Voiceworx Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do I have a good voice?

Everybody has a unique voice. In the industry this is called your Personal Vocal Signature. Voice work however is more than just the sound of your voice. It is the ability to read, persuade and perform under the intense pressure of the studio recording session, and to speak truthfully under imaginary circumstances. You need good reading skills, a strong emotional point of view and the performance dynamic to persuade us to understand what you are saying.

4. Can I do voice work part-time?

Voice work is a business like any other which requires your full attention 8 hours a day, 5 days a week. You must develop a strategy of self-promotion by creating a relationship with recording studios, or creating your own in-home studio because you will be forever producing new demos for prospective clients and replacing old material with newly produced spots. It is important to stay current. Things constantly change in advertising. New trends demand new voices.

6. Do I have to join the union?

If you want to be recognised as fully professional, you must eventually join the union. Your local SAG, ACTRA or Performer's union office will outline the requirements necessary to become a member. While you are non-union, you can gain valuable experience by voicing public service announcements, volunteering at the local radio station, seeking non-union commercial work, reading for the blind etc. Your payment and reputation will grow with repeat business until you will be compelled to join the union with all it's benefits

7. I sent out some packages to a few agents. I got a call from one who wants to meet with me. What questions should I be asking?

Some questions to ask a new agent.

Is there a charge to join? (any amore than a $75. - $100. admin fee is too much)
Do they have a sound studio in the office and a VO department?
Do they regularly get calls for VO talent?
Who are some of their VO clients? (do you recognise any names from the media?)
How would they promote you?
Do they send out your mp3 demo files or is that your responsibility?
Do they have a website with their roster of VO talent on it?
Are they listed with videovoicebank.net?
Are they a full-service agency ie. would they expect you to go to on-camera auditions as well?
Are you expected to sign a power of attorney for cheques to be processed by the agency? (this is standard)
If it doesn't work out is there a binding 30-60 day cool down time before you can join another agency? (not good because it puts you out of commission)
Ask them if they have signed the EIC Entertainmnt Industry Code of Ethics and therefore have been approved by Theater Ontario. If you like what they have to offer, start with them to get some experience. Once you have an agent, it is easier to move to another agency if it eventually doesn't work out.

If you like them, tell them you have a couple of other meetings before making a final decision. This will give you some time to reflect. Remember that your agent works for you and you have to look forward to speaking with them every day on the phone. The chemistry has to be right for both of you.

If you have any questions at all call the AMIS - Acting Modelling Info Service - hotline at 416-977-3832.

13. What is your cancellation policy?

We keep our Voice-over Workshop and Weekend Voice-over Workshop sessions to a maximum of 8 participants. If given enough notice we can offer a full refund but if cancelling last-minute we offer a make-up session in the next cycle if availability allows. One-on-one in studio coaching sessions and demo session will be charged a fee of $175 + hst for last-minute cancellations. Please keep in mind that we will are obligated to pay studio costs upon booking the time regardless of cancellation.