Ask the pros - how to use voice acting scripts for better auditions!

This week on Voice Acting Tips by Voice123, we’re sharing our interview with professional voice actor Carin Gilfry, an experienced and talented voice actor who shares her take on how to read, understand, and use voice acting scripts to improve your auditions!

How Carin approaches voice acting scripts?

As a musician, I imagine the music that might play under the script. Happy, upbeat music leads to a different read than something heroic or melancholic. For multiple takes, I imagine different music for each take to capture varied emotions. Visualizing the final product, including the images and the world it conjures, also helps tailor my read to fit the overall vision.

I always read through the script before diving in. Marking up scripts, whether digitally or on paper, helps highlight important parts. For auditions, I might not mark it up but will mentally note the pacing and where visuals might align with my text. Timing is crucial, especially for tight scripts like 30-second commercials with a lot of text.

Carin's voice acting script advice?

What are voice acting scripts?

Voice acting scripts are the text you read for a voice over audition. Think of them as the sheet music for your voice. Whether you're practicing or performing, the script is your guide and the purpose of a script depends on the genre. Each genre has different motivations, and understanding these is key to a successful read.

How can scripts improve your auditions?

Auditioning is like conditioning—it keeps you in shape for various genres and trends. Regular practice through auditions keeps you flexible and ready for different character voices. Transcribing commercials and consuming media with voiceover helps tune your ear to current trends and expectations.

How d’you read and understand scripts?

Most scripts come with a spec or directions. This is the director’s vision for how the script should sound—perhaps “natural and conversational, like talking to a friend.” If it's for a character in animation or video games, there might be a picture or backstory included, which helps inform your read. Sometimes, they'll include a well-known voice style as an example of the tone and feel they’re aiming for.

What’s the difference between scripts for samples and auditions?

Samples on your voice actor profile should showcase your best work and range. They're permanent references for potential clients. Auditions, on the other hand, focus more on staying true to the character while still representing your unique voice. Both require a balance of authenticity and character portrayal.

As a last piece of advice:?

The key is to authentically fit the character specified in the script. So, it’s important to persevere and bring your personality to each role you audition for.

Looking for sample scripts to practice? Check out our voice over script resources!

And if you have any questions - reach out to our Customer Success team at [email protected]?

Stay tuned for more tips, and may the scripts always be in your favor!

Chris

Content Lead at Voice123