Rachel Collins
Edge Studio Alumnus 2017
I was one of those people that often heard: “I love your voice!” or “Nice voice, you should look into voiceover,” especially since I spoke on the phone a lot for work. Though I had heard of voice over, I knew too little about it to even consider pursuing it.
One day in 2016 (after maybe the 10th time someone expressed that they enjoyed hearing my voice) I decided What the heck, a little research can’t hurt! So I simply googled “Voiceover” and “voice over” - because the spelling still seems to be up in the air - and thus began my beautiful journey into the world of acting with one’s voice. I read about the different genres, the friendliness of the community, the fact that some people make an entire living off of this super fun career. My research led me to Edge Studio, which was a hop skip and a jump from my employer at the time and I knew I just had to try it!
I took an Investigate Voice Over class in 2016. I was sure my instructor would tell each of us that we were great for voice over and should sign up right away, but she did not. A couple of us were gently encouraged to do a bit more research on genres or pursue preliminary training in different areas. While I was recommended to move on, I was even suggested to research areas of voice over which would improve my delivery. It was a super helpful class. She made it clear that voice over was an investment, which I appreciate because it certainly was, but I felt prepared for my next steps. It took me a little over a year to complete the curriculum, but from the start all the way up through my training and commercial demo, I found the journey well worth it.
My first “gig” was with Better.com in 2018. Since then I have been grateful to book several jobs with the company ranging from television and radio commercials to in-office telephony. Outside of Better, I''ve booked with several production companies (including Edge Studio!) which resulted in spots for: a popular local restaurant, Jekyll Island Museum, Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, and The American Academy of Pediatrics. Last year, I signed on as a freelance Voice Artist with Take 3 Talent. Voice Over can be rigorous and challenging, requiring lots of tenacity and dedication but also exciting, fulfilling, and an outrageous amount of fun! It’s well worth it.
I am really happy to have found Edge Studio. It is just a very pleasant place, full of resources, great advisors (Hi Susanne!), and fun. From helpful etiquette advice regarding do’s and don’ts of the industry to professional voice over referrals, to discounts on equipment and you might even get to create a delightful, yet impromptu poem with the CEO, David Goldberg. All in all, it was a joyful place to learn and an experience that I continue to recommend to anyone looking to get started in the industry. Go VO!
Listen to Rachel on her website
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