VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

Neil K. Hess

I hope I am not annoying everyone with all of my newbie questions, but I was wonder what your guys VO practice routines are like? Like 30 minuets of new scrpipt reads per day, 15 minutes of voice exercises, etc.

Thanks again for being so kind and helpful everyone!
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ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 2:22 pm Post subject:

Black coffee at the coffee shop with some friends when I don't have a 7:30 AM session scheduled (the ONLY time they can find to record is 10:30 eastern). If I am doing one of those 7:30 sessions (this Thursday), black coffee in the kitchen about a half hour before I have to speak.

Only other warm up is calling the cats to come for their breakfast.

If I get stuck during a session, I'll quickly do a couple of tongue trills.

But as far as practice...I am always talking back to the radio or TV mimicking, or trying to do something different than what I am hearing. And I read novels aloud to myself - even the ones I am not recording for someone. Auditions are practice too!
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Jason Huggins · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 2:26 pm Post subject:

That's me too. Auditions and media mimicry are my practice. I read to my kids, too. They like the voices Smile

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 979

Today, my workouts are auditions and jobs. During my days training I was reading throughout the day. I was never without my hand held tape recorder and was constantly practicing new characters and voices. I read copy for practice thoughout the day. I was in classes twice a week and all day Saturday workout groups. I never measured the amount of time I spent reading each day because it was such a large part of my day. I was pretty obsessed. I read comic books out loud to practice characters. I taped and mimicked commercials. I need a few more hours in the day to fulfill my practice and vo passion.

ConnieTerwilliger · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 2:49 pm Post subject:

I have to say that - unlike Bob - I really didn't ever do much more than what I am doing today. But I never aspired to be Porky Pig!

I didn't have any formal training, and I wasn't really doing any acting - other than a play in second grade. I DO act now, but that came much much later. I never "put on a show" with my brother or the neighbors. I didn't record myself. I MAY have read aloud to myself, but I simply do not remember.

And after ending up doing voiceovers through a circuitous route that included directing at a TV station, I finally felt (heard) that I had plateaued and got a book (Word of Mouth). That gave me some insight. Then a few years later, I took a class or two.

I would likely benefit further from a few sessions with a heavy duty kiss butt and take names coach - but I'm askeered. Wink

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cyclometh · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 2:55 pm Post subject:

I sing and parrot the ads on the radio I hear, and change them up, try different deliveries, etc.

I'm always reading and doing different voices, deliveries, etc.

I have a 13-year old son and I've been reading to him for at least 30 minutes, usually more like an hour, every night since he was five. That is hugely helpful to me because I can try out all kinds of different things in a space I don't feel embarrassed to do so.

Plus, LOTS of great stories. Smile

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Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

Singing a lot. Specific warm-ups and exercises in the car, and I also have a habit of going around just singing. It might not be the best of ideas for everyone, but people usually realise that I'm bloody well 12 years old when see the expression on my singing face. I also wouldn't recommend this to amateurs, as you can hurt yourself before being acquainted with your instrument.

I seek out classes that are either recommended to me by people I trust, or record some idea I've day-dreamed; mostly for fun, of course.

I have to say, though, that practice didn't yield anything for me; until I actually had enough experience to discern between 'good' and 'bad'. Kind of like a musician's ear; flat notes sound awful and anything "in the pocket" is bliss.

BruceG · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 5:56 pm Post subject:

Hi Neil,

As you can see, everyone is different in how they learn and approach the task of VO. There's no one, "cookie-cutter" way, so to speak.
Besides what has been mentioned already, check out the VO-BB Archives...TONS of info there - you can get LOST for a LONG time!

Also, check out Philip Banks' YouTube VO Tips...he also has some great stuff there as well.

Bottom line: strive to be the best YOU that YOU can be... Smile

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Chuck Davis · Posted: Sun Dec 16, 2012 7:25 pm Post subject:

Totally valid question Neil.

For most all of us, using the voice is what we do all day every day. Kind of like a professional musician and "practice" while on tour. The daily performance is enough...most of the time.

Right now, read, record, listen (to your performances...and those you aspire too).....

That...and drive your mate NUTS parroting spots on TV. (It's fun!)
...and recognizing those scripts you auditioned and didn't book.
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