THTR 48G: INTRODUCTION TO VOICE-OVER ACTING
Foothill College Course Outline of Record
| Heading | Value |
|---|---|
| Units: | 4 |
| Hours: | 3 lecture, 3 laboratory per week (72 total per quarter) |
| Advisory: | THTR 20A. |
| Degree & Credit Status: | Degree-Applicable Credit Course |
| Foothill GE: | Non-GE |
| Transferable: | CSU/UC |
| Grade Type: | Letter Grade (Request for Pass/No Pass) |
| Repeatability: | Not Repeatable |
Student Learning Outcomes
- Successful students will understand and develop appropriate technologies, marketing strategies, and skills for the casting process as it pertains to all forms of voice-over production.
- Successful students will develop the voice as an instrument of expression as it pertains to the varying voice-over industry styles.
Description
Course Objectives
The student will be able to:
A. Recognize and navigate the various available performance work opportunities within the voice-over field, and the process of career management.
B. Practice vocal self-care and awareness.
C. Demonstrate a familiarity with the processes by which actors are auditioned, cast and utilized for all forms of industry production.
D. Recognize and deliver appropriate voice modulation and variety as it pertains to the varying industry styles.
E. Demonstrate skills in the practice and performance of script work for voice acting, and the subsequent critiquing of the work, including self evaluation.
F. Demonstrate an understanding of the proper use and set up of recording equipment and recording/editing software, both in studio and in home.
Course Content
A. The voice-over industry and marketing strategies. (Lec)
1. Types of voice-over work, including commercial, narration, character. (Lec)
2. Self-promotion, branding, demos, networking. (Lec)
3. Agents, unions, freelance, pay-to-play sites, social networks, managing income. (Lec)
B. Voice development, care and health. (Lec)
1. Warm-ups: breath, body, facial, vocal. (Lab)
2. Practice: articulation, diction, range, phrasing, word emphasis, pitch, rhythm and timing, pacing, volume, tone, attitude. (Lab)
C. Auditioning for voice-over. (Lec)
1. Techniques and required skills. (Lec)
2. Research and navigate audition opportunities. (Lab)
D. Exploring voice-over styles and genres. (Lec)
1. Character (animation, video games, toys). (Lab)
2. Commercial (radio, TV, online). (Lab)
3. Narration (audio books, documentaries, corporate training videos, e-learning, websites). (Lab)
E. Script work with direction and self-evaluation. (Lec)
1. Working with a director, making adjustments. (Lec)
2. Self-evaluation for home recording. (Lab)
F. Home studio setup. (Lec)
1. Room acoustics (location and sound treatment materials). (Lec)
2. Recording equipment (including microphone with stand, pop filter, and headphones) and proper equipment usage. (Lec)
3. Recording software (computer and programs). (Lab)
Lab Content
A. Skills practice in working with studio equipment.
B. Performance rehearsal of original and previously developed scripts, done individually, in partners, and in groups.
C. Group projects in creating and rehearsing a radio play.
D. In-home studio research, including purchase options and design planning.
E. In-home studio recording projects, including self-direction, equipment and software practice, and standard delivery applications.
Special Facilities and/or Equipment
B. Recording equipment (including microphone, mic stand, pop filter, music stand, headphones), along with recording/editing software and playback abilities.
C. Qualified Teaching Assistant/Technician for tutorial and studio support, including recording, playback and editing of student work.
Method(s) of Evaluation
A. Cooperative learning assignments
B. Class performances focusing on skills demonstrations
C. Research papers
D. Presentations/performance of script work demonstrating a level of competitive industry standards
E. Participation and critique
F. Group and individual projects
Method(s) of Instruction
A. Lecture presentations, demonstrations, and classroom discussion.
B. Group projects, including developed radio plays, followed by in-class discussion and evaluation.
C. Instructor-led exercises and repetitive voice practice for vocal development and expansion of range.
D. Performance presentations followed by critique and directed adjustments.
Representative Text(s) and Other Materials
Alburge, James. The Art of Voice Acting: The Craft and Business of Performing for Voiceover. 5th ed. Burlington: Focal Press, 2014.
DeWees, Bill. How to Start and Build a SIX FIGURE Voice Over Business: Set Your VO Career on Fire! Bourbonnais: Bill DeWees Media, Inc., 2013.
Wilcox, Janet. Voiceovers: Techniques and Tactics for Success. 2nd ed. NY: Allworth Press, 2014.
Types and/or Examples of Required Reading, Writing, and Outside of Class Assignments
A. Research/interview paper assignment of a voice-over book, website or business professional.
B. Review and evaluation of handouts and relevant reading material.
C. Research and planning of creative projects, including individual marketing materials.
D. Create and write one or more scripts for performance in specified genre.
E. Research and evaluate scripts for performance, including individual performance projects, and group radio play project.
F. Written proposals of in-home studio set up, including research, budget assessment, location and equipment design.