Are you looking to start a career in voice acting? If you are unsure of how to formulate a resume for voice acting, read below for a detailed how-to. Just like with any resume, there should be an easy-to-read format with key components such as contact information, experience, and skills. In this article, we will break it down for you.
Contact information;
This should be at the header of your resume or to the left, it should be clear so that if an employer wants to reach out to you, they will not have any trouble finding your contact information. The contact information should include your name, phone number, email address, and website if you have one. If you do not have a website, you should consider making one as it is where you can have samples of your voice-acting. Below this section would be a good place to add if you are a member of an actor’s union such as SAG-AFTRA. If you would like to, you can include your union representative here. As well, if you are represented by an agent, here would be a good section to include the agency and your agent's information.
Experience;
When talking about your training or experience it would be helpful to elaborate on which niches you can apply to. Examples of these niches can include a specialty in animation voice acting. This category has become increasingly popular with on-screen actors as it is extremely lucrative. Some recent examples include Jenny Slate for the film Marcel the shell and Will Arnett for the series Bojack Horseman. There is also voice acting for audiobooks and for commercial usage. It would smart to list as well what are vocal attributes you possess and are capable of doing. It is better if you have multiple but it is also essential to have one consistent niche in which you can be repeatedly booked for. Are your voice-acting skills fitting for a corporate voice-over as it sounds educated and sophisticated? Or is it more suitable for a children's cartoon show as it is high-pitched and calming? You can also list previous clients you have worked with so your potential clients see the brands you have worked with. List more recognizable brands at the beginning of the list. Even if you have only booked small jobs, it would still be smart to list them.
Formal Training;
You should follow this category with any training experience you might have. This can include voice casting classes, private coaching, or workshops. If you are interested in attending any of these programs, you should research coaches or workshops in your area. It will also put you in contact with other voice actors.
Skills;
Following this can be your skills, it is especially important to include skills that can be transferable to the voice acting sphere. Here you can list if you speak any other language as it would allow you to be hired for more gigs. This also applies if you feel comfortable enough to translate in another language, although for this you should be charging an extra fee which is offering the service of translations. If you have a background in theater or a background in singing, it would be helpful. As well as if you have experience with sound engineering. Here you can list the software’s you are proficient in. Some audio-based applications that are useful are Protools or Audacity. This shows your clients that you know how to work with this software and they don't have to go through as much hassle with post-production. Another service you can include is editing. If you are knowledgeable in applications such as Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere, this is a viable option for you. If you are comfortable with script writing, it is also a sought service with voice acting. This way your client only has to hire one person instead of two. You can also include samples of your script work on your website. Since you already have the character description and their voice down, the scriptwriting can come very easily. This can also apply to copy-writing material in regards to the project, if you have experience in that you can list it as an additional service.
Another important aspect to include in your resume is your gear. If you have a home studio equipped with microphones, you should list it here. Even if you just own one microphone, it would be good to list it here. This way your clients know what they have to provide for you or if you are able to work from home. Here you can also list the file
formats that you are knowledgeable in sending, such as Wav, AIFF, or .mp3.