Actors` Exchange/Voice-Over

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Expert: Roland Parliament - 4/13/2009


Question
My 13 year old daughter is very interested in Voice-Over. I'm having trouble
finding her a coach in TX. Do you have any suggestions on a coach and also
how to get started in this business.

Thank you,  

Answer
Hi Cindy,

Since I live in Toronto, Canada I have no idea about voice coaches in TX.

However, you could enroll her in singing lessons which will teach her the proper diaphramatic breathing techniques required for voice work. Also, any acting classes with an emphasis on voice will help.

Perhaps you could see if any local radio stations might be interested in starting a voice training course with their resident voice talents.

I don't know what kind of VO work your daughter is interested in (commercials, animation, narration, etc.), nor do I know what part of TX you live in (big city, little town) but I'm sure there must be resources for this in such a big state as TX.

Sorry I couldn't be more help.

Sincerely,

Roland

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Roland Parliament

Expertise

I can answer any questions regarding voice-over work in commercials, animation, dubbing and narration. I can coach actors in audition technique, performance requirements and demo tape preparation. I can help break down sides for all of the above.

Experience

I have directed 55 episodes of the hit anime series "Sailor Moon", several other dubbed series and one theatrical release animation entitled, "Ferretina" (release date to be announced). I have voice-acted in over 2,000 commercials, several animation series and a number of narration productions. I have been sent by ACTRA to St. John's, Winnipeg and Halifax to educate and produce demo tapes for ACTRA members.

Organizations
ACTRA, AF of M, SOCAN

Publications
I am currently writing a textbook and instructional CD for voice performers.

Education/Credentials
I am an award-winning graduate of the Radio & Television Arts Program at Ryerson University, Toronto (1971). I have completed several acting courses at George Brown College (Toronto). I have taught voice in the Theatre Program at Ryerson University (1990-2002) and am currently teaching voice and dialects in the Acting For Film & Television Program at Humber College Toronto. I taught for 7 years in ACTRA's Apprenticeship program.

Awards and Honors
Over 75 international awards for advertising music plus the Don Hudson Award for Creative Excellence at Ryerson

Past/Present Clients
Advertising: Rowntree-MacIntosh, GMC, McCains, Coca-cola, Swiss Chalet, McDonald's, Ford Motors, Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, Canadian Blood Services, Atlantic Lottery Corporation, Royal Bank of Canada, Zellers, etc. Animation: DIC Productions, Nelvana, Avianca & Associates, etc. Narration: The LongPen, Audience Productions, INCO, etc.

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