Houston-Austin

"I consider Voiceover as the 4th or 5th Phase of my 40+ year acting career. But never in my wildest imagination did I ever think that I would be recording and producing AudioBooks at home in my den from a vocal booth that I designed and built myself, stocked with some professional grade recording equipment and a spiffy DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) on my computer. But thus far, I have recorded and produced some 60+ AudioBooks with many more waiting in the queue.

While I do not, by any measure, claim to be an expert in the field. I have fairly successfully navigated the pitfalls and reaped the rewards of producing AudioBooks from my home studio. Make no mistake, AudioBook Narration and Production is a marathon, not a sprint. And, quite frankly, it is not for everyone. It not only takes time, effort, energy, patience, technique and vocal stamina, but also a financial commitment to obtain the best recording equipment, training and coaching that your budget will allow.

So, before you go out there to order your $10K StudioBricks Vocal Booth, or go to B&H and for that $3600 Neumann U87 Ai Condenser Microphone and that $300 Audient iD14 Audio Interface, and sign up for that $80 per month Subscription for ProTools, and spend bundles more on private coaching and classes, come and get an idea of whether AudioBook Recording and Production is really right for you." - James Romick

When: July 23, 3p.m. ET / 2 p.m. CT / 1 p.m. MT / Noon PT

PLEASE NOTE: This is a lecture only.  No readings will take place.

Click here to RSVP.

If you have previously attended this class, you will be removed from the RSVP list.

 

James Romick - After paying his dues performing in Dinner Theatres, Regional Theatres and Stock Theatres in the Midwest and up and down the I-95 Corridor from Maine to Miami, doing extra work and small roles in numerous films and on TV, studying audio engineering at the Institute of Audio Research here in NYC, and performing on Broadway for nearly 23 years, James has settled into semi-retirement at his home in New Jersey.

“For me, voiceover sort of came in through the back door. When I came to NYC back in 1980, there were only a handful of guys making a living at VO, and it was still that ‘big announcer’ style. Making a demo was expensive. Cassettes and duplication services were not cheap either. And there weren’t as many opportunities as there are today. So, I stuck to the live stage.”

“Now, with the advent of relatively inexpensive recording equipment, computers, software and the like, nearly anyone can dabble at being a VO artist. I’m pretty handy at basic construction, so I built myself a small home studio recording booth, outfitted it and dove in. Now I’m doing something I never thought I’d be doing in a million years. AudioBooks. 80+ and counting."

 

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

The DLF and EIF VO Labs are the same.  Regardless of your location, VO Lab programs are available to all VO Lab eligible SAG-AFTRA and AEA members across the country and abroad.

Once you have completed the required Voiceover Lab Application (online), you must complete the Voiceover Lab Orientation (VOLO) in order to begin using the Lab. This 2-hour VOLO covers Lab policies, aspects of sound, file formats, sample rates/bit depths, audio interfaces, microphones, voiceover recording and editing demonstration using Twisted Wave software.

When: 12:30 p.m. PT / 1:30 p.m. MT / 2:30 p.m. CT / 3:30 p.m. ET

Program Duration: 2 Hours

Click here to RSVP.

REQUIREMENTS

• Check-in time is currently 12:15 PM (Pacific) / 3:15 PM (Eastern), but is subject to change.  If check-in time changes, you will be notified by email and you will be required to respond to that email for confirmation.
• Attendees must be present for the entire program, which is 12:30 PM - 2:30 PM (Pacific) / 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM (Eastern) in order to receive VO Lab eligibility. 
• Ability to log into program by computer equipped with a camera or by cell phone equipped with a camera. Program will take place using Zoom (conferencing application) .  Camera is needed in order for participants to view presentation materials
• Completed VO Lab Application.
• Valid/Current SAG-AFTRA or AEA membership card.
• Note taking materials (laptop, pens, pencils, paper) recommended.

 

Join us for a remote Zoom discussion with Casting Director Gayle Pillsbury. This is an "Ask Me Anything" style Q+A. Member participation encouraged. This discussion will not be recorded. 

