Many of you know that over the past few months I’ve been honored to be involved with the launch of Deyan Institute. For those unfamiliar, the Deyan Institute is a brand new School for Voice Artistry and Technology in Northridge, CA – teaching audiobook narration and voice over, as well as production classes and classes for authors looking to publish and/or read their work. To read more about the Institute, it’s mission and and how it came about, there are tons of great articles out there! Try this one written up by Publishers Weekly or this one from Audiofile Magazine.
My involvement in the Institute grows out of my love for it’s founders Bob and Debra Deyan. I first met Bob and Deb through audiobooks several years ago. They cast me in my first commercial title. They were so kind to me and my newbie friends, welcoming us into the audiobook community with open arms. Our professional relationship quickly blossomed into a beautiful friendship.
Last year, tragically, Bob was diagnosed with ALS. He had always had a dream of creating a school, so Debra set out to fulfill that dream for him in his lifetime. This Spring the Institute was launched. Contributing in some way was so important to me. They have given so much to others; I wanted to give back in any way that I could. After some serious brainstorming, we came up with the idea for the VO Pro Series, a professional development series for working voice actors.
It’s pretty awesome; we’ve been having a lot of fun! This picture is from our first class, with Video Game Director and Casting Director Jamie Mortellaro. You can read more about the VO Pro Series and my “take” on it here.
A word about the requirements: The qualifications for participation state that you must be a working voice actor for at least two years, and have agent representation. This is for everyone’s protection. You don’t want to see these high profile decision makers unless you’re ready! We also want to keep the level of the class advanced, so everyone’s on the same page and things run smoothly. On the other other hand, I’ve realized that you might actually be ready, but don’t happen to have an agent at the moment, or perhaps you’ve been an on-camera actor or audiobook narrator for years, but haven’t been working in voiceover for two years. If you’re interested in attending one or some of the sessions, please feel free to contact me and we’ll talk it through. Exceptions can (and have) been made on a case by case basis!
I’m also happy to announce I’ll be a guest contributor to the brand new Deyan Institute blog on a monthly basis. You can read my latest post for them here: employing strategy in your career. I might re-post it later on my blog, but why not visit the Deyan site and check it out? There’s also some other great posts on there, and it will be building steadily in the coming months.
Thanks guys and hope to see you all at the Institute, online or on the circuit!
PS…Don’t forget to check out ALL the wonderful classes at Deyan Institute!
