2 answers
ABBY
Student
Rancho Mirage, California
1
Question
Asked
377 views
What should I do to reach my dreams to become a full voice actor?
What should I start with to be a voice actor despite being deaf? How should I figure out how to improve voice changing, specifically male voices so I can try out male characters too? When is it best to move on to audition for cartoons and movies after I start with YouTube? It's hard for me since Im deaf and my voice is annoying still but I really wanna be a voice actor.
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2 answers
Phyllis Gordon
Actor
7
Answers
Worcester, Massachusetts
Updated
Phyllis’s Answer
Hi,
I believe that when we really have a burning desire to do something, there is a reason. And we need to go after our dream. I'm not deaf, but I'm a voiceover artist and actor. It has always been helpful to me to research the lives of actors who have gone before me.
After doing a Google search about deaf VO actors, I came up with an article about a deaf actor who performed in The Simpsons:
https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-simpsons-deaf-voice-actor-sign-language-episode-1235227673/
I recommend researching deaf actors (stage, screen, VO) to find inspiration and nuts and bolts steps about reaching your goal. I know from being an actor that before you can think about doing films and TV, you need to study your craft and get lots of acting experience. You need to learn business skills and how to acquire an agent and/or manager.
I recommend Wendy Alaine Wright's Facebook group "Talent Managers for Actors" (TMFA). She also has an online school called Hollywood Winners Circle that helps young actors break into the business. Once you're in TMFA you can ask any questions you'd like, and the answers from experienced teachers and other actors are very helpful.
Best of luck. Read books about VO and acting and find other deaf actors who have broken through. I'm sure you've seen CODA. Learn about the amazing actors in that film and see how they built their careers. Best of luck!
I believe that when we really have a burning desire to do something, there is a reason. And we need to go after our dream. I'm not deaf, but I'm a voiceover artist and actor. It has always been helpful to me to research the lives of actors who have gone before me.
After doing a Google search about deaf VO actors, I came up with an article about a deaf actor who performed in The Simpsons:
https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/the-simpsons-deaf-voice-actor-sign-language-episode-1235227673/
I recommend researching deaf actors (stage, screen, VO) to find inspiration and nuts and bolts steps about reaching your goal. I know from being an actor that before you can think about doing films and TV, you need to study your craft and get lots of acting experience. You need to learn business skills and how to acquire an agent and/or manager.
I recommend Wendy Alaine Wright's Facebook group "Talent Managers for Actors" (TMFA). She also has an online school called Hollywood Winners Circle that helps young actors break into the business. Once you're in TMFA you can ask any questions you'd like, and the answers from experienced teachers and other actors are very helpful.
Best of luck. Read books about VO and acting and find other deaf actors who have broken through. I'm sure you've seen CODA. Learn about the amazing actors in that film and see how they built their careers. Best of luck!
Thank you for giving me advice.
ABBY
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Wave to you, Abby !
I love that you have inquired about this and although it may seem like an esoteric question to some, I would absolutely love to explore this with you. There's one problem - I could write a very, very lengthy piece of advice about this, but I will try not to.
Despite the professional Voice Over profession being dominated by hearing people, there are some things you can do to follow your dream. I am not certain if you've attended Gallaudet University yet, but I would highly recommend it. I also hope that you are using a Sorenson Relay Service as that is always helpful for so many situations. I will answer this not knowing if you are using any hearing devices or what your level of deafness is.
First and foremost, I would advise contacting the Deaf Talent Collective. They are in England but write to them anyway and ask if there is any American services similar in the U.S. Their e-mail address is in the link below. They are a consultancy service that connects deaf actors with opportunities. As a voice over artist, you are considered a Voice Actor.
I would than suggest having a channel on You Tube and create any type of videos like animation or instructive presentations. It will take a lot of practice. You may be able to monetize your channel, but I do not know much about that. That information would be provided at whatever platform you choose, though. I can't really describe how to do male voices but that is something that takes experimental discovery, inspiration plus practice and you will need feedback from people so you know how it sounds.
Always keep your You Tube Channel continuing and if you feel ready, make a demo reel and start sending it out for voice over work. It is important for you to take some acting classes for some basic instruction. Most of all, never get discouraged. There have been and are so many deaf actors. Explore how to create a home studio and research the process and information about how to make a demo reel to send out for prospective work. There has been an increase in doing voice overs remotely lately and working from home.
I wish you all the best, never ever give up and do keep asking questions here at Career Village !
hello@deaftalentcollective.com DEAF TALENT COLLECTIVE
I love that you have inquired about this and although it may seem like an esoteric question to some, I would absolutely love to explore this with you. There's one problem - I could write a very, very lengthy piece of advice about this, but I will try not to.
Despite the professional Voice Over profession being dominated by hearing people, there are some things you can do to follow your dream. I am not certain if you've attended Gallaudet University yet, but I would highly recommend it. I also hope that you are using a Sorenson Relay Service as that is always helpful for so many situations. I will answer this not knowing if you are using any hearing devices or what your level of deafness is.
First and foremost, I would advise contacting the Deaf Talent Collective. They are in England but write to them anyway and ask if there is any American services similar in the U.S. Their e-mail address is in the link below. They are a consultancy service that connects deaf actors with opportunities. As a voice over artist, you are considered a Voice Actor.
I would than suggest having a channel on You Tube and create any type of videos like animation or instructive presentations. It will take a lot of practice. You may be able to monetize your channel, but I do not know much about that. That information would be provided at whatever platform you choose, though. I can't really describe how to do male voices but that is something that takes experimental discovery, inspiration plus practice and you will need feedback from people so you know how it sounds.
Always keep your You Tube Channel continuing and if you feel ready, make a demo reel and start sending it out for voice over work. It is important for you to take some acting classes for some basic instruction. Most of all, never get discouraged. There have been and are so many deaf actors. Explore how to create a home studio and research the process and information about how to make a demo reel to send out for prospective work. There has been an increase in doing voice overs remotely lately and working from home.
I wish you all the best, never ever give up and do keep asking questions here at Career Village !
Michelle recommends the following next steps: