VO-BB - 19 YEARS OLD!

Steve OSullivan

Howdy all,

I have regrouped for my second (and final) foray into the voice acting world, and I know I need a coach. Have you any referrals or (better yet) recommendations for coaches that have helped you?

In 2012, I landed two political ads (paid) through Voice123, and I voiced a short documentary, but I did not have the guts to really invest in myself training wise, and let things trail off.

Now I am back, and planning, and hopeful; looking at this for the long haul.

Any and all advice is gratefully accepted!

With kind regards,

Steve O'Sullivan

Smile

paulstefano · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2016 12:19 pm Post subject:

My vote goes for the Edge Studio Program. They have a introductory session for less than $100 that will let you sit in with a group of other new actors, do some reads, then get a critique back on whether or not they think you have the goods to pursue a career. If you decide to take their course, they refund the $100.

I just completed their ABC program. Took about 6 months and I feel like I got a lot out of it. One caution, its a self paced program. You have to schedule yourself and stick with it. They won't hold your hand. Also, 90% of the sessions are group sessions, so you have to be ready to participate to get any reward. It's a bit like choosing a state school vs a small liberal arts college.

For me, it was perfect.

Paul
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http://www.paulstefano.com

richvoice · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2016 1:32 pm Post subject:

Hi Steve,

If you're looking for local training, I'd recommend Voice One in San Francisco or Voicetrax in Sausalito. I took a bunch of workshops at The Voice Factory in San Francisco back in the early 2000s; unfortunately, they're no longer in business. For one-on-one local coaching, you might look for David Rosenthal; I did some coaching with him in SF 8 or 9 years ago, I'm not sure what he's up to now.

If you're looking for remote coaching via Skype or similar, the world is your oyster. I got some coaching via Skype from Marc Cashman that I was happy with; it looks like many(/most/all) of the coaches at Edge Studio coach via Skype; and there are many more.

Whichever way you go, good choice to get some good coaching. Smile

_________________
Cheers,
Rich
http://www.richvoiceproductions.com
@RichMillerVO

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 940

What are your goals, Steve?? Different coaches coach different genres.

I'm not a Skype coaching fan, but if he does that and you are interested check out Jeff Howell.

Jeff Howell’s Private Training
(323) 252-6690

Have you studied acting??

B

Philip Banks · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2016 4:24 pm Post subject:

If you'd like an hour "Quick overview" blast feel free to contact me on Skype no charge. It may be a start and will give you an idea of who not to choose.

Steve OSullivan · Posted: Sun Mar 20, 2016 8:19 pm Post subject: My goals as of now

Hi Bob,

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 940

I would actually start with acting and improv before spending a dime on vo coaches. You will be spinning your wheels in vo without solid acting technique under your belt. There are so many free resources online to research and study vo. From VO Buzz Weekly to Talkin Toons if your thing is animation. Just surf YouTube and you will find lots of vo seminars and lectures.

But it's all about the acting and less about the voice.

Eddie Eagle · M&M Joined: 23 Apr 2008 Posts: 2393

As Master Thespian would say "Acting!....Genius!!!!"

Bruce · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 9:35 am Post subject:

Here's another vote for acting classes and amateur theater first. If you can be convincing in a role to a dozen people or hundreds of people without falling apart, that's a huge step. I also recommend Toastmasters clubs.... a great way to build speaking style and confidence.

If money's important, these are all much cheaper than personal coaching.

When you're ready for coaching I highly recommend live coaching as opposed to Skype and such. There's so much more the teacher and student can learn by watching each other live and not on screen.

B
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VO-BB Member #31 Enlisted June, 2005

I'm not a Zoo, but over the years I've played one on radio/TV. .

Philip Banks · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 10:03 am Post subject:

Acting, acting and then acting THEN in person coaching. NOT WITH ANYONE WHO IS EX-RADIO. I have no suggestions as to whom but am checking air fares to Portgordon.

Deirdre · Posted: Mon Mar 21, 2016 10:14 am Post subject:

In person teaching is indeed better than Skype mostly because I can't hug my students over Skype.

But I can beat 'em up.
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DBCooperVO.com

Steve OSullivan · Posted: Tue Mar 22, 2016 8:21 am Post subject: Well guys...and ladies....

I am in touch with an improv coach near me, and will be joining that group as it forms. Should be fun! Am also in the process of having a pvc and furniture blanket 'booth' build in the garage. Not great, but something to start with (we have small closets).

Off to the races.... Thanks all!
Smile

Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906