So I went to NYC this weekend to Edge Studios for an "investigative voiceover class" to see if I had what it took to get started in voice acting. The short explanation is, yes, with some practice and education and the right speaking roles to record a quality demo, I could make this a reality.

Carol, My VO Coach said:
IVO Evaluation

Hi Akinola, it was nice working with you and introducing you to the voice over world! Our class was fun. I'm also filling in some information below on your voice, performance, and my thoughts on what's next. There's a lot, so go through it carefully and jot down any questions you have. Someone in our office will then call you at the time you selected to review this with you, so be prepared!

About Your Foundation Voice
You are fluent in English. Your natural accent is Urban. The vocal age range that I hear you being marketable in is 25 to 35.

About Your Natural Delivery
Your pacing is normal (not too fast or too slow), which is great for most types of copy.

You're naturally dynamic, which makes it easy to add enthusiasm to your delivery.

I notice that your delivery style is full of attitude, believable, cool, current, deep, friendly, fun, neighborly, nonchalant, personable, promo-ish, tough and urban.

You naturally sound like a best friend, brother, buddy, DJ, everyman, guy next door and news anchor.

About Your Performance
Here are some of your strengths:

You seemed to understand the general concepts of V.O. delivery we discussed during class - this is an important skill, as it is a vital part of learning voice-over technique.

You did a good job hearing mistakes when they were made, which will be extremely helpful if you continue in the voice over world.

You seemed to have good natural acting ability which is certainly helpful.

During the class you were willing to try new things that weren't necessarily in your comfort zone - this is a great skill that will be very beneficial for you.

And here are some things to work on . . .

You will need to work on some general newcomer challenges. This includes the basic concepts worked on in class (using volume, pitch, etc). These should work themselves out as you train.

During the class you seemed a bit stiff, so try to loosen up and relax. Using body language may help with this.

You seemed too careful, so work on trusting yourself and your instincts.

As you read you seemed to stumbled a bit. Practice reading out loud to become more comfortable with it. Also, take your time with the copy.

Although Ak stumbled a bit, he will see immediate improvement if he slows down, marks his texts, and works on the flow of the delivery.

Ak did really nice work and has a lot of potential!"

um, def put up a recording we need to hear it

perhaps you could read the following copy:

paper is the best paper
paper is the best paper
because you draw
because you draw

I am sure that Matt, Kat, and others can give some great advice to you.

My advice to you is to not think of voiceacting as Anime & Video Games. Those genres make up just a VERY small portion of voiceacting and while they can pay great if you build up a signature character voice, there is also a lot more money elsewhere. Especially is radio/tv advertising.

I used to do voiceacting for radio & TV commercials at my local stations and obviously they were a GREAT way to start. My friend Lucien did this as well and built his way up for being in all the Poptart animated commercials as well as several voice appearances on Pokemon/Digimon and beyond.

Acting classes, Voice Training, Improve Classes, and getting an agent is super key. They also cost a lot of money so be prepared!

One option is to look into notable local Acting Clubs and Improve Groups, they often have tryouts and will let you in if they feel you have something special to add and will be a definite experience builder!

Amanda said:
um, def put up a recording we need to hear it

perhaps you could read the following copy:

paper is the best paper
paper is the best paper
because you draw
because you draw

I will record this tonight!

Also Stephy, what you posted is wondrous advice. I still have a lot of training to do but this is a great place to start. Thanks a lot :3

I noticed that I am having spelling seizures today so I would like to say Improv...IMPROV.

fukkake said:
I noticed that I am having spelling seizures today so I would like to say Improv...IMPROV.

That was a hiccup

I think

asiudhieg 9809Y78Ugsd bjc d'asf is a seizure. Or a cat. Either way, message received!

Oh my god, local improv troupes always need someone with a great mic presence. It's also a great way to just get comfortable in on the spot situations and utilize your voice on the regular outside of your comfort zone.

So true...I've seen some of the improv groups in Philly aaaaand they could use someone like you!

first purchase will be a decent mic. Sorry for the quality

shout outs to paper: http://www.poptent.net/media/39568

Holy shit ak, haha. I can totally see you doing a radio callsign or some shit. That is badass

Awesome.

Incredible!

HOLY SHIT.

SO BEGGING YOU TO RECORD THIS:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStTGs5sHvg

pleeeeeeeeeeease?

Making it in voice acting is pretty tough, because what tends to happen is that the same voice talents get used over and over again in the industry. I know this because my mom was a voice actress for many years, and actually was the SE regional chair of SAG for a few years. She used to tell me that about 80% of all voice acting work goes to the same like, three people.

You can definitely make it into voice acting, but it's probably about as difficult as it is making it in screen acting.

The way my mom got into it was by knowing the right people. I suggest you do the same.

Ahahahahahhahaha, oh man, Ak, I miss you, buddy.

Dr. Moustache said:
The way my mom got into it was by knowing the right people. I suggest you do the same

You heard him, get to know Mommy Moustache.

Thin White Duke said:


You heard him, get to know Mommy Moustache.

That's a fact, jack!

Barney Stinson said:
HOLY SHIT.

SO BEGGING YOU TO RECORD THIS:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=iStTGs5sHvg

pleeeeeeeeeeease? PS: Here is the transcript:

This is Tobor. Tobor, the telesonic robot. Batteries not included.
He's under your control.
With a click from the telesonic commander.... to circle. To proceed forward. To circle.
Or to pick up the support module and return, all on your command.
Tobor is robot spelled backwards.
Tobor, the telesonic robot. From Sharper!

Ask and you shall receive!

http://soundcloud.com/gogopirogo/tobor-voiceover-by-ak

shout outs to turkey hill lemonade and to agata for recording it on her super great mic.

FWIW, AK, I think your voice has a nice quality and you seem to have good diction and all that. If I'm ever working on a game that could use a voice like yours, and if you happen to be in Chicago at the time, I'll make you a Video Game Super Voice Star Sensation.