Chicago Local Members Give Dadabo Seminar Two Thumbs Up

On Sept. 19, the Kaufherr Resource Center was packed with more than 35 SAG-AFTRA voiceover performers, who gathered to hear renowned Chicago member and voiceover performer Tim Dadabo share his secrets for creating successful home recordings.

Dadabo, created the workshop, titled Home Studio Workshop for Voiceovers: What You Really Need ... or Don’t, for his fellow union performers to ease the anxiety and frustration that comes with creating their own home studio workshop.

The two-hour-plus seminar was filled with information from Dadabo’s years of experience, as he discussed mics, converter boxes, wall treatments, speakers and software — the list was endless.

No topic was taboo.

However, Dadabo was frank in telling the members that they need to do their homework, take their time and pick their equipment carefully. Also, when they get the equipment home, they need to spend time with it and practice.  Eventually, practice does make perfect.

Member Oksana Fedunyszyn was amazed but not surprised at the quantity and quality of information that was shared. “Tim is very passionate about his career and quality of his work. He is equally passionate about sharing helpful tips and information about the business.” She added, “He really did his homework in preparing this seminar with website references, links, examples and pictures of what he was talking about.”  

Dadabo not only had the tips, but also the tools. He brought in various pieces of equipment with software that provided the opportunity for a hands-on demonstration for the members.

“Teaching old dogs new tricks doesn’t even come close to what we learned at this voiceover seminar with Tim Dadabo at the helm. If you missed it, you missed the boat,” exclaimed member Stan Adams. “I and many others who’ve been in the biz for eons and who thought they knew all there was to know about voiceovers and home studios got a real education,” he continued.  

More importantly, Adams felt that this seminar was personal. “It was one on one, talent to talent,” he explained. In addition to seasoned voiceover performers, there were some newcomers to the voiceover world as well. Adams noticed that some of the attendees came a great distance.

Fedunyszyn sends her appreciation to Dadabo “for the education you gave us and for your passionate energy! You’re the best.”

Adams echoed that statement but also advised his fellow members to pay close attention to event notices in the Chicago Local’s Activator email, or listed on the Chicago Local’s page of SAG-AFTRA’s website and app for when more Dadabo seminars are listed. “Sign up for it! It’s your job. It’s your future. It’s your union,” he said.  

And it’s free!

Hot on the heels of Dadabo’s first seminar, the next seminar, Home Studio Workshop for Voiceovers, Part II: How to Use Your Software, has already been scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 24. For more information, please click here. The Dadabo seminars are hosted by the SAG-AFTRA Chicago Local Commercials Department.

Top photo: From left, members Tim Dadabo, Stan Adams and Oksana Fedunyszyn