******* "The Art of Voice Acting" *******

The Art of Voice Acting - By James R. Alburger

Book Description
The Art of Voice Acting introduces performance techniques and offers many useful tips, emphasizing that the performer must see him/herself as an actor, and all material as a story in which he/she plays a role. Included is a large section presenting a variety of scripts for the reader to practice with. This books takes readers step-by-step through a taping session, discussing the wide variety of equipment set-ups, and some of the difficulties they are likely to encounter.

Most importantly, this book introduces performers to the business of voice work, working with talent and casting agents, preparing the demo tape, and getting that tape into the hands of those likely to be hiring. This book discusses the variety of work available and how to find it. It also offers career management tips, such as working with a personal agent and keeping detailed records.

From the Back Cover
Voice-over work is not limited to Hollywood and New York, but is available everywhere. This book will help the performer get into this business and earn a good living at it.

The Art of Voice Acting introduces performance techniques and offers many useful tips, emphasizing that the performer must see him/herself as an actor, and all material as a story in which he/she plays a role. Included is a large section presenting a variety of scripts for the reader to practice with. This books takes readers step-by-step through a taping session, discussing the wide variety f equipment set-ups, and some of the difficulties they are likely to encounter.

Most importantly, this book introduces performers to the business of voice work, working with talent and casting agents, preparing the demo tape, and getting that tape into the hands of those likely to be hiring. This book discusses the variety of work available and how to find it, including advertising, product promotion, limited release productions, and corporate promotions and product demonstrations. It also offers career management tips, such as working with a personal agent and keeping detailed records. This book will be valuable to anyone wishing to work as a voice performer.

The Author's Comments - Learn the skills of performing for Voice-Over Have you ever considered the possibility of using your voice to make a living, If you have? "The Art of Voice-Acting" is a good place to begin learning the craft.

The job of a voice-over performer requires training -- development of skills in acting and communication. In "The Art of Voice-Acting," you will receive the tools and training you need to get started, as well as real-world scripts and tips from many talented professional voice-actors. You will find tips, tricks of the trade, techniques and exercises in this book that are not available from any other book on the subject.

For more than 30 years I have worked on both sides of the glass as a voice-actor, producer, director and engineer. I have directed some of the top voice-over talent in the country, worked with live action performers and trained a number of audio operators, voice-actors and other performers. Along the way I have received 9 regional Emmy awards. An effective performance depends on an emotional connection between the performer and the audience. "The Art of Voice-Acting" teaches you how to achieve that kind of performance as a voice-actor.

The building blocks of a voice-over performance are:

1. understanding who the audience is,
2. knowing who you are as the speaker (your character), and
3. knowing why you are speaking those words at this time (your motivation and qualifications as the expert).

These three things create the foundation upon which a performance is built. Character development, script interpretation, attitude and many other aspects of a performance are then woven together to create a believable and effective communication. Voice-over is much more than reading words off a page. Voice-over is really an aspect of acting, with all the techniques, subtleties and more.

"The Art of Voice-Acting" will take you on a journey through the world of voice-over and you will learn what it takes to become successful in this challenging and very enjoyable business. I promise that after reading "The Art of Voice-Acting" you will never listen to a radio or television commercial the same way again.
Good luck.
James R. Alburger

About the Author
For the past 25 years James Alburger has been the sound designer and audio supervisor for KNSD-TV, an NBC owned and operated station in San Diego. He received 9 Emmy awards for his mixing work on commercial and promos.



A reader from Los Angeles, CA , February 11, 1999- Teriffic! Not many better than this practical book! Alburger's grasp of the business is remarkable - and he is writing not from NY, LA or Chicago, but from San Diego. This book is practical, easy to follow, and while no one can guarantee success, this book will help anyone maximize their efforts. A "must have" addition to any media library!


Readers Review - The Ultimate Voice Acting Guide!

Reviewer: Terry Scheidt from Temecula, Ca USA.
I just finished reading "The Art of VoiceActing" by James Alburger and it was fantastic! I couldn't put it down! There is so much helpful information to guide anyone who is interested in a career in voiceacting. From the breathing and articulation exercises, to information on building a character, making a demo and preparing for your first session, this book covers it all! There are samples of actual copy provided to help you hone and refine your skills and the included cd is full of great examples of professionally produced voiceover demos so that you can learn from the experts.

James Alburger has written the most comprehensive book on voiceacting that I've seen. I am going to highly recommend it to everyone I know that is interested in voiceover as well as all of my actor friends. It's like having your own private coach guide you step by step towards reaching your goals, any time you want! --This text refers to the Paperback edition.


Readers Review - It's the Best of the Best!!!

Reviewer: A reader from Taipei, Taiwan.
I am a Voice Actress. This is the best book I have read to teach a beginner about learning how to practice and prepare for doing voice acting as a life-time business. Though I am using a different language to do the art of voice-over, it's indeed a good reference book and very useful to me and all my colleagues.


Readers Review - Raise your voice to sing praises.

Reviewer: Leik hawkins from Baltimore, MD United States.
Another book with how to and step by step instructions on taking care of your voice, marketing yourself,and what to do and what not to do to get work. You couldn't ask for a more simple explanation of how to get started in voice acting. Of course the rest is up to you!


Readers Review - The Art of Voice Acting.

Reviewer: RICHARD A GOULD from Boston Metro West
As a rank beginner in the field of Voice-Over and where it can lead, I found that this book shines a light down the highway so you can see the road ahead with all its twists and turns. Potholes, construction slowdowns and flat out beautiful stretches that make you remember why you like to drive in the first place. Arlburger explains in laymans terms how to get ahead in this lucrative and rewarding part of show business. After reading this book and practicing the exercises and sample copy provided, you will know if you've made the right decision. He proves you don't have to have a voice like Walter Cronkite to succeed in Voice Over but you do have to understand the priciples of good business and have a marketing strategy that works for you. I thoroughly enjoyed the read and recommend it wholeheartedly.


Readers Review - Wow! The Best Book On Voice-Acting -- EVER!

Reviewer: Penny S. Abshire from San Diego, California
This book is the best I have ever read on the art of performing for voice over. Mr. Alburger has structured his book in an easy to understand, comprehensive, and lighthearted fashion. There is an absolute WEALTH of information for anyone wanting to learn about the art OR the business. I especially appreciated the tips on marketing. "Breaking into the business" just got a whole lot easier, with this handy guide! Thanks!


Readers Review - Teriffic! Not many better than this practical book!

Reviewer: A reader from Los Angeles, CA.
Alburger's grasp of the business is remarkable - and he is writing not from NY, LA or Chicago, but from San Diego. This book is practical, easy to follow, and while no one can guarantee success, this book will help anyone maximize their efforts. A "must have" addition to any media library!

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