Welcome to the World of Voice Acting
So, you’ve been told you have a “great voice.” Or maybe you’ve always been fascinated by cartoon characters, commercials, or video games and thought, “I could do that!” The good news is: you absolutely can become a voice actor!
But voice acting is more than just speaking into a mic. It’s a blend of performance, technical skills, business smarts, and passion. You are about to embark on an amazing journey, but I want you to be prepared… Like acting, it’s tough to break into this industry and there is a lot that goes into it…
Whether you’re interested in animation, audiobooks, commercials, or video game work, the path to become a voice actor is a journey of practice, persistence, and positioning.
Step 1 – Understand What Voice Acting Really Involves
It’s Acting First, Voice Second
To become a voice actor, remember that it’s not just about having a cool or unique voice, it’s about delivering authentic emotion, making characters come alive, and selling stories through sound alone. That means acting skills are your foundation.
If you’re brand new, consider taking:
- Improv classes
- Acting workshops
- Script reading groups
All of these experiences help build the emotional flexibility and storytelling instincts every great voice actor needs.
Think of it like training your creative muscles… surround yourself with people who lift you up, and give yourself permission to let your imagination shine.
If I could go back in time, I’d seek out the classes and communities that helped me grow. Not just in skill, but in resilience.
Because here’s the truth: this industry will challenge you.
There will be seasons when you book nothing. Times when you second-guess every audition you send. Moments when you wonder if you’re cut out for this path at all.
And in those moments, you’ll need all the encouragement, guidance, and support you can get. So start building that foundation now. You don’t have to do this alone, and you were never meant to!
Step 2 – Start Training Like a Pro
Voiceover Training Is Essential
If you want to become a voice actor professionally, voiceover training is a must. This helps you master mic technique, script interpretation, pacing, character work, and the different genres within the voiceover industry.
Look for a reputable voiceover coach or online course that focuses on:
- Commercial voiceover
- Character & animation
- Narration & audiobooks
- Video game voice acting
Pro Tip: Record yourself regularly and listen back. Self-direction is a huge part of this industry, especially since you are submitting auditions by yourself most of the time!
Step 3 – Build Your Home Voiceover Studio
You Don’t Need a Fancy Studio to Start
One of the best things about voice acting today is that you can start from home. But don’t let that fool you, your audio quality still needs to sound clean, professional, and broadcast-ready. Make sure you don’t sound like you are talking into a tin can!
It is a dead giveaway that you are just starting out and let’s production companies know that your audio is not broadcast quality (which can be a deal breaker for a lot of VO jobs.)
Here’s the basic voice acting equipment you’ll need to build a solid home voiceover studio:
- A quality condenser microphone (I use the TLM Neumann 103 microphone)
- An audio interface (The Scarlette 2i2 was my first interface and it did the job. Now I own the Babyface Pro RME – you’ll find that you will always be upgrading your equipment in this profession)
- Closed-back headphones (I love my Audio-Technica ATH-M50x Monitor Headphones)
- Sound-treated space (think blankets, foam panels, or even a closet!) Eventually you will want to invest in a professional booth like a WhisperRoom, but you don’t have to invest in this at the beginning. I recorded many jobs in the beginning without it)
- Free or affordable recording software (like Audacity or Reaper) When you are ready to upgrade, Adobe Audition is a good go-to!
- You won’t need Source Connect right away, but it will eventually become an important tool in your voiceover career, especially for remote recording with studios.
If you’re unfamiliar with what it is or why it matters, Source Connect for voice actors to learn more.
Invest slowly and smartly, and always focus on clean sound over flashy gear.
Step 4 – Create a Voiceover Demo Reel
Your Demo Is Your Voiceover Business Card
Once your skills and audio quality are solid, it’s time to create a professional voiceover demo. This is a short 60–90 second audio reel that showcases your range and style in your chosen niche (commercial, character, narration, etc.).
Important: Do NOT rush this step. A great demo opens doors. A poor one closes them.
Hire a trusted demo producer or coach who knows the industry and can help you sound your best.
Step 5 – Start Finding Voiceover Work
How to Get Into Voice Acting and Get Paid
Now that you’re trained and demo-ready, it’s time to find work! Here are some places to start your journey to become a voice actor:
- Online casting sites: Voices.com, Voice123, and Bodalgo to name a few (to be in the game, you will have to pay to play “audition”.)
- Freelance outreach: Email production studios, ad agencies, indie game developers (not every voice actors favorite thing to do, but it’s important)
- Social media: Showcase your voice, connect with other VO artists, and stay top-of-mind
- Agents: Once you have credits and experience, an agent can help you book bigger gigs
Be patient and persistent. Audition often and don’t be discouraged by rejections, they’re part of the process.
Final Thoughts: Building a Career, Not Just a Gig
Voice acting is more accessible than ever, but it still requires commitment, skill, and ongoing growth. The great news is, if you’re passionate, curious, and willing to put in the work, there’s a place for you.
So, if you want to become a voice actor, now you know what to do next:
- Learn the craft.
- Invest in voiceover training and voice acting equipment.
- Build your home voiceover studio.
- Keep showing up with confidence and dedication.
And most importantly…
Keep using your voice. Because someone out there is waiting to hear exactly what you bring to the mic.
Before You Go…
Remember that your voice is important and if you have a passion on your heart, you should go for it! Keep learning, growing and challenging yourself to be the best you can be and know that everything worth waiting for in life takes time.
It’s not easy to become a working voice actor, but it is worth it!
Need more inspiration? Follow me on Youtube for motivating content to help inspire you on your creative journey!
Want to learn more about who I am or book me for your next project? Explore more on this about page.
