VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

melissa eX · Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 5:34 am Post subject:

I work with Marice and try to get to at least a couple of her seminars a year. At one earlier this year there were a few 7 figure talent in the room. If people at that level continue to study, why wouldn't I?

Bish · Posted: Sun Mar 17, 2013 8:18 am Post subject:

I've had non-VO specific acting classes, a whole bunch of public speaking & corporate presentation stuff... and I really want to do some improv. As far as specific VO coaching is concerned, I'm only going to go by personal recommendations from people I know and trust. The short list is short... just two. Nancy and Marice. I'm sure there are others of the same caliber, but I'm happy with my list. There is no magic pill, and there is every possibility that either of these two people may be totally wrong for me.

There have been many words of wisdom spoken in this thread, not least of which are those regarding quantifiable results rather than a "warm & fuzzy" and a notch on the mic stand.
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.

Zach Meissner · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 10:58 am Post subject:

Thank you everyone for posting your experiences with coaching. It has been enlightening to read what you've experienced and your insights into this part of the VO world. Thank you!

Bob Bergen · CM Joined: 22 Apr 2008 Posts: 981

Nancy and Marice both rock!!!!!

My list is short as well. I will say for any coach, asking around is key! Get recommendations. I also advise for ongoing workshops, see if you can audit for free before committing. Many do not allow this. I myself never took an ongoing workshop without auditing first, be it a vo class, acting, or improv. Kinda hard to audit one on one. But if after the first session you find it wasn't for you, don't go back.

Lastly, you don't want to become a workshop-aholic. Consistent workout groups are eventually great! But I will tell you that I know very few working voice actors who didn't come from having extensive coaching. We live in different times, where it's so easy and relatively inexpensive to set up a home studio and dive into auditioning. But the cream always floats to the top. Lucky breaks happen all the time. But for longevity and repeat business, the industry wants brillant.

Personally, I think you are born an actor. Just like you are born a singer, dancer, painter, etc. What technique and coaching will do is give you the tools to reproduce your talents at will. A trained actor makes a choice. A non trained actor makes a guess. You want to make choices with your skills based on technique. And, your skills need to be directable. Though today, you need to be able to self direct. A skill many veterans do not have because they never needed to. The smart ones go for coaching in that area.

B

bobbinbeamo · Posted: Mon Mar 18, 2013 2:27 pm Post subject:

Wise words, Mr. Bergen. We must continuously be learning and practicing perfectly in order to be on the creative edge in all we do as voice actors.
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Mandy Nelson · Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 2:07 pm Post subject:

A lot of interesting stuff here. I love how this place runs to gamut of thought on this.

I've never taken a class for VO. I'm not saying I don't want to take one (LOVE the idea of having DB as a real mentor and coach as well as dear friend) but it never occurred to me that I should. Perhaps that is being lazy or egotistical to some. From my point of view I make a living at this job, love most of my gigs, am lucky that clients keep coming back, and I NEED that money I make for everyday expenses.

That being said, I'm a huge believer that you always need to be a student. As a certified yoga instructor I believe this (and was taught this as part of my training. We had to take many other classes with many other teachers/styles for certification) and I've always told my students that I am a student first, teacher second.

And THAT being said, I've been known to barter my knowledge for that of others...yoga for accounting, radio ad voice and production for contractor knowledge, web design for acupuncture/gymnastics for the kids/the vet's services...because I believe that bartering is a wonderful way to exchange goods and services.

OK, I threw out that last part because it would be nice to take coaching but I'm not in the position to put cash down for it. Or maybe I'm lazy and don't want it badly enough. Hmm. Meh.
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Yonie · CM Joined: 31 Aug 2011 Posts: 906

Hey Mandy, if it ain't broke, don't fix it! You make a decent living off of VO, am I right?

Mandy Nelson · Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 7:49 am Post subject:

Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

Bish · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 9:38 am Post subject:

heyguido · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 10:21 am Post subject:

and tinned kippers.... Embarrassed

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"Wait.... They wanna PAY me for this?"

NateOphonic · Joined: 19 Mar 2013 Posts: 14

Scolaidhe · Guest

Bish · Posted: Thu Mar 21, 2013 10:24 pm Post subject:

Uncle Roy... The Man, The Myth, The Pez collection! ... and Wo-Hop's favourite customer! You'll be alright there Smile

As for the Ramen... I know they're a great cultural icon, but I only discovered them when I came to the US back in the late 90s, so I wasn't exposed to them as a "rite of passage" as a poor student. Now, if you were to offer me a Pot-Noodle, I'd certainly tell you where to put it!
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Bish a.k.a. Bish
Smoke me a kipper... I'll be back for breakfast.
I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls... I will not feed the trolls.