Re: Voice Teachers--what to look for?

samia525
Sat, 15 Oct 2005 12:49:52 +0000

I went to elementary school and high school on an American army post in Seoul because my dad worked for the military. In high school, I made extra money by doing voice-overs (I was sought out for it specifically because I was known as a singer - I always did lots of live events for Seoul Rotary Club, charity organizations, etc.) Because it is SO lucrative financially, I decided to come back here after being cut from the U of Arizona’s MT program, so I could make enough money to transfer to another school and face another 3 (or even 4) years of tuition - this time all alone without my parents’ help. Also, it doesn’t hurt that voice-overs are a big part of the acting industry and incredibly hard to break into in the States - I figure my 8+ years of experience will give me an edge over all the others trying to get work in that area. I have many commercials, animations, and narrations on television and at tourist attractions throughout Seoul, so lots of good credits for the resume, but absolutely no conflicts of interest with commercials in the States. It’s a pretty good deal, and I’m rolling in dough, which is always nice. I can save $3000-4000 a month here and still have more than enough money for regular living expenses and recreation (read:shopping trips to Shanghai. I love Shanghai. I got the best Gucci and Coach knock-off purses for like $15 each…amazing quality, amazing prices, go to Shanghai today!)

In spite of the inconvenience of time zones and having to travel so far to audition for schools, it really just makes sense for me to be here right now. The money I would make it the States is about a tenth of what I make here, and I wouldn’t be able to save anything at all. Can’t go to college without money! (And just so you know, I plan on paying tuition completely with loans - all the money I’m saving is for living expenses for the 3 years I spend in school, so I won’t have to kill myself with an intensive MT program AND a part-time job or something crazy like that.)

There ya go! Man, I can’t write anything these days without it turning into an essay!