“Get Reel” series for beginners who want an "Intro" to VO Classes take place via phone or Skype and are a basic introduce you to the wonderful world of voice over. "Get Reel" gives a new-comer a realistic idea of what it takes to get into voice over. This is not a class for people who have absolutely no acting or performance experience, unless you are a natural performer. This is a series for someone seriously interested in a voice over, who wants to learn about the business, as well as learn performance technique, different skill sets for different reads and, most importantly, how to act. If you’v been told you have a great voice but never have performed a day in your life, this may not be the right class for you at this time. I’d suggest you take a few acting classes, or go do some singing, improvisation or stand-up, to make sure you really like performing in front of others. When you’v done this, reconnect with me here. If you’v have some experience in acting, singing, stand-up, dance, anything in front of an audience or in acting/performance class, great! “Get Reel” is a good way to get some information about voice over acting without investing your life savings. Your first class is geared toward YOU, and your experience (no matter how little you’v had, as a performer). We use the first lesson for me to get to know you. Bring a script or scripts you’v read in previous classes, any characters you love to do, a scene from a play you’v done or even a song. Just so I get a sense of where you are with your performance experience. Or if you don't have any scripts on hand, then I can start you off with a few scripts geared toward which aspect of voice over interests you the most . During our first half hour together, you can also ask me any questions about the business, how I got started and how you can find work. The remaining lessons focus on 3 types of voice over reads: Commercials, Interactive games and animation and/or Anime. Please note: after these lessons, you will not be ready to put a demo together, however, you will have FUN exploring your Creative Voice, and, have an idea of what voice over is all about and the work it takes to get your career off the ground. Because no one gets into the voice over just because they have a good voice. Well, I’m sure there are a few exceptions, but most people need some sort of training, experience behind the mic, and a "reel" or demo. If you are new to voice over and the entertainment biz, this class will help you "get real" about what it really takes to get work, in a competitive, yet very fun business. I believe if you have the passion, the talent and the dedication, you belong in wonderful world of voice over. FYI: you can also tailor your Skype lessons to fit your interests and talents. Jessica’s Creative Voice Over Lessons for beginning/intermediate actors: These are lessons for people I've worked with on Skype or met in person, with performance experience, either acting, singing, comedy, etc., who are somewhat familiar with the “entertainment biz” and want to focus on making a future demo, improving their voice acting, improving their vocal confidence and copy interpretation, and more. These lesson I teach from my home and you not only receive personal attention & direction, but you also get MP3s of each script you record at the end of your lesson. If you have a sense of who you are as a performer and where you want to grow, Justice's Creative Voice Over Lessons for the committed, experienced performer is a great place to expand your vocal talents before you invest in an expensive demo or go to a casting workshop you aren't quite ready for. I always recommend a series over one class, because I find new students (even experienced actors) take a lesson or two to get over their microphone jitters, and get into their “creative groove”, sort of speak. I help you find where your “groove” is, how to stay in it, how to improve the reads that come naturally to you, and encourage you to take risks with scripts and characters you thought you would never do...but now you can! FYI: Lesson focus/content is tailored to fit your vocal interests & talents. Authentic Voice Lessons These lessons are for connecting to your vocal instrument only. They are for actors, singers, speakers and whoever wants to improve their connection to their voice, increase their vocal confidence and deepen the sound of their voice. Authentic Voice Lessons are tailored to each individuals’ needs, hence the name “Authentic”. An actor may want to improve their vocal connection and learn how not strain their voice when projecting on stage. A singer may have performance anxiety and learn how to calm her nerves before a performance by connecting to their breath and to their creative power. A speaker, who has very little or no vocal training, can learn how to speak more clearly, from the heart, command an audience, and feel more comfortable just speaking in front of a large group of people. Diction exercises, vocal exercises, visualization and imagery are used in Jessica’s Authentic Voice lessons. And remember, when you are connecting to your voice, you are connecting to yourself, so these lessons can help you grow as an individual. I’v helped talk show hosts, Internet entrepreneurs, performers who are interview shy, and more. |
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| *Please note: It is recommended that "Lesson series" be done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis. “Get Reel” Lessons for beginners to Voice Over Lessons include introduction to Animation/Anime, Interactive, and Commercial reads. Via phone or Skype. If you are not new to acting/VO and don't live in LA, these lessons can be tailored to your specific talents/needs. 1 introductory lesson (1st lesson lasts approx 1.5 hours) $65.00 each 4 lesson series - save $35 $225.00 package 6 lesson series - save $65 $325.00 package Jessica’s Creative Voice Over lessons (Lessons for committed actors @ Jessica's home in LA) These lessons are for students I've coached via Skype or met in person. Lessons are tailored to you and your specific vocal talents/focus. At Jessica's home studio, you can experience working with a Microphone and get MP3s of your lessons. Includes 25min Breath & Diction; 50 min. mic work 1 lesson *included breath work, diction, & Mic work $75.00 each 4 lesson series - save $40 $260.00 package 6 lesson series - save $75 $375.00 package *Rates are a $10.00 per hour higher if you do not want breath and diction work and only want to work with scripts and record. Authentic Voice Lessons Breath work , diction and body work only. Can be done in person or over the phone/Skype. No recording is involved. 1 introductory lesson $60.00 each 4 lesson series - save $30 $210.00 package 6 lesson series - save $60 $300.00 package If you are interested in lessons, please e-mail Jessica at : jessicasvoice@sbcglobal.net . If you have questions about classes, e-mail Jessica first. Then, if you need to talk to Jessica before you make a final decision, a free 10 min. phone consultation is available upon request. Lessons are set up primarily on the weekend, some weeknights, and occasionally, weekdays are available too. PayPal, cash or checks are accepted. To get your lessons started ASAP, click on the "Buy Now" buttons to get a PayPal invoice sent. |