When: 4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. PT

Click here to RSVP.

RSVP-ed members will receive the Zoom link by email one hour prior to the start of the program, and will be able to ask questions through Zoom's chat function.

Gayle Pillsbury - Credits include: PRETTY LITTLE LIARS, SNEAKY PETE, BURN NOTICE, TERMINATOR: THE SARAH CONNOR CHRONICLES, WHITE COLLAR (Artios Award nomination), SUITS, THIRD ROCK FROM THE SUN, and many more.

Moderated by Rochelle Rose, National Director of Performers Programs, SAG-AFTRA Foundation.

 

Streaming Thursday, July 23, 4-6:15 pm PT / 5-7:15 pm MT / 6-8:15 pm CT / 7-9:15pm ET

It's the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act! Join host Danny Woodburn and disability rights pioneers, activists, advocates, union leaders, actors, singers, dancers, poets, filmmakers, musicians, visual artists, storytellers with disabilities and allies.

Appearances by Tony Award-winner Ali Stroker, RJ Mitte, Judith Heumann, Maysoon Zayid, Camryn Manheim, Gabrielle Carteris, Rebecca Damon, Marilee Talkington, Alice Sheppard, Heidi Latsky Dance, Anita Hollander, Christine Bruno, Alexandria Wailes, CJ Jones, Diana Elizabeth Jordan, Geri Jewell, Anita Cameron, Nic Novicki, Eileen Grubba, Auti Angel and more!

Celebrate with us the five titles of the ADA through the disability lens of entertainment. This event will include ASL interpretation and captioning.

Register online at ADA30LeadOn.Eventbrite.com

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

This 3-hour workshop is for members interested in learning how to build and edit their demo reel using Final Cut Pro X, a powerful video editing software that is currently FREE for those with a Mac. Apple is currently running a free 3-month trial. You can learn more here: https://www.apple.com/final-cut-pro/trial/

When: July 22, 12:45 p.m. ET / 11:45 a.m. CT / 10:45 a.m. MT / 9:45 a.m. PT

Click here to RSVP.

In this workshop, you will use your own video clips to assemble and edit your own demo reel. You must have the software in order to participate in this online class.

Please Note: This class is not an introduction on how to use a computer, so basic computer skills are needed.  No exceptions.

Members must have the following prepared in a folder on their desktop:

At least 1 video clips in MPEG-4 (.MP4) or Quicktime (.MOV) format.

Requirements:

- Working knowledge of a Mac.
- Desire and ability to learn to edit digital video footage using Final Cut Pro X installed on their computer.

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

When: July 24, 1:45 p.m. ET / 12:45 p.m. CT / 11:45 p.m. MT / 10:45 p.m. PT

Click here to RSVP.

NOTE: This is a THREE HOUR class that meets over Zoom web conferencing. It is specifically for Windows 10 users.

Members will learn important skills needed to submit themselves for online casting, specifically, how to compress their videos, make basic edits, upload to dropbox, send large files via wetransfer and how to setup accounts and submit themselves on various casting web sites like Actors Access and Casting Networks.

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

This class is open to all VO Lab Eligible performers that meet the Requirements.

Twisted Wave is an intuitive and affordable DAW made specifically for Macs.  If you have some working experience with Twisted Wave and are looking to expand your knowledge and understanding of its functionality or looking ways to improve your workflow, this program (class) is especially important for you. Bring your laptop with Twisted Wave loaded and ready to go, so you can follow along with the instruction, while gaining more hands-on experience.  This class will not focus on the iOS (iPad/iPhone) versions of Twisted Wave.

When: 8 p.m. ET / 7 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. PT

Click here to RSVP.

REQUIREMENTS

Twisted Wave is a Mac Only DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).  You will need a Mac for this class.

Some experience using Twisted Wave (or other DAW) is suggested.

Bring your Mac laptop (no iPads, no PCs) with a purchased or 30-day trial version of Twisted Wave , downloaded, functioning and ready to use.  This is recommended to optimize learning, but not mandatory. Get your copy of Twisted Wave.  The URL: https://twistedwave.com

Participants must be present for the entire program.

