If you thought coaching and training stopped once you started making progress in voiceover, think again! (I know, I wish that were the case too.) Even the best of the best are constantly training. There’s always something to learn from those around us, which is why taking classes and workshops is key to keeping up with the latest VO trends and sharpening your skills.
Lately, I’ve been a big fan of voiceover workshops. I love seeing different instructors teach different genres and picking up new insights along the way. One of my favorite things about workshops is the group dynamic. Most classes have around 6–10 actors, which can feel intimidating at first. You might worry about being judged by your peers or feel pressure to impress the instructor. Totally normal. But at the end of the day, everyone is there for the same reason—to make mistakes and learn.
One-on-one coaching is great because you get personalized attention tailored to your specific goals, but there’s something special about group workshops. Watching other actors perform and hearing the feedback they receive gives you 6–10 times the learning experience. Sometimes, hearing a critique from a different perspective makes something click in a way that wouldn’t have otherwise.
Of course, classes and coaching can get expensive, which is why I love that many workshops offer “observer” seats. These are WAY cheaper, and you still get to absorb tons of valuable information without the pressure of performing. Sure, you won’t get direct feedback on your own reads, but there’s so much to learn just from watching and listening to others.
Workshops come in all shapes and sizes—some are a quick hour, while others last several hours or span multiple days. The format depends on the instructor, and sometimes, classes even include casting directors or agents. While the main goal should always be learning and improving, making a good impression doesn’t hurt. You never know—attending a workshop could lead to an exciting opportunity.
And let’s not forget one of the biggest perks—networking. Voiceover is such a solitary career; most of us spend our days alone in a booth, sending auditions into the void without much feedback. Workshops are a rare chance to connect with other actors on the same journey, learn from mentors you admire, and make real friendships along the way.
So, if you’ve been thinking about taking a VO class but feel a little intimidated—go for it! The best way to improve is to keep learning, and workshops are one of the best ways to do just that!