Learn the Game!

Video games have become the most sophisticated and rewarding form of voice acting. No longer the realm of zany voices and two-dimensional characters, it is an industry that is more akin to film acting.  More importantly, it is now driving other forms of voice acting.  Internationally, dubbing projects are using video game actors more and more because they possess the skills to work with the newer style of dubbing, which is based on realism of performance instead of “lip flaps” and unnatural copy.

To consistently get booked in video games roles, which now outsell film and music combined, a voice actor needs to understand and hone the skills that make it different from other genres: namely, authenticity and versatility.  Also, actors need to know how to audition specifically for gaming projects.

Prior to the workshop, actors will pick 2 scripts out of a curated list covering multiple styles, characters, and emotive ranges.  Each actor will prepare their scripts as they would for any voice over job.  In class, each actor will perform, after which, they will get feedback and redirects from Randall and Gillian.  The actor will then read again and get more feedback as time permits.

Actors will not only learn during their own reads, they will learn by watching other actors read and receive redirects; developing a deeper understanding of the realism and emotive depth required, as well as, the flexibility necessary to create multiple characters or more dimension in the same character.

Note that while this has introductory course elements on acting in video games, this is really aimed at experienced, working actors.  We will be talking about higher-level concepts with a presumption of knowledge about acting.  Even actors who are already doing some video game work should learn a great deal.