MILLSTONE — Using the power of voice acting to forge a full-time career with a steady income is something that is being considered by people across the world and will soon be presented in a class to the community.
Millstone Township Community Education and Voice Coaches will present a “Getting Paid to Talk” workshop at the Millstone Township Middle School, 5 Dawson Court, 6:30-9 p.m. Dec. 8. Registration is required and must be completed at least one week in advance. Enrollment for the class is limited to 25 students. The fee for the class is $30.
Voice Coaches is based in Albany, N.Y., and offers educational resources and training to individuals pursuing a career in professional voice acting, according to its website. The firm offers services in voiceover production, voice evaluation and more.
David Bourgeois, the president and creative director of Voice Coaches, said the class in Millstone has been designed to give people a realistic approach to the world of voice acting.
“The class is specifically designed to be upbeat and provide people who attend it with a general idea of what voice acting is. It is a great class for any adult who is curious about the field,” Bourgeois said.
Over the years, the idea of voice acting has changed dramatically, according to Bourgeois.
Before advancements in technology were more frequently used, there was a generalization of what a voice on a commercial or an audiobook would sound like.
“Growing up, a majority of actors in voice-overs had a loud and deep male voice, and coaching services that were available were strictly limited to those who had that distinct voice. The industry today is seeking people who are believable and sincere, and there is an enormous need for a variety of different voices,” he said.
During the “Getting Paid to Talk” class, attendees will gain insight on a day in the life of a voice actor and how getting paid to use one’s voice is very desirable, according to Bouregois.
“The class will teach people that voice acting is a lot about anonymity, and it isn’t about how you look, but how you sound. We will give people who attend the class the opportunity to do a practice voice recording under the direction of the class instructor,” he said.
“Getting Paid to Talk” will provide information about voice acting work in commercials, narrative voiceover, audiobooks and educational materials, public broadcasting, video and computer games, and voice-over systems for corporate companies.
“Having 30 years in this industry as a producer, I hope attendees of this class will walk away with a better view of voice acting. For anybody who is looking to pursue a career in this field, I would want them to understand the challenges that come with it and have the perseverance to overcome those obstacles,” Bourgeois said.
For more information about the class and to register, call 732-786-0950, ext. 70003 or visit www.voicecoaches.com.