Welcome back!
And thanks for reading! If you like reading this blog, here are a few more you might consider following as well!
REMEMBER:
Just a reminder here that when I use the term “actor” I mean it to encompass all forms of acting including voice, stage, and screen. Yeah, I know I say this every week, but it falls under the heading of “The things that go without saying are the things that most need to be said”. What follows applies relatively equally to all of these forms of acting.
Always learning
Acting and voice over (VO) are two dynamic fields that demand talent, dedication, and continuous learning. Whether you are new to the industry or have been doing this for a long time, if you want to stay ahead of the game you should be on a quest for continuous improvement. One way to do that is to subscribe to blogs in the genre you are working in. There are numerous blogs dedicated to providing the latest information, tips, and resources to help build your career or maybe just to be entertaining. Here are some of the best blogs that actors and VO artists should follow.
The Voices in my Head
Informative, helpful, humorous. Josh Alexander has been in the business of VO for a while, and he’s become very successful. He’s also a whiz at marketing your VO business. Check out The Voices in my Head blog, and if you like it subscribe. Note that it appears Josh has taken a short (?) sabbatical in publishing (last published December 28th, 2022) but there is plenty of content to keep you satisfied till he returns.
Backstage
OK, so backstage actually calls their blog a Magazine, which at one point in time it actually was. Backstage is one of the most comprehensive blogs for actors and VO artists, providing resources for everything from casting calls to career advice. The blog covers topics such as acting techniques, auditions, and industry news, and provides a platform for actors to showcase their work and connect with other industry professionals.
Voice Over Xtra
Voice Over Xtra is less a blog and more a VO focused news service. The site is dedicated to the voice over industry, and provides VO artists with the latest news, information, and resources to help them build their careers. They cover topics such as recording techniques, marketing strategies, and industry news, and provide access to a community of VO artists and industry professionals. While it’s not actually a blog, per se, it’s useful to subscribe to their newsletter to get plugged into the latest news and events for VO artists.
Actors Connection
Actors Connection is an acting school that also hosts a blog dedicated to providing actors with resources and tools to help them connect with industry professionals. The blog provides information on auditions, workshops, and industry events, and provides actors with access to a community of fellow actors and industry professionals.
The TL;DR Voice Over blog
John Gardner’s TL;DR Voice Over Blog doesn’t publish on a regular schedule, but it’s definitely worth subscribing so you see it when he does. John is a VO artist with a down to earth vibe and a real sense of humor. Most of his blogs center on his journey as a VO artist and are helpful when you just want a laugh or to realize your struggles are not yours alone.
SAG-AFTRA
How can we talk about acting and not mention the union!? SAG-AFTRA doesn’t actually publish a blog, but there are frequent articles related to acting and of interest to actors regardless of your union affiliation. These articles are available through Feedspot, which is linked above.
The ACX Blog
If you are an audiobook narrator, or want to become an audiobook narrator ACX Blog is for you! This blog, from the biggest audiobook creation website – which is affiliated with Amazon and Audible – is chock full of useful insights for the world of audiobook narration. It covers everything from setup, SPECS and equipment, to running a small business and what it’s like to be a freelance narrator.
Acting Magazine
Like other acting sites mentioned, Acting Magazine is more a…well…Magazine thank a blog. The site provides info on acting, auditions, casting directors, talent agents, SAG-AFTRA, theatre, voice-over & more! It’s definitely worth following!
Nethervoice
The Nethervoice Blog is written by VO biggie, Paul Strikwerda. Paul has been writing about voice overs, freelancing, and personal growth for almost twenty years. As he says; “The Dutch are known for their directness, and I’m not afraid to speak my mind and stir the pot. I’m here to teach, challenge, inspire, and entertain you…We have much to talk about!” Subscribe to Paul’s blog and you can’t go wrong!
Monologue Blogger
Every actor needs a couple monologues in their back pocket, right? Sure they do! Monologue Blogger provides creators (actors, directors, producers, influencers, teachers) with thousands of free scripts, monologues, plays and scenes. Check it out, especially if you are on the hunt for the perfect monologue for you
Karen Commins Blog
Karen is another giant in the audiobook industry and she has a lot to share with you. She actually hosts two separate blog streams: One for Narrators and one for authors. Both are useful and informative for either, so you’ll have a lot to read. Karen also hosts a useful website for aspiring narrators: The Narrators Roadmap which is filled with TONS of useful information for anyone who wants to strike out as an audiobook narrator.
Nick Dunning Blog
Nick Dunning’s Blog is filled with ideas and suggestions to help shape your acting career in surprising and delightful ways. This blog will benefit you at a very cool level starting right now. Nick Dunning is a leading actor, holistic high-performance acting coach, BBC-produced screenwriter & creator of ‘ACTivate the A-List Actor Activation Method’. Check it out.
Findaway Voices Blog
Like ACX, Findaway voices is a platform where authors and narrators can come together to create audiobooks and distribute them. Unlike ACX, Findaway is not constrained by Amazon and Audible, so they can distribute to a far larger audience. Findaway Voices Blogs provides narration news, product updates and special announcements from Findaway Voices.
This is just a smattering of some of the best blogs that actors and VO artists can and should follow to stay ahead of the game. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, these blogs provide the latest information, tips, and resources to help you build and improve your career. Take a look and subscribe so you don’t miss anything. Happy reading!
It’s always good to have ‘community’ for similar work to talk shop, learning opps, etc. Great info to share too!
I like to keep up with what everyone else is doing and how industry trends change…some of these are GOLD…