New York City: a concrete jungle where dreams are made of... and where a surprising number of those dreams involve a soundproof booth and a microphone. While Los Angeles often gets the spotlight for voice acting, NYC boasts a vibrant and unique industry, offering a wealth of opportunities for those with the right pipes and hustle. So, how can a voice actor truly thrive in the Big Apple? Let's dive in.
1. Embrace the Diverse Market:
NYC isn't just Broadway and advertising. It's a melting pot of industries, each with its own voice needs:
Commercials: From local bodega spots to national campaigns, the city's advertising agencies are always on the hunt for fresh voices.
Animation and Video Games: While LA may dominate, NYC has a growing animation and gaming scene, with studios and independent creators seeking unique talent.
Audiobooks and Podcasts: The city's literary and podcasting communities are booming, creating a constant demand for narrators and voiceover artists.
E-learning and Corporate Narration: With countless businesses and educational institutions, NYC offers ample opportunities for corporate and instructional voiceover work.
ADR and Dubbing: New York City has a large film and television industry, which creates many opportunities for ADR and dubbing work.
2. Network, Network, Network:
NYC is a city built on relationships. Attend industry events, workshops, and meetups. Join voice acting groups and online communities. Build relationships with casting directors, agents, and fellow voice actors.
Don't underestimate the power of local theater and improv communities. These are breeding grounds for talent and offer excellent opportunities to hone your skills.
Online platforms like Meetup and Eventbrite are great resources for finding industry-related events.
3. Build Your Home Studio (Even in a Tiny Apartment):
Even in a cramped NYC apartment, a professional-sounding home studio is essential. Invest in a quality microphone, soundproofing materials, and recording software.
Sound blankets, acoustic foam, and even strategically placed furniture can make a big difference in sound quality.
Explore portable sound booths if space is extremely limited.
4. Hone Your NYC Hustle:
The competition is fierce, so you need to be proactive.
Create a compelling demo reel that showcases your range and versatility.
Maintain an active online presence.
Be persistent and professional in your outreach.
Always be looking for new casting calls.
5. Embrace the City's Energy:
NYC's vibrant energy can be a powerful source of inspiration. Immerse yourself in the city's culture, attend theater performances, visit museums, and listen to the diverse voices that make NYC unique.
This exposure will enrich your performances and help you connect with a wider audience.
New York City is a place where you can find inspiration everywhere.
The Bottom Line:
Thriving as a voice actor in NYC requires talent, hustle, and a willingness to embrace the city's unique opportunities. By building a strong network, honing your skills, and leveraging the diverse market, you can make your voice heard in the city that never sleeps.
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.
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