Things You'll Need:
- Demo CD
- Voice training
- Character-acting skills
- Agent
- Handheld recorder
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Step 1
Watch anime shows and become familiar with the content, characters and different kinds of voices. Listen to the inflections and tones and see if there are any patterns or repetitions in speech that are consistent with specific character types. Start to mimic the voices and record them with a handheld recorder. Listen back to your version and see how you did. Sometimes our ears hear one thing when we speak and another thing when listening to a recording.
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Step 2
Take voice-over classes. These classes will teach you how to effectively use your voice to create new and interesting characters without straining your vocal chords. It will also teach you to enunciate properly and use your tongue for proper pausing. Some voice-over classes will even teach different dialects and accents. But most importantly, the classes will instruct you how to use the equipment in such a way that your voice will be heard clearly and have no interference with your auditions and work.
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Step 3
Make a demo reel. Have at least five (but no more than fifteen) different short sections with a variety of characters and forms of media. You should include commercials, radio ads, anime shows and videos, general narration and multimedia (gaming) work. You can find excerpts you like and use those are write your own. Show off your range in tonal varieties, characters you've developed and levels of emotion.
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Step 4
Find an agent. Look at the directories online to see which agents represent voice actors. Send a cover letter and copy of your demo reel to these agents. Wait for a response from interested parties. When you receive a call the agent may ask you to come in for a meeting. Attend the meeting, and when you find an agent interested enough in you to sign you, then take the offer and sign. Tell your new agent your goal--that you want to work in anime. Your agent will begin submitting you for anime voice-over jobs.
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Step 5
Go to your auditions and remember your technique from class. Nail the audition and book the job. It may not happen the first time, but you will get a job if you continue to do a good job at each audition. Get your first anime job and work your butt off. Be sure to carefully take direction from the director so you deliver exactly what he wants. If you do a great job, you'll likely be called back for more work. Have fun and good luck! Don't ever give up.
