to increase by 7% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.
  1. Creativity: Voice acting allows for creative expression, as you have the opportunity to use your voice to convey emotions, portray different characters, and bring scripts to life.
  1. Potential for High Pay: Experienced voice actors have the potential to earn a high income. Professional voice actors can earn anywhere from $100 to $2,000 per hour, with some top voice actors earning over $100,000 annually.

How to Become a Voice Actor – FAQs

How Hard Is It to Become a Voice Actor?

Becoming a voice actor can be challenging, requiring honing your skills, building a professional portfolio, and navigating a competitive industry. However, with dedication, training, and perseverance, it is possible to establish a successful career in voice acting.

How Do I Become a Voice Actor From Home?

To become a voice actor from home, you must set up a professional recording space, invest in quality equipment, such as a microphone and headphones, and acquire recording software. Additionally, you can join online voice-casting platforms and audition for voice-over jobs remotely.

How Do I Become a Voice Actor From Home?

While having prior experience in acting or voice-over work can be beneficial, starting a career as a voice actor with no prior experience is possible. Taking acting classes, receiving voice acting training, building a strong demo reel, and actively auditioning for roles can help you gain experience and break into the industry.

Can You Be a Voice Actor With No Experience?

Yes, becoming a voice actor with no prior experience is possible. Many successful voice actors have started their careers without any professional experience. By taking acting classes, receiving voice acting training, building a strong demo reel, and actively auditioning for roles, you can develop the necessary skills and gain experience in the field. 

Conclusion

That wraps up our complete guide on how to become a voice actor!

Becoming a voice actor requires dedication, perseverance, and continuous improvement. It’s essential to stay committed to ongoing training, auditions, and networking within the industry. Embrace opportunities to showcase your talent and versatility through online platforms, voice acting competitions, or local events.

As you progress in your career, consider seeking guidance from experienced professionals, joining industry organizations, and staying updated on industry trends and techniques. Continuously expand your skills, explore new genres, and adapt to the evolving demands of the market.

Ultimately, how to become a voice actor is a process of self-discovery, creativity, and hard work. Embrace the uniqueness of your voice, bring characters to life, and let your passion shine through your performances. With determination and persistence, you can carve a rewarding path in the captivating world of voice acting. Get started now!