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Chapter 8

Audition Online: Getting Voice Over Jobs From Home

Beginner's Guide To Voice Acting in 2024

Home Voice Acting Opportunities for Beginners

Over the past few decades, with the advent of the internet and remote working practices, an immense percentage of the voice acting industry has migrated from the classic in-person recording studio to the boundless market of the online world. This has made it easier than ever for both professional and beginner voice actors to audition online and land rewarding, exciting, and high-profile voice over jobs from the comfort of home. 

Launching your voice acting career in today’s industry is far more accessible than it was in the past, when you were typically required to be based in or around a major market (like New York or Los Angeles). It is not uncommon for voice actors to submit an audition online, get hired, and complete the entirety of their voice over jobs from home, without the need to meet a client face to face. 

Founded in 2005, Voices continues to serve as a cutting-edge audio services marketplace that offers voice actors convenience, control, and unparalleled access to an incredible number of job opportunities. No other source provides close to the range or volume of opportunities that Voices does. 

Submitting a voice over audition is the most important part of the process of applying for voice over jobs from home. However, just because you’re now able to audition and record voice over work online without venturing into a studio, does not mean that voice acting at home is an all-around effortless experience. 

If you want your voice over auditions to be met with success, you first need to learn:

The particular industry that you’re striving to break into will also influence how you go about recording a voice over audition. Auditioning for cartoons and animation, auditioning for technology companies, and auditioning for consumer brand TV commercials all come with their own unique set of skills and standards that are important to understand in order to be the most successful in your voice acting pursuits. 

Rehearsing a Script for Voice Over Auditions Online

Once you’ve thoroughly examined the content of the voice over script and its interpretation, then you’re ready to begin practicing. You should rehearse your script multiple times to make sure you’re comfortable with how it reads and the notes that you’ve made about your delivery (either in your head or in the margins).

The more rehearsal sessions you put in, the more prepared you will be when it comes time to record your voice over audition.

The best time to rehearse is when you have the most energy. Due to this, many voice actors opt for diving into a recording session directly on the heels of a rehearsal session, so that they’re already in the right mindset to record that piece. At the same time, while it is important that your voice is properly warmed up, you don’t want to be tired out before you’ve even begun your audition.

Once you believe you’re ready to step up to the microphone and record your audition, run through this checklist and pose these questions to yourself:

  • Who is meant to hear this recording?
  • What does its message truly mean?
  • Why is the message relevant to the audience?
  • What specialties can my voice bring to the project?
  • How can I best communicate the project’s message?

Perform the Audition

At this point, you’ve completed your vocal warm up routine, rehearsed the script according to the client’s directions, and reread your own notes and directions. Now, you’re ready to perform your read.

The time of day when voice actors prefer to record can vary. As a general rule, your voice is at its best early in the morning (about an hour after waking), when you don’t yet have a whole day of gabbing and wearing out your voice behind you. This means that, for a lot of voice actors, the worst time to record is late in the evening. Of course, depending on your preferred workflow and your signature voice, you may find that your voice is better suited for recording at different times of day. The benefit of auditioning from home is that, as long as you’re meeting your client’s deadlines, you can work at whatever time of day you want.

To keep your voice in tip-top shape throughout the day, stay hydrated. Drink lots of room temperature water or weak tea. It’s a wise idea to avoid alcohol, caffeinated beverages, and carbonated drinks prior to recording, as these will dehydrate you and affect the quality of your voice.

Offer Read Variations

Most talent will seize the opportunity of a voice over audition to submit a handful of different takes of a client’s script.

As mentioned in the video above, it’s in your best interest, and in the interest of time, to read only a portion of the script. If you’d like, you can read it in a couple of different ways to present the client with options to choose from. If you do decide to give your client a few different takes of an audition, always place your best one at the very beginning.

It’s important to remember that, no matter the project, clients will typically only listen to 15-30 seconds of an audition before deciding whether the voice is right for them or whether to move on. If you’re auditioning for an animated project, you can single in on a brief excerpt that you believe will best show off your range. If you are auditioning for an audiobook, however, it is encouraged to read for slightly longer. 

How to Write a Voice Over Job Proposal

When you audition online for voice over jobs from home, every detail of your submission—from the quality of your audio files, to all the information showcased on your Voices profile—should be polished and professional. However, one of the most important elements of any voice over audition submission is a written proposal. Learn all about how to write a strong proposal.

A proposal, which basically performs the same function as a cover letter, will tell the client who you are and what unique qualities you can bring to a role for that voice over job.

Start off by addressing your client by name, and demonstrate what has drawn you to this particular project. Detail your voice over experience and whether you can point them to any past voice work that resembles the project you’re applying for.

Here is a sample proposal template for you to follow:

Sample Proposal Template:

Hi [client name],

My name is [your name], and I would love to work with you.

[Give a brief overview of your experience and/or any past relevant projects here].

