What's the role of a voice actor?

I've always been fascinated by voice acting and enjoy mimicking voices. Can anyone share insights on what a voice actor actually does day-to-day? Are there specific skills or training I'd need to succeed?

A voice actor’s primary role involves lending their voices to various types of media, including television, film, audio dramas, cartoons, video games, and advertisements, among others. A typical day might include rehearsing scripts, recording voiceovers, editing tracks, attending auditions, and meeting with directors and clients.

In terms of specific skills, you’d need to have a versatile voice, be able to express a range of emotions vocally and be able to take direction. Having a knowledge of multiple languages or dialects can also be beneficial. While certain people may have natural talent, taking acting, improv, or singing classes can help develop essential skills. There are also specialized voice acting courses available.

In voice acting, it’s also important to have strong reading skills and the ability to comprehend and interpret scripts quickly. Patience, professionalism, and the ability to stay in character for long periods are also essential attributes.

Remember, different voice acting roles might necessitate different skills. For instance, voicing a character in an animated series might require a different skill set than narrating an audiobook. Therefore, gaining experience in diverse voice-acting roles can be particularly advantageous.

Lastly, having a professional demo reel showcasing your voice acting skills is a must in this industry. It's your calling card for potential casting directors and clients, and having a strong one is key to landing auditions.