Stay Hydrated

Have water in the booth at all times and drink in between takes. Stay hydrated. It truly helps to cut down on mouth noise. I even recommend a nasal rinse before you get behind the microphone, which helps abate adenoidal deliveries.

Encoding Files

Record your auditions at 128 kbps (or 96 kbps if it’s a particularly long audition) Mono. You don’t need a stereo file for an audition, and you want to try to limit the size of the file you’re emailing. If the file is really big, arrange to upload it (YouSendIt.com will allow you to upload 100 MGS free!) instead of trying to attach it to an email. You’ll know if the file’s too big when it bounces back with a “cannot be delivered” message.

How Many Takes?

If the script is a :60, submit one solid take. If it’s a :30, submit two. If it’s a :10 or :15, submit three. If it’s an animation audition, decide on your character’s voice and commit to it.

Settings

If you’re using an audition service, you should know that there are a lot of voice actors out there with great equipment in their home studios, with a great sound. Check, double check and triple check your recording settings before submitting your audition.

Make sure your recording is like Goldilocks: Not too soft, not too loud (no distortion), but just right.

Send some of your sound files to people you know in the business who can give you feedback (no pun intended) and constructive criticism about the sound you’re getting out of your microphone.

Bottom line:

If your audition sounds like crap, forget about being considered for any job, because most clients can’t “make the leap.” If that’s the case, get your recording system tweaked before you send out any more “funky-sounding” auditions.

Make sure you’re recording in a dead-sounding space, where the sound isn’t bouncing off hardwood floors or high ceilings. You can do a lot to dampen the sound around your mike. Many times, if you have some basic soundproofing, your auditions will sound great, and can be used as a final track. Remember that you’re competing with professionals who’ve been in the business a long time, so your sound needs to be competitive.

Demos

If a job asks you to submit a specific demo, i.e., Commercial, Narration, Audiobook, whatever, make sure your demos or the demos you’ve posted on the audition service sites are competitive. If you want templates, go to my website to hear some of the demos I’ve produced for my students. If your demo isn’t competitive, you better think twice about submitting yourself for a job, because a lot of other demos out there are going to make yours sound amateurish, and that’s the last thing you want!

Listen Objectively

Listen to your playback objectively. Do you believe the person you’re hearing? Be honest. If not, record it again. And again, if necessary. If you capture a convincing performance, send it on. If not, pass on it. It means you’re just not “getting it.” Don’t worry, though. There’ll be plenty of others down the road.

Auditioning For Agents

For auditions going to agents, a cover letter isn’t necessary. But you should always attach one to every audition that goes directly to a client. It should not only have all the necessary information, like your name, phone number and email address, it should clearly state what you’re auditioning for, the reasons why you’d be a great candidate for the job, and where they might be able to listen to other example of your voice work.

If they want you to submit a quote for your services, be as explicit as possible given the job description, and address any ancillary costs involved, such as studio costs, phone-patch or ISDN charges, etc.

Details, Details, Details!

There are myriad factors that determine who is hired for a voice acting job—voiceprint, acting ability, rate quote, turnaround time, studio equipment, availability. But your first impression—how well you sound, how well you follow directions (slating, acting, labeling files, etc.), can help a potential client decide quickly whether they’re dealing with a pro or an amateur. Performance is important, but always pay attention to the details of the presentation.

Good luck!

Sincerely,

Marc

MARC CASHMAN creates and produces copy and music advertising for radio and television. Winner of over 150 advertising awards, he also instructs voice acting of all levels through his classes, The Cashman Cache of Voice-Acting Techniques in Los Angeles, CA.

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