Helpful tools for actors. Support and inspiration for the beginning and established actor.
This page will be updated as I, like you, learn and grow. Leave your favorites resources in the comments!
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Acting For Film, TV and Theater
Podcasts
I listen to these every week. A wealth of experience, support and inspiration for the beginning and established actor.
If you listen and find that you love them too, give back and support their free content by leaving a review. Tell them Eileen sent you!
Audrey Helps Actors with Audrey Moore
The Acting Podcast with Risa Bramon Garcia & Steve Braun of BGB Studio
1 Broke Actress with Sam Valentine
The Actor CEO with Mike Moreno
That One Audition with Alyshia Ochse
Casting Actors Cast with one of my teachers, Jeffrey Driesbach
Websites
Hollywood Winners Circle with Wendy Alane Wright - This tells you everything you need to know. I wish I had this 20 years ago.
Workshops and Informative Social Media
Helpful Articles (really)
Do You Need Acting Classes? Cast44
6 Things They Don’t Tell You in Theater School Backstage
Successful Actors Talk About Their Training Backstage
Brian O`Neil Backstage
My Favorite Books on Acting Technique
Books and tools to help you become a better actor/artist/voice actor/creative soul. These spoke to me, maybe you will find pearls in them too.
The Power of the Actor -Ivana Chubbick
Notes to an Actor -Ron Marasco
Intent to Live - Larry Moss
The Process -Larry Moss
How To Become a Voice Over Artist -Natalie Roers
A Life in Parts -Brian Cranston
Voice Acting
We all have to start somewhere. Knowing what steps to take and when can be confusing. Voice acting is not easy. It has the added element of the actor acquiring technical skills in recording, editing and the delivery of sound files. Fortunately for those just starting out, voice actors are some of the most generous and helpful people I have ever come across. Believe me, if I could learn it, you can learn it. It just takes time, patience and commitment. Here is a list of some of my favorites in hope that they are as helpful to you as they were for me.
One of the things you will need to decide is what area of voice over you will focus on. Take classes because you may be surprised that what you thought you’d go into isn’t what you are strongest at, or simply don’t enjoy. And you won’t know until you experience it. I thought for sure I would go into audio books, but soon learned it wasn’t for me. Find out which area you enjoy and naturally excel at, because narrowing down your focus is very important to your success. Find your niche and you will get where you want to go quicker. Included below are people who’s expertise is in technical, video game acting, commercials, promo, podcasts, audio books and more.
Youtube
Youtube is a treasure trove of free coaching and helpful tips to get you started. But learn from those who truly work in the business and have the wisdom from experience. When you are making enough money to take a class or hire a coach, you will have a sense of who you might want to learn more from based on their area of expertise, focus and teaching style.
Gift of Gab with Gabrielle Nistico
VO Buzz Weekly with Chuck Duran and Stacey Aswald
VO Boss with Anne Ganguzza and Gabby Nistico
Voice Over Body Shop with George Whittam and Dan Lenard
Websites
Dee Bradley’s I Want To Be a Voice Actor
Facebook Groups
There are tons of Facebook groups. I list those that really over deliver with really helpful advice and free content.
Women in Voice Over with Lisa Biggs
Podcasts
If you listen and find that you love them too, give back and support their free content by leaving a review. Tell them Eileen sent you!
Everyday VOprenuer with Marc Scott
VO Buzz Weekly with Chuck Duran and Stacey Aswald
VO Boss with Anne Ganguzza
Voice Over Body Shop with Dan Lenard & George Whittam
P2P (Pay to Play)
There is a lot of discussion as to whether joining a P2P (Pay to Play) is advantageous to the voice actor. Personally, I find them exhausting. Hours and hours of auditioning and editing those auditions for a small return. That is time I can better use direct marketing or spending with my family or on other things I enjoy doing. I am always striving to have a work-life balance. And I feel some of them are predatory. Competition is stiff on all and on some you have to pay thousands of dollars just to be seen above the rest of the herd. There are a few sites that are so notorious for their practices that if an agent finds you on it, they won’t work with you. One reason is that they pay the actor bargain basement rates so low they are hurting our industry and agents and professional actors who need a decent rate to put food on the table are taking a stand against them.
There are a few that appear to be better than the others, but I wouldn’t join until you know you are ready with your acting skills and with your sound. Do not use these sites to practice and your skills. You only get one chance to make an impression that might be forever. There are online forums and classes to hone skills and gain experience.
I have heard some good things about the following P2P sites. As I hear more positive feedback I will update this list. As always, YMWV.