VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

[Christopher French]

Howdy all,

You know, I've been working on getting things down here for about nine months now, and I've realized something. I just can't get there without doing some outside things other than just sitting here and practicing. . .I never get any feedback that way. Plus, I've been having a bad case of the "Oh S*#T" syndrome. Everytime I have the mic in front of me lately, I've been saying "Oh S*%T! What if I sound like a toad?! Oh S&#T! What if I don't sound natural?!"

Anyway, I've decided to get back out into the world of stage acting, to get myself back into the true swing of things. I auditioned for a community theater one act show about the President of the United States being burst in upon whilst in the potty. He ends up having to give an entire speech upon the throne. It's quite funny. . .I got the part of the President.

Another thing I'm doing is venturing into the world of Stand Up Comedy. I need to get my timing down and try to have fun while I'm talking to people. I've realized that, couped up here in this office, I'm just not getting the full effect. I need to see people and their reactions to what I say. . .I guess I'm a visual learner that way (yeah, I know that in VO you don't usually get to see other's reactions, but I have to do something to get back into being able to flawlessly visualize given reactions).

That's about it in a nutshell. I'd like to know what you folks think of my ideas here. Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Thanks,

Chris

Oh, BTW, if you happen to be in the Raliegh, NC region in the next few weeks, my absolute FAVORITE Comedian, Craig Shoemaker, will be appearing there. I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone. Jen and I went and saw his show last Saturday and all I can say is WOW! Didn't stop laughing for the whole 2 hours!! This man is FUNNY. . .check him out, www.craigshoemaster.com -CF
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Christopher G. French

"The only limitations we truly have are the ones we place on ourselves." -Attributed to Donald Trump

[bobsouer]

Chris,

Hi. Although I joined up here only a couple of months ago, I feel like I know you a little bit because I've gone back and read almost the entire archive of posts. So, I hope you won't mind if I toss in a few thoughts for you.

I think your ideas of begging involved in theater and stand-up as ways to push yourself are good. I know you live in a small Michigan town, but another idea might be to join Toastmasters if they have a chapter there in Hillsdale or somewhere near by.

Each of these arenas (theater, stand-up and public speaking) will help you hone your ability to communicate.

The other side of the equation, of course, is the business part. How are you preparing yourself to market your demo once you're ready? Ultimately, someone with less ability but more drive to market and find doors of opportunity will succeed where someone with more ability but less drive won't.

At the risk of offense, let me conclude by echoing words that I've seen posted here a number of times in other contexts: do you have a deadline for yourself regarding pursuit of this dream? Like you, my long-term goal is to work full-time, exclusively, in my voiceover business. Like you, I'm not there yet. I'm just on my way. But, I can see that 2 years from now, if I haven't been able to make this transition, I'm probably not going to be able to and I need to content myself with working for someone else and just doing the voiceover thing part-time.

I wish you much success, Chris.
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Be well,
Bob Souer (just think of lemons)
The second nicest guy in voiceover.
+1-724-613-2749
Source Connect, phone patch, pony express

[tackerman]

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