Character voices for animation, stage and screen

What is the course about?

Learning how to create and recall unique character voices for use in all areas of performance for stage, screen and studio including staged plays and stand-up comedy, film and TV, radio drama and animation. This course will be delivered in the studio, with full media support given.

What will we cover?

The main elements involved in creating character voices
How physicality informs a character’s voice
How to accurately imitate existing voices
How to build new characters voices from scratch
Where to get ideas from for new characters
Techniques on how to retain and recall your newborn characters
How to look after your voice.

What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...

Recognise and work with a range of approaches for building characters
Name and work vocally with the main elements of a character voice
Create and catalogue unique character voices for stage, for screen and for studio
Have a good understanding of your vocal range, abilities and potential.
Have a good understanding of the different demands for voice on stage, on screen and in the recording studio
Have a vocal warm up that can be adapted for character and medium
Have knowledge of how to look after your voice and avoid damage.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

Character voice work is considered an advanced skill. To enrol, you should ideally have completed at least one of the following courses: Voiceovers; Use your Voice for Audio Books, OR have other relevant experience/training in acting or voice work. You should also be able to:
Speak English fluently and clearly
Read a script
Give and receive constructive feedback
Be willing to play vocally
Take your own notes
If you are new to voice classes please take a moment to read our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) before choosing.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

Tutor explanation and demonstration
Listening to and discussing audio samples
Practise exercises individually and in pairs
Recording and playing back your work.

As part of the course content, your tutor may record your image for initial and ongoing assessment purposes. You are entitled to decline to participate in the recording of your image.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

No. Recorded material MAY be made available via Google Classroom at the end of the course in accordance with our privacy policies and data protection regulations.

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

Narration for Podcast and Documentary
Voiceovers (various levels)
Acting for Radio (various levels, depending on your experience)

Please refer to our
full sequence of voice and speech classes at City Lit (click here) as you consider which area you would like to study next.