2215 East Waterloo Road, Suite 301 Akron, Ohio 44312
330.784.6822

Voice Over Training and Coaching

 

The deadline has passed for our Fall "Foundations of Voice Acting" class. 

Something new is coming - email me for information! - Dan

 

A couple of quick chats - under 4 minutes, each -  to answer the questions, "Why train to be a voice actor?" and "Why train with me?"  Hope you find these helpful! - Dan


Why you should hire a pro to produce your demo instead of DIY-ing it (briefly considered):

  1. The pro knows what you can do.  You think you're the best judge of what you do best, and what you don't do very well?  "Eh," as Bugs Bunny said, "Could be."  More likely an objective ear would be a great asset here.

  2. The pro knows the market.  Unless you're already working steadily, you don't yet have a finger on the pulse of v/o - especially what's hot with clients right now.

  3. The pro knows the competition.  He'll help you find a spot of "blue ocean" where there's room for you to swim.

It may be that you can get by with "samples" for a while, or that you can audition for everything without making a demo right away.  But when you do make a demo you want it to be right, you want it to be serious, and you want it to be competitive.  No sense going to all that trouble otherwise. - dp

 


Dan...I literally just was talking about you and the top-notch treatment and demo I received at Colors. In fact, I had a new one done in Atlanta this fall and was told by industry folks who listened to both to stick with yours. You're the best!

— Terri-Nicole Singleton

Dan is the go-to guy for Voice Over and Commercial Production. He helped me tremendously. He truly is the 'Simon Cowell' of Production Directors. If you're not prepared to hear the truth then don't show up. He is the real deal!!

— Jim Midock

It was wonderful working with you, Dan. Thank you for all of your thoughtfulness and hard work. You made it so fun and easy.

— Michelle Chaho

Dan...stretches your voice, your talent, and your mind. So make sure you bring a bottle of water, a notebook, an open mind, and maybe even a yoga mat.

— Carrie Doak

Dan Popp and Colors Audio worked with me to produce a stellar professional VO demo! From start to finish - script selection to coaching to mixing tracks – the work was everything and more than I expected. Dan’s balance of challenging and encouraging brought out the best in my voice. I couldn’t be happier with the finished product.

— Glad Faith Klassen

Derek Urichich, voice actor

[The class] is an incredible experience! I am grateful for that opportunity!
 

Benjamin Toplek, voice actor

It's a fantastic class and I learned a ton, highly recommended!
 
Scott Plate, voice actor
Please hit Dan up. He’s a master of his craft, and a calm, patient, creative presence in the studio. This will be well worth your while!
 
Marlon Mitchell, voice actor
I had a great experience. Every question was addressed speedily. Great value. Thank you Dan.
Kathy Boyd, voice actor
THANK YOU DAN! Working with you was quite an awesome experience for me!! I enjoyed every single minute I spent in our training sessions. I truly aspire to move forward and make you (and myself) proud!

 I demonstrate...

 

Mel Lute, Jr., voice actor
Your honesty is what makes you such an effective coach. With your help and a solid, well produced demo, I was able to secure an agent.

Paul Schmidt on How to Choose a Voice Acting Coach. Good stuff:

 

 

Andrea Melton, voice actor
I appreciate everything you've done! It's been an excellent experience throughout the process. I will be back. :)
Nicki Walters, voice actor
Thank you so much. I learned a lot and I will highly recommend you to anyone in need. It was an absolute pleasure working with you.

Dan, thank you! Your training helped a ton, as the [first] session felt almost like an extension of the class. - Dave Thomas

Iria Calderhead, voice actor
Thank you for helping me get started in this business. The production of my two demos were fantastic and have gotten many compliments!

Felician Naoum, voice actor

What you taught me was BIG.  I hope you realize that! You are the first coach who taught me how to have an ear.

Phil Scrimenti, voice actor

You are a marvelous teacher. I learned so much and had a great time becoming more professional and skilled.

 

Can you teach yourself voice acting?  Here's what I'm seeing.  Several miles down the wrong road

Rosy Hong, voice actor

It was wonderful working with you on my demos.  I really appreciate the attention to detail and individualized feedback that you gave me.

Here are some answers to the most-asked question in this field. How to Find Voiceover Work

Cherie McClain, voice actor

OMG...you are a MAGICIAN! Or GENIUS? Take your pick...I sound AWESOME! I love it Dan!!!! Thank you so much. Ok...I'm excited to see what happens when I put it 'out there'.

 

What happens in coaching? We learn new techniques and apply them! Here's a sample with student Rob Grant, used by permission.

Leonard Grabowski, voice actor

I can't thank you enough for all the instruction, correction, criticism, and encouragement. I'm looking forward to continuing to learn and to what the future may hold.

Victoria Buss, voice actor

Working with Dan enables me to reach a new level of performance. Dan...will put the most nervous artist at ease and bring the best out of them. He shares his knowledge in a fun, pressure-free atmosphere, so you can be yourself and really let it fly. Bravo!