voice over auditions

Guess I should have figured the world of voice over auditions would be complicated. Especially since I have no knowledge of recordings, sound systems, etc. But I've regrouped and plan to focus on getting voiceover work for at least an hour each day. All of this is so new--I had "head shots" taken so I can apply to a local talent agency. But I also need to send them a resume; acting resumes look totally different than business resumes. And I have hardly anything I can legitimately include--chorus work in a few musicals from years ago; choirs and some solo singing work. I saw a copy of a resume for a beginning actor--that's how mine will need to look. I do plan to talk about what I think are some relevant experiences (such as public speaking, testfying before Congress). It's worth a shot.

When I took the voiceover course, they said we wouldn't need paper resumes; that our demo disks would serve as our resumes. With the paper resume, the lack of experience will be obvious. But I have to try. Besides, the head shots weren't cheap. I haven't done the resume yet; still thinking about it.

At the same time, I'm looking into online voice acting (no pay, but provides experience). Darker Projects was complicated--I didn't even understand what I needed to send them to verify that my sound equipment (OK, my laptop) is good enough for auditions. They required that I submit a sample audio file via YouSendIt before I can audition. So I don't know how to make an audio file, and YouSendIt costs money. I then checked Pendant Productions, which seems more accessible. Sounds like my PC mike might be acceptable--I want to try that first, before I start buying equipment. And Pendant's web site referred me to Audacity, a free web-based recording program, for recording auditions. So I've downloaded that and actually figured out how to record and play back. The vocal quality sounded good, I thought. Then they say I need to record the auditions in MP3 files. I'm hoping my son can help me with that--will be good experience for him, also.

But Pendant didn't have any auditions at this time; I'll have to develop a schedule for checking auditions. Too bad they don't send automatic emails to members.

One could spend hours each day navigating these voice sites--there are several. I need to figure out a way to focus on a few and not get overwhelmed.

I also will hunt again for volunteer reading opportunities--I looked at that earlier, and didn't come up with any local options. (Examples: recording books for the blind).