Lessons Learned In the Booth

One of the things I learned while being a booth director was not to over direct.  I learned to feel the actor out and see their level of skill and also, their level of tolerance for me and my ideas.  Some actors don't want any direction at all, they know what they want to do and I should just stay out of it.  That's not always comfortable for me or even correct for them but it is their audition after all.

One day, there was an audition for a really big commercial campaign.  The wife of a prominent actor had been coming in to audition occasionally.  She had a very interesting sounding voice and was an actor but was not very skilled in Voice Over yet.  Sometimes, the agents would just bring the wives and husbands of celebrities in to read because they wanted to keep the celebrity happy, and sometimes they really thought they may have the potential to make some money with them.  They were always looking for potential.  So, she came in to read this big campaign copy.  I liked her, we got along fine and she asked for lots of direction, she wanted to book the spot.  I gave her line readings and edited the audition and made a very good presentation of her for the client.  She booked it!  Wow!  Your first booking is a huge campaign!  Everyone was thrilled!

The day of the session arrived and I was busy at work doing my thing.  As I entered the "bull pen" from the recording booth where we all worked, I was asked about the audition session I had with the actor.  It was days ago and I barely remembered it being significant but I recounted our time together as best I could.  The agent working on the job told me they had to replace the actor on the session immediately and that she was "undirectable" and had no idea what to do in a recording session.  "She didn't even know to put on the headphones to communicate with the director."  I was shocked and a little humiliated although it wasn't my fault.  I was just helping the actor get the job, that was my job and I wasn't made to feel bad by anyone.  She was replaced by our client, the client who originally had the campaign.  I'm not sure why they held auditions for someone else, perhaps that will be another story…maybe the agents wanted more money for her?  That's a whole other story for some other time.

We all learned a bit of a lesson that day.  The actor learned that she needed training and confidence and the agents learned they needed to make sure of the skill level and expertise of their clients. 

I learned, not to over direct a novice.  

Raw talent is fantastic and should be nurtured and encouraged!  Having the right amount of training and skill are the keys to showcasing your talent.  Since that audition/experience I have learned to be honest and give strong advice when it comes to training, especially when there is potential to be a great voice over actor.  

I've said this before…I love working with creative people!

Why I Love To Teach

Why I Love To Teach

I was never a good student in school.  I was easily distracted and had a real problem with authority.  I was suspended in High School several times for my “mouthyness”, a high school where my mother was a teacher.  THAT was not a good situation.  My Sister has also been a teacher and my niece is teaching high school now.  I guess…it was unavoidable.

When I jumped out of the Voice Over Agency business and started teaching voice over it was scary and liberating.  I no longer had to worry about pleasing an employer I was now focused on serving my students and watching them come alive.  I knew I had a lot of information to share with them and technique to teach and expertise in recording that could make great things happen. I also found that I had to remain teachable to be able to teach. Of course, I learned all hands-on and I thank all of my ex-employers for allowing me to get the skills I needed to proceed but I also learned from all of the actors I had directed.  I love being around artists and creative people.  I lot of people bad mouth actors but really, I like um!  There are always people who are difficult in life and yes…some of them are actors but I relate to them in a different way and enjoy all that comes with working with them.

When my students succeed, even in the smallest way I am proud, satisfied and encouraged to do more.  I have been expanding my business lately and have a huge recording studio as my new workspace and office.   I feel empowered, inspired and ready to help people achieve their dreams!  There’s no stopping me now!  I am hoping to make this new place a hub for voice actors to record auditions, join a workout group take, take calluses and participate in creative..stuff.

There are no dunce caps or suspensions in my world!  You can fail alright but you can learn from that too!  I just laughed at myself after typing that because sometimes it seems that is the only way I learn!

I am going to spend the rest of my day envisioning new ways to inspire my students.  Yes…I said envisioning….that’s where it all starts! 

Lauren