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VOICE ACTING
I recently ran a voice over casting, which sourced auditions exclusively from professional, working talent. Which is why I was surprised by just how many simple, avoidable mistakes came through! Mistakes that, in most situations, would get an audition disqualified before the client even heard it. Below are 4 issues that kept popping up. Fixing these could be the difference between getting heard… or wasting your time and getting skipped entirely. 1. Inconsistent Volume Levels A few auditions were significantly quieter than the rest. Adjusting your levels takes under a minute. When you don’t, it immediately reads as amateur - and distracts from the performance (not in a good way). In casting, first impressions happen fast. Don’t give anyone a reason to click “next.” 2. Slating When I Said "No Slate" I specifically asked for no slates. And yet, guess what kept showing up? It shows you don’t follow directions and makes the casting team/client question whether you'll be able to follow direction if you got booked for the session. For this casting, I went in and manually cut them out - but most CDs won’t. They’ll just delete it before the client ever hears it. 3. Unprofessional Sound Quality Several auditions sounded like they were recorded on a phone. In 2025, if you want a sustainable voice over business, it's almost essential to have a home setup that sounds professional. The good news? It doesn’t have to be expensive. A solid mic (some are under $200), a basic interface, a sound-treated space (yes, moving blankets totally count), a program to record in, and decent internet are all you need. And if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the tech, trust me - we’ve all been there. You’re not alone. And you can absolutely figure it out. 4. Incorrect File Labeling This one’s a sneaky disqualifier. Some people didn’t label their files correctly - which, in most castings, is an automatic pass. If the filename isn’t what the spec requested, the audition may be deleted before it's even opened. If you miss the basics, your audition might not even make it to the client’s ears. Don’t waste your time submitting something that gets tossed before it’s heard. Take a few extra moments, and make sure the essentials are covered. Now go out there and do great things. Web: www.vokickstartprogram.com |
By Dervla Trainor
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