CHRIS PLOETZ
Actor - Voice Actor - Stunts
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I become a voice actor?
Voice acting is an extremely fun and rewarding field, but it is also one that is very competitive. It takes a lot of passion, determination, practice, money, time, and.... luck. Doing silly voices does not mean you’re a voice actor. Voice Acting is still ACTING. "Doing a voice" doesnt mean you are able to maintain a performance, demonstrate a wide range of emotion,or an ability to take direction.
If you are just starting out take some classes in your hometown. Helpful resources such as books, instructional cd-roms, videos and more are available online. I cannot recomend enough Yuri Lowenthal and Tara Plats book (Voice-over Voice Actor: What It's Like Behind the Mic). Train with teachers, Many experienced voice actors offer private sessions.
Make a demo (when you are ready). don rush it! but Demos are roughly 90 seconds long comprised of original scripts. You need to record at a professional studio, so be prepared to spend money. I worked with Edge Studio for years before I felt ready to record my Demos.
How did you get into voice Acting?
Like a lot of people in the industry, I came across voice acting a little later than I might have liked. I had always loved entertaining my friends and family with various characters and stories, acting in school plays and Drama classes, but I didn't think that voice acting (or acting for that matter) was a viable way to make a living. So I went to college to study Anthropology and Geography (I guess I wanted to be Indiana Jones? Much more viable right?) I received degrees in both subjects before entering graduate school to earn my masters. It was not until I worked for the US Intelligence agency that i realized that something was missing. I then did what any person in my position would do, I quit my job and ran off to teach English in Japan....whats that? that not what anyone in my position would do? hmm weird. Anyway, while over in Japan I grew passionate for Drama and got a small role in the live action remake of one of my favorite anime! It suddenly came rushing back to me and I knew from that moment forward that I had to at least make an effort to become an actor and more specifically a voice actor. Never give up on your dreams!