Turn-Around Time: I can deliver high quality, finished files within [x hours/days]. If needed, I can also provide same-day or overnight delivery. 

Live Sessions: [If you are able to provide live directed sessions via SourceConnect, Skype, ipDTL, ISDN, or phone patch, etc. please indicate here]

Equipment: My equipment includes [microphone, software, etc.]

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me directly via the ‘Messages’ button in my audition. I hope you like what you hear and will consider working with me.

[Salutation], 

[Your name]

How do I Audition Online for Animation Work like Disney? 

Are you interested in sharpening your skill set so that you can voice characters in films like Frozen or Raya and the Last Dragon?

When you’re auditioning for an animated project, your first step is to make a firm decision about the voice of the character you’re recording. Once you’ve decided on that character voice, commit to it throughout your entire read. 

In voice over work for animation, having a sense of imagination is important. The character you’re auditioning for may be an original creation, so your interpretation can play a significant role toward the development of the character. As an auditioning voice actor, you ought to make the script your own and deliver a read that is creative and memorable.

The ability to improvise is another helpful skill to hone when you’re seeking animated voice over roles. Actors with backgrounds in theater and sketch comedy often find success in animation voice acting for this very reason. If you have the talent to voice more than one character, that’s certainly a skill worth putting on display in your animation audition.

Some of the most sought-after styles of vocal performance in animation and cartoon voice acting include enthusiastic, personable, authentic, animated, and cartoon voices.

How do I Audition Online for Internet Voice Over Work like for Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Shopify, and Spotify? 

Articulate human voices are in high demand for projects ranging from eLearning courses to mobile apps and explainer videos. Do you want to lend your voice to an app like Headspace or a major technology company like Google or Microsoft?

When you’re auditioning for voice work in the tech sector, it is important that you can engage the audience and deliver a vocal performance that is pleasant to listen to for extended periods of time, yet not so relaxing that you put the audience to sleep! Your read should be easy to understand, help your audience focus, and aid with information retention. 

In your audition, show that you have an authoritative yet relaxed style of narration. You will ideally be capable of delivering a comprehensible read of large masses of text that feature difficult words and complex concepts.

Some of the most sought-after styles of performance for Google, Microsoft, Facebook, Shopify, and other internet voice work include conversational, approachable, authentic, believable, and articulate voices.

How do I audition online for TV Commercials like Coca-Cola or Lexus?

Today’s TV commercials crafted for consumer brands can vary in scope. Some are big-budget productions that require on-camera talent who can effortlessly sing, dance, and perform an elaborate musical number, while others take a more minimalist approach and simply tell a story using voice over narration. 

When you’re auditioning online for TV spots promoting the likes of Coca-Cola or Lexus, it’s best to hit the ground running. Cut out all the excess and start your recording with a bang. The ad agency listening to audition submissions will be sifting through copious audition files, and if yours doesn’t stand out and seize them in the first few seconds, then they’re likely to skip past you and you’ll miss out on the job.

The casting for consumer brand TV spots is primarily done by ad agencies. For this kind of work, you’ll be in a far better position if you build up a portfolio of professional voice over work and foster a network of connections, including talent agents and other VO professionals. Ad agencies often locate their talent through a variety of sources, including talent agencies and online marketplaces like Voices. 

Auditioning online to be the voice of TV commercials for popular consumer products like these is always worth a shot, especially because they can present the opportunity for you to become the spokesperson for a brand, and get called back for plenty more TV commercial work in the future.

Some of the most sought-after styles of performance for consumer brand voice acting include believable, friendly, calm, professional, and authentic voices. 

Final Tips for Online Auditions

  • Make sure to carry out your vocal warm up routine before you start recording.
  • Go over any creative direction provided in the job posting, rehearse, and time your read before you begin recording.
  • Rehearse your copy standing up, while speaking at the same volume you’ll be speaking when recording.
  • If the particular audition that you’re recording requires a lot of energy, read standing up. Use your hand and arm gestures to enhance your performance.
  • If the spot is, on the other hand, relaxed and laid back, feel free to sit comfortably on a stool or chair.
  • Audition early and often, but have the discernment to recognize when a project isn’t right for you, in which case you should move on to another audition right away.
  • Unless you’re performing a read of a shorter script, read only a portion (about 20 seconds) of the script.
  • Keep your voice fresh by staying hydrated and maintaining good vocal health habits. Have water in your booth at all times and properly hydrate an hour before your session.
  • Convert your audio file to MP3 and label it correctly.
  • Be honest with yourself. Only audition for roles that you and your voice are truly suited for.

When you’re auditioning, you only have one chance to make a good impression. Try not to rush things. Don’t settle. Audition with confidence. Become the inspiration behind the voice actors. Even though you may be a beginner, refrain from telling the client how you’re inexperienced. It’s important to present yourself in the best possible light by following these guidelines so your audition will truly shine.