What Do I Need to Be an Anime Voice Actor?
When you watch your favorite anime programs, every character's voice that you hear is the product of a voice actor. Voice actors for anime perform "dub work," which is when you record your lines to match up with pre-existing animation. The market for anime voice actors is small, competitive and not particularly well-paying, so you need the right skills, attitude and connections for breaking into the business.
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Demo
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When a casting agency is looking for voice actors, it listens to demo CDs and demo MP3s, so you need these if you want to become a voice actor. After you've completed professional assignments, you can use them on your demo CD as examples of what you can do. Until then, you need to make one on your own, usually with the assistance of a professional studio. A studio helps you develop a professional-sounding recording of the different types of voices agencies look for.
Talent Agent
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Unless you already have friends and professional contacts in the industry, you want a talent agent to help you break into the business. Agents represent actors, including voice actors, and help them find work. They have insider information regarding auditions, contracts and acting opportunities -- information that you are unlikely to find on your own, as it isn't typically well-publicized.
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Know-How
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It takes more than just a love of anime to become a successful voice actor -- you must be a learned, experienced actor. A degree in theater arts is helpful, but most of all, you need acting experience. Audition for all kinds of acting productions, theater troupes, improvisational comedy groups and more so that you can study and practice the craft. You may also need technical know-how, particularly regarding audio and video production technology.
Versatility
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You must be willing to make sacrifices to find work as an anime voice actor. Most of the available work is located in Houston, Texas, so a willingness to move may help your career. You must also be willing to take on gigs in other acting arenas, including non-voice acting and voice acting for other cartoons, commercials and radio. Since voice acting work -- especially for anime -- is so irregularly available, most voice actors also take on regular acting jobs to supplement their income.
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References
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