Being Directable: A Voice Actor’s Secret Weapon
Part of being a great voice actor is being able to take direction. It might sound obvious, but directability is one of the most valuable skills you can bring into a live-directed session. It means that when a director gives you notes on how to adjust a line, you can take that feedback and transform it into a performance that feels real, intentional, and on-brand for the project.
You can be a great actor, have a fantastic voice, and book tons of work — but if you can't follow direction or give the client what they need in a live session, it can be a big problem. Live sessions are about collaboration. The client or director might already have a specific vision in mind, and your job is to help bring that vision to life. That doesn't mean you have to nail it on the first try — in fact, most sessions are built around exploration. But it does mean listening carefully, being flexible, and staying open to adjusting your choices in real time.
Being directable doesn’t mean being robotic or trying to please everyone. It’s about understanding the intent behind the feedback. Let’s say the line is “Get out of the car.” Without any context, you might say it playfully, sarcastically, or flat. But if the director tells you, “This is a life-or-death moment — the car is on fire and you're talking to your child,” that changes everything. Suddenly, the urgency and fear kick in. Being directable means you can take that context, tap into your own lived experience, and turn it into a performance that feels authentic and appropriate for the moment.
Sometimes the direction you receive can be vague — something like “Make it more conversational” or “Try it with a bit more energy.” In these moments, being directable also means being willing to experiment. Try it a few different ways. Ask clarifying questions if needed. And trust your instincts while still being collaborative.
One thing I’ve learned is that directors don’t expect perfection. They expect collaboration. They want to feel like you’re on the same team, trying to find the best version of the read together. That mindset shift makes the process a lot less stressful. You’re not being judged — you’re working toward the same goal.
I’ve been in sessions where things weren’t clicking at first, but a single piece of direction reframed everything. Suddenly, I knew exactly what the client wanted, and then we hit the ground running. That’s the magic of being present and responsive in a live-directed session.
At the end of the day, being directable isn’t about changing who you are — it’s about being adaptable while still bringing yourself into the read. The more open you are to feedback, the easier it becomes to shape performances that resonate.
Conclusion
Being directable is one of the biggest assets you can have as a voice actor. It shows professionalism, humility, and a willingness to collaborate — all of which clients remember and value. So the next time you’re in a live session, don’t stress about getting it perfect. Listen closely, stay flexible, and trust your ability to bring direction to life. That’s what makes you a pro.