Voice acting might seem like a glamorous profession, filled with fame and fortune. While it can be rewarding, it's also a highly competitive field that requires skill, dedication, and a deep understanding of the industry. That's why the recent workshop led by voice actor Tom Dheere at the Long Island High School for the Arts (LIHSA) was such a valuable experience for the school's Audio Production and Game Design students.
Insights from a Seasoned Professional
Dheere, whose distinctive voice has graced games like Red Dead Redemption and Inspector Gadget, shared his knowledge and experiences with the eager students. "Tom showed us everything about the whole field of voice acting, from how you get the jobs to the best way to get the training you need," said Devin Dowd, a Game Design student. "He was very passionate about giving us information."
Hands-On Learning and Networking Opportunities
Ralph Greco, an Audio Production student, was particularly impressed by Dheere's demonstration of analyzing waveforms and adjusting tone for different roles. "He taught us how to look at wave forms to really analyze them, especially if someone was speaking a different language," Greco explained. "He also taught us about the different genres: audio books, video games, telephony, VR, external announcements….I liked that he was very passionate about giving us information. He gave us examples about how he used his connections to make new connections and recorded an example of an audition right in front of us!"
The hands-on nature of the workshop, including Dheere's live audition, provided invaluable insights for the students. "I really enjoy the time we get to work with professionals from the industry," said Greco. "It helps me extend my boundaries as an artist and an engineer. It makes me feel more comfortable for the real world and it helps me make sense of what's to come, what I can expect, and who I can connect with and share my passion and ideas with."
Networking and Gaining a Broader Perspective
Dowd echoed Greco's sentiments, emphasizing the importance of networking and gaining a broader perspective of the industry. "Working with people in the industry definitely gives you a bigger picture of the world," he said. "Coming to LIHSA helps you meet new professionals and gives you a different perspective. It is great for networking."
For the students at LIHSA, the opportunity to learn from a seasoned professional like Tom Dheere was an unparalleled experience. It provided them with a roadmap for success in the voice acting world, along with the inspiration to pursue their own dreams in the field. As Dheere's visit demonstrates, the path to becoming a successful voice actor is not just about talent – it's also about knowledge, hard work, and the willingness to continuously evolve and adapt in an ever-changing industry.
Thanks For Reading!
To learn more about me, hear some samples, or download my demos, just go to www.tomdheere.com.
Tom Dheere is a voice actor with over 25 years of experience narrating just about every type of voiceover you can think of. He also helps other voice talents navigate the voiceover industry as the VO Strategist. When not voicing or talking about voicing, he produces the sci-fi comic book Agent 1.22.