Jessica's Creative Voice Over Lessons is acting and basic vocal training for beginners & intermediates. So whether you are a fan of voice over with a little performance experience under your belt, and you ready to try your vocal chops in voice over (my talented fans got me to come out of my voice over acting teaching hiatus and start teaching again), or if you are an experienced actor who wants to build your knowledge of the voice over industry, you have come to this page for good reasons. Hopefully, some of those reasons include you want to have some fun and explore your creative, silly side...yet are serious about developing your “acting” abilities. Because that is what voice over is basically, acting. Book a lesson or two, or a whole series (priced at a discount) and bring whatever vocal talents you’v worked on to date, your open mind, a little creative courage and get ready to explore the wonderful world of voice over acting! |
Still not sure Jessica's Creative Voice Over is right for you...?! Read select reviews from Jessica's "happy students": “I really enjoy taking voice over lessons from Jessica. She treats each person from an individual standpoint, teaches with enthusiasm and subtle direction to allow the person’s unique strengths to develop naturally. I am a radio talk show host. Since I’v been taking voice over lessons with Jessica, my confidence level has increased dramatically and my shows sound much more relaxed and natural. Jessica’s kinda fun and goofy too which makes the lesson much more fun.” - Rita Barna ( local radio talk show host “I've been taking voice lessons from Jessica for about a year now (approx.20 lessons total), and I've learned that being a voice over artist isn't as easy as it seems, ESPECIALLY when it comes to animated characters. Jessica has taught me about the many different ways to read copy (even if it's just as an announcer) as well as the importance of the ACTING behind the voice, becoming the character you are reading for. Jessica stresses breathing and diction exercises as well, which are great warm ups and relaxation techniques. She is also open to talking about the business; she will answer any questions and offer any advice you ask for. She is very friendly, approachable, and has never rushed me through a session. In fact we always tend to go over the hour so I feel like I'm really getting my money's worth. I'm aiming to record my voice over demo in a few more months, and I feel more versatile and confident now thanks to Jessica.” - Brian Olsen (musician, aspiring actor) Jessica's "Get Reel" students: "I wasn't sure if acting was the path I wanted to take previous to the lessons. I now know for sure this is something I can do. Jessica encouraged me while being honest, and all I really needed to hear was someone who knew what they were talking about say, "You've got what it takes." That was the only push I needed, because I knew 100% this is what I wanted, I just needed to hear that I was good enough for it (or would be with training, etc.). I've found a couple new voices to toy with and been reminded of some acting tricks that I had forgotten. I've got a lot more confidence since the beginning of these lessons. Previously, I never would have performed voices in front of people. Jessica kept it fun. I got a lot out of them and will return to do more with you later when I've got more focus on what part of the spectrum I want to pursue. - Diana Santos, aspiring actress, Anime fan, AFO convention attendee. “I finally have a clear idea on what I have to work on! Also, I’ve learned that putting one’s entire soul into a character, (or maybe having that character’s soul infuse one’s body) makes for a better performance. Now knowing these things, I feel I have grown. Vocal warm-ups helped a lot---in terms of relaxing my body—which is usually very jittery and tense. It also captured that extra energy and redirected it wholly to the process of performance. I like how Jessica Straus focuses on layered characters, something I was not sure how to portray before. Finally, it helps to be able to work from a variety of scripts. Definitely take this class if you’ve decided on acting in any of its forms as a career.- Melanie Quintos, stage actress; student & anime/game fan Jessica's "Authentic Voice" clients: "Throughout my Skye session with Jessica , I felt her presence and caring. I got so much more value and many more practical tools than I expected to receive in a phone session. I have printed up your directions about preparing to do a voice over project and re-read it every time I'm about to start one. I can hear the difference it makes, and my audio listeners seems to be connecting more than ever with my newsletter. And I could really notice a difference afterward, in terms of relaxation and feeling connected. Throughout, it was clear that you REALLY know your stuff. You are a total pro, and you make it easy and fun to learn with you. Thank you so much for this marvelous session! I would recommend you to anyone who's interested in improving their voice, whether for professional or personal purposes. It makes such a difference in the way you're perceived and remembered. - Moira Shepard (radio host & coach) "Thank you, Jessica, for my authentic voice coaching session. I'm much more comfortable speaking from my heart in public! I learned about how to stay grounded and connected with my truth. As long as I am out of my head, and deeply listening to myself, I know that I make an impact on others when I speak. Our Breath & Voice lesson brought a lot of pieces of knowledge I've gathered and tied it together with a neat bow. Makes so much sense that open body would open the breath and thus the voice, but never learned it through my body that way before. " - Meenal K. (Spiritual teacher, Yoga & Meditation instructor) |