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

During these uncertain times, one thing is and has been certain: a home studio for voiceover is a must -not just during this time, but even after.

Led by VO Lab engineer and VO talent, Tatiana Grey, this workshop will cover everything you need and need to know about home set-ups including: the basic necessary equipment, maximizing your space, tips and tools to help sound conditions, working within budgets, helpful resources and the right software/hardware for different areas of VO.

This class will give you the opportunity to ask questions pertaining to home studios, so come prepared to ask away!

When: 7 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. CT / 5 p.m. MT / 4 p.m. PT

Click here to RSVP.

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY ATTENDED THIS CLASS, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE RSVP LIST.

Zoom Link will be sent 2-3 hours prior to the class start time.

 

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

If you are getting into audiobook narration or already have a few completed audiobooks to your name, this workout provides you an opportunity to step out of your closet, rub elbows with your fellow performers and have some fun in a supportive space.  It  is all about sharing your creative ideas with the group and getting some instant feedback on your work. The workout is intended to generate feedback on your creative choices, so be rehearsed and familiar with the material you will be reading. 

When: 4 p.m. ET / 3 p.m. CT / 2 p.m. MT / 1 p.m. PT

Click here to RSVP and for more information.

Frequency Restriction:  If you are on the RSVP for Beginner Bundle: Intro to Dialogue Voiceover on July 21, 2020, you are not eligible to participate in this program.  

Two (2) book excerpts (that you are familiar with), each no less than 2 minutes in length (time yourself when practicing before the workout).  

If you are completely new to audiobook narration (never done it before) and have never been in a VO class or recording studio, try our Beginner Bundle: Intro to Audiobook Workouts Plus class before registering for this offering.  

The Lab will not provide reading materials.

The products and services noted herein are provided as an informational service to SAG-AFTRA members and are administered by entities independent of SAG-AFTRA. Any questions must be handled by the provider. This information is not intended to serve as an endorsement nor is any warranty or guarantee implied.

Join Us for a Panel Discussion Featuring

Moderator:
Jeff Yang, CNN Opinion contributor and cohost, They Call Us Bruce podcast

Panelists: 
Clyde Kusatsu, Actor, Dr. Ken
Christina Chang, Actor, The Good Doctor
Juju Chang, Broadcast Journalist, ABC News’ Nightline
Parvesh Cheena, Actor, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
Hudson Yang, Actor, Fresh Off the Boat
Newly Added: Leslie Woo, Casting Director, The Farewell
 
And other panelists to be announced.

Please join us for the latest installment of SAG-AFTRA’s President's Task Force on Education, Outreach and Engagement Race & Storytelling livestream series featuring members and industry colleagues discussing the intersection of race, storytelling, inclusion in the entertainment industry and equal opportunity for all. 

As the Asian American community continues to feel the impact of racism, bullying and harassment related to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are compelled to explore the ways in which better representation and three-dimensional portrayals of Asian American characters can counter stereotypes and result in larger societal impact.

We will also unveil our latest PSA, featuring SAG-AFTRA members calling on all Americans to stand against the stigma, xenophobia and harassment so many Asian Americans are still experiencing.

This event is open to the public and does not require registration, click here to watch.

https://youtu.be/19-sz1xO9ZA

WHEN: 11 a.m. PT/1 p.m. CT/2 p.m. ET

Email your questions or comments for panelists to PTEOE@sagaftra.org. Please note that, unless otherwise requested, your name may be read aloud during the program if your question is selected. Due to time limitations, not all questions will be addressed during or after the program.

This program will be recorded and may be later shared in whole or in part on SAG-AFTRA’s website and social media channels.

This workshop is not intended to imply an endorsement of any individual or company by SAG-AFTRA. The information provided through the workshop is given for informational purposes and may not be a suitable substitute for the advice of other industry professionals. You should always use good judgment in these matters and should not act or refrain from acting based solely on information provided through the workshop.