Character Voice Acting & Thinking Outside the BOX - Session 2

Character Voices - Session 02

Obscure and out of the box.

FunnyGuyTimmy - Variation In Lines - Practice Sheet.pdf

1. Understanding Director's Expectations: Knowing what directors want to hear is crucial for a voice actor. Directors have specific expectations for each project, including the tone, style, and emotion they want to convey. By understanding these expectations, voice actors can tailor their performances to meet the director's vision. This demonstrates professionalism and versatility, ultimately leading to successful collaborations and satisfied clients.
2. Impressions and Originality: While impressions can showcase a voice actor's versatility and mimicry skills, it's essential to balance them with original characterizations. While impressions can be impressive, relying solely on them may limit opportunities for creating unique and memorable characters. Voice actors should aim to develop their own distinct voices and styles while also incorporating impressions when appropriate. This ensures a diverse range of characters and increases the actor's marketability.
3. Differentiating Audition Takes: When submitting auditions, it's crucial to make each take unique and memorable. This involves exploring different interpretations of the character, adjusting delivery, tone, pacing, and emphasis. By providing distinct audition takes, voice actors demonstrate their range and versatility, making it easier for directors to envision them in various roles. It also increases the chances of standing out among other audition submissions, ultimately leading to more opportunities.
4. No Holding Back: Voice actors should never hold back when delivering a performance. Embracing the character's emotions, whether it's laughter, sadness, anger, or joy, adds depth and authenticity to the performance. Holding back can result in a flat or unconvincing delivery, whereas fully committing to the character's emotions creates a compelling and engaging performance that resonates with the audience.
5. Laughing: Incorporating laughter into a performance can add realism and authenticity to a character. Whether it's genuine laughter or a character's scripted laugh, it helps to convey emotions and establish a connection with the audience. However, it's essential to ensure that the laughter fits the context of the scene and character, avoiding forced or unnatural expressions.
6. Yelling or raising the voice is a common technique used in voice acting to convey heightened emotions such as anger, excitement, or urgency. When done correctly, yelling can add intensity and impact to a performance, effectively conveying the character's emotions to the audience. However, it's crucial to avoid straining the voice or causing discomfort, so voice actors should practice proper vocal techniques and warm-ups before attempting yelling or shouting scenes.