Breaking Into Voice Acting: The Real Path

"You have a great voice!"“I can do really good impressions!” doesn't book jobs. Voice acting is acting—period.

Step 1: Master Acting First

  • Start with acting classes at reputable schools: https://www.atcstudios.org/five-things-you-should-know

  • Take: Intro to Acting → Monologue Study → Scene Study (A/B scenes) → Character Study (for animation/gaming)

  • Do a play under professional direction, even a 5-minute scene

  • Learn to tell stories, paint pictures with words, find objectives, and build relationships with your listener

Step 2: Transition to Voice Acting

  • Find a legitimate VO coach

  • Start with group classes (Zoom works), small enough that you can work in every session.

  • Invest in one-on-one coaching when ready

  • Identify your niche: Commercial, Promo, Medical, Explainers, Imaging, Narration

Step 3: Professional Demo Reels

Your calling card. Industry standard: 60 seconds of your absolute best.

Investment: $1,000-$3,000 for professional production

  • Don't DIY—homemade demos get mocked and deleted

  • Beware cheap producers without proper script/music licensing

  • Process takes 3-7 days with the right producer

Step 4: Equipment & Setup

Only after demos are complete:

  • Condenser microphone

  • Recording software

  • Sound-treated recording space

  • Your coach guides equipment choices

Step 5: Marketing

  • Simple website: downloadable demos + contact info on homepage

  • Second page: resume and bio

  • Now you're ready to compete in this ultra-competitive field

Remember: This is a journey, not a sprint. Every step builds the foundation for sustainable success.

Launch Your Voiceover Career with Professional Coaching

Ready to Turn Your Voice Into Your Livelihood?

Matt's voiceover coaching transforms aspiring talent into working professionals. But here's the thing – success in voiceover starts with solid acting fundamentals. That's why we strongly recommend beginning with an Intro to Acting or Monologue class at a reputable acting school. Think of it as building your foundation before constructing your dream career.

Two Pathways to Voiceover Mastery

Group Training at ATC Studios

Website:ATCSTUDIOS.ORG

The Complete Voiceover Launch Program – A comprehensive 6-week journey covering:

  • Multiple voiceover styles and when to use them

  • Home studio essentials (without breaking the bank)

  • Job-hunting strategies that actually work

  • Industry insider knowledge – the business behind the business

Class Details:

  • Format: Live Zoom sessions

  • Schedule: TBA

  • Teaching Style: From an actor's perspective (because that's what separates pros from amateurs)

  • Class Size: Intentionally limited for maximum hands-on experience

Get Started: Check current pricing and availability at ATCSTUDIOS.ORG. Don't see upcoming dates? Email your interest to ATCStudios411@gmail.com and be first to know about new sessions.

Private Coaching Sessions

Rate: $85/hour

Get the same comprehensive curriculum with exclusive one-on-one attention. Available via Zoom or in-studio, these sessions adapt to your specific goals, timeline, and learning style. Perfect for:

  • Busy professionals with irregular schedules

  • Students wanting accelerated progress

  • Anyone preferring personalized feedback

Professional Demo Reel Production

When you're ready to showcase your talent, Matt creates industry-standard demo reels that get you noticed.

What You Get:

  • Two complete demos: Commercial + Industrial/E-Learning

  • Multiple formats: Both .WAV and .MP3 versions

  • Video integration: Your voice demo married to professional video slate for your website

  • Quality guarantee: Hear examples of Matt's production work on this site's homepage

  • Fast turnaround: Some producers will have you waiting weeks or even months to deliver your final product. Generally, it will be around a week between the recording session and the final edit.

Investment On The Demo

Starting at $1,200

Special Offer: Current and former ATC students save significantly with promo code ATC STUDIOS.

YES!

We DO tap into the technical aspects of recording, editing, file types, and things of the sort!

Ready to Begin Your Voiceover Journey?

Your voice has the power to sell products, educate minds, and tell stories. Let's unlock that potential together.

Contact us Matt today to discuss your goals and find the perfect coaching path for you.

Matt@Mattlocker.net

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Sign Up Now So The Class will be a go!

Visit ATC Studios for current class information.

It's Acting, Without the Memorization!

Taught my Matt Locker. 40+ year verteran of broadcasting, ad agencies, casting, and acting.

[ATC is a non profit 501(C) non profit school for performing arts]

BEWARE OF ONLINE SCAMS TARGETING VOICE ACTORS

Believe or not, there are many. Here are some red flags to watch out for.

  • An e-mail worded something along the lines of, “We heard your work and think you would be a good match for our product…” These usually come by the way of Facebook, but can show up in your mailbox. Especially if your website has a “contact me” e-mail.

  • The e-mail comes from a “G-Mail” account. Legit businesses have their domain name after the @ in their e-mail.

  • You are sent a check for “the wrong amount”, and they ask that you send back the difference. Meanwhile, the check you are holding is phony, and you end up giving them your money.

  • They try to move the conversation to “Telegram” or other untraceable form of communication.
    No legit company will ever do this.

  • If you are uncertain, look for a web presence. See if they have a website. Cross reference through the web.

  • Scammers are getting ahead of this by creating phony websites, so again, cross reference. See if the company and/or person is on linked in- and for how long. Look for business history.

  • If you are asked for any money upfront, hang up and delete.

  • If you ended up doing the job, and then they ask for a fee to release your funds, another scam. Best bet is to think of that effort of that recording to be practice.

  • If an “agency” says they are interested in representing you for a fee upfront. Scam operation.

  • If an “agency” says they are interested, but that you need new demos, that is OK; BUT if they want you to use of of their producers, that is not OK. Many new actors and models see this in terms of headshots.
    Legit agencies made their money from a commission of your payment in full.


  • Usually managers get 20%, agents get 10%.
    Sometimes the agent goes through a manager, so that’s a 30% commission.

    Depending on your agreement with your representation, your agent MAY take 10% of ALL work you book, even if it’s not through them. This is more the case of being “signed” versus “freelance”, but it is legit.

  • If you are uncertain if a VO offer is legit, and you have representation, refer the prospect to your representation.

    If it is a scam, they will more than likely vanish. If it is legit, your representation will handle the deal.

    Legit companies do not hire on Facebook.

    Bottom Line: If you are unsure, or see any of these red flags, or too good to be true, delete and move on.