Upcoming Events.  Dates will be emailed to all members.

2009-10 - Member Reviews

Newbie's Night

This is for those who have been to 1 or less meet ups. Members who have attended 3 or more meet ups are well acquainted with this seminars topics.

This is a 2 1/2 hour seminar that introduces the skills required to pursue a career in voice acting. We will be discussing The Big 3: Physical, Technical and Psychological. Here is a great opportunity to evaluate your potential and help you decide if voice acting is worth your time and commitment.  Everyone will get a chance to read some copy. It may be an advertisement, children's story or even the local weather. You will leave with a clear understanding of this industry, where it is going and what is needed to hop on board.

Deconstruction Your Script

It is much more than just words on a piece of paper. It is the opportunity to have your client's message heard. You need to be sure those words hit home. Learn to find the message behind the message, recognize the "call to action" and make the MOST of each sentence. Whether it is retail, narrative or character based, there is a preferred delivery by every copywriter. Each attendee will have the opportunity to "think out loud" as they deconstruct their script and discuss their findings. Then, we'll hit the mic and lay it down. All recorded audio including additional direction will be delivered within days after the Meet Up. Be sure to attend one of these enlightening Meet Ups and I promise you will never look at a script the same way again. If you have NOT attended a Newbie's Night yet, please email me before you register.

Taking Direction and Ear Training

The director keeps asking you to re-read the same line over and over…
Not getting it quite right? Are you really hearing what the director is saying? Learn to detect subtle difference in delivery. Learn to “see” the words. Giving it right back the first time greatly increases your chances of a call back.

We will be playing a game/exercise entitled "Parrot". In this game you will repeat EXACTLY what you hear... no matter how LOUD, soft, slow, sullen, fast, goofy, over-the-top or just down right wrong. This is a fast moving game and gangs of fun... Laughing is encouraged. Bonus> Any script you personally request for practice will be emailed to you after the meet up.

2 1/2 hours

Rah, Rah, hear it RAW!

All reading... All recording... and ALL direction delivered to your in-box!
This meet up we will be focusing on direction and how well the reader follows those directions. Important? It is if you want the gig. I will not be doing a produced mix of the reads during these meet ups. This is about evaluation. All direction will be included in your audio in real time! Be a fly on the wall and listen in to your own performance. What would you change? What did you love? Do you hear it now? This is the essence of hearing it "RAW".

The Internet - It's What You Need!

[more info coming soon]

ANIMATION PLUS III

1 Group, 1 Pre-Production Meeting, 1 Episode, One Night!

Here are the details:

Sign Up & Casting

RSVP as usual. 5 to 6 actors.
Each cast-member will receive their script 2 weeks before the Meet Up. I will do the casting and additional instructions will accompany the scripts. I am available anytime for clarifications or questions. There are only 6 open slots.

Meet Up Night

Begin with a 15 to 20 minute pre-production meeting. During this meeting, actors will sit in the round and introduce their vocal characterizations, discuss timing and tempo and ask questions.

The performance will be directed by me and performed twice. First pass will be slow and deliberate and the second pass will be at a brisker pace.

Here is your chance to try out your goofy chops and work tightly within a group. It’s more than just reading, it’s relating to the cast, the script and becoming your character. Zero in, Lock on, read ahead, pull it off!

Performances will be recorded in “reference only” quality.

Tech Talk Beginning Class

Lift the veil of mystery that is audio. Since you are selling audio, it makes sound sense that you know as much as possible about the technical aspects of voice acting. The big studios are disappearing and home studios are the industry standard. In this beginning seminar you will be introduced to the tools used everyday by professional voice talent. We will discuss each point in the audio chain. Microphones - pre amps - compressors/limiters - equalizers - small mixers - audio software - audio file conversions and electronic delivery your audio files.

We will have in use, and on DLP Projection display:

o A Mac G5 running PTLE 7.4
o Microphones,
o Outboard Presonus compressor/limiter,
o Outboard Presonus parametric EQ
o Mackie VLZ 12X4 audio mixer,
o Audio Amplifier
o Headphone Distribution Amp
o Audio Monitors
o Plus a full compliment of cables and power chords.

You will want to arrive on time to see the full set up as if the gear were coming right out of their boxes.
Bring a set of your own headphones with a 1/4" plug (optional).

Beginning Class
2 1/2 hours

Intermediate Class
2 1/2 hours

Record Your Demo Day!
by appointment only

Record up to two (2) 30 second radio ads. Each ad will be directed with re-takes, edited and professionally mixed with music and sound effects. Your high quality demos will be delivered to you in any digital audio format you desire within days. Scripts are available or you may bring in your own.

Each participant will have 1/2 hour, one on one coaching and rehearsal, and 1/2 hour of recording time. Put your nerves on hold and learn first hand what it's really like!

Beginning/Intermediate Class