So You Want to Become a Voice Actor…

How can I become a voice actor?
Monica: After visiting some voice acting panels at various cons I found that there are a good number of questions that are frequently asked so I compiled a list of them and asked Monica Rial, voice actor (Kirika in Noir, Mikako in Martian Successor Nadesico, Natsume in Generator Gawl, Miharu in Gasaraki, Hyatt in Excel Saga) and friend.

Rule #1 seems to be "be where the work is" as I’ve heard that a number of times from directors and producers.
Monica: Yes...PLEASE! You can't be a voice actor if you live in Alaska! Now if they opened a studio there.... 
    Most recording for anime is done in Texas (Houston mostly), Southern California and in Vancouver B.C. in Canada. There is a bit in New York as well.

 What kind of a background, if any, do you think would be advantageous?
   Monica: Any kind of acting, theater experience, improv, and kind of acting in general is good. You have soooo many things you have to think about in the [recording] booth. Music also helps. A lot of voice actors have musical backgrounds as well. It helps with the matching of lip flaps [the character’s mouth movements] when you are comfortable with music patterns. 
   But acting....please acting... 

 Can someone who has never done any acting at all get in?
Monica: I guess so. I haven't seen it happen though. I don't know of any voice actors that weren't actors first.  But who knows right? 

 How does one get from sitting at one's computer to an audition/interview?
Monica: You know, I really don't know. I got my audition through word of mouth. I would imagine that you would contact the company by telephone or letter asking about their open call auditions.

 Should one send a sample of one’s voice?
Monica: I don't think that's necessary because that is what the open call is for. It's an opportunity for them to hear your voice. Of course, every studio is different.

 If one is hired, how much work can one expect?
Monica: Well, the amount of work depends on the studio. If you're working for a small studio it may be very sparse. Even working at ADV where it seems there are new titles every week the work can be sparse. It depends on the studio and your voice. You could be a great actor but if you sound like a 50 year old woman...there are just not a lot of 50 year old women in anime ya know? 

 How does a studio issue an open call? is it for a specific series or do they more increase the actors on staff at intervals?
Monica: Well, I can only speak for ADV but the open calls there are not series specific. Basically you are auditioning to be added to the voice actor roster. At that point you are called for any auditions for shows. So basically you have to audition to be able to audition. 

 About how many shows do you need to do before you can make a living solely on acting?
Monica: You know, I don't know that anyone is making a living solely of voice acting. I guess you could if you wanted to live in a shack, drive a pinto, and eat Ramen all day. I still have a day job. I know VAs that don't have day jobs but they live counting pennies. Maybe someday it will get to the point that it's a full-time job...but not yet. 
   [I found that some actors who primarily do roles in American animated shows make a decent living off of voice acting.]

 What are your chance of getting a role that everyone wants? (Not your personal chances with talent but more how many people do you have to compete with?)
Monica: For a role in a series you could be auditioning against anywhere from one other person to 50 other people. Maybe even more in some cases. It's tough. You have to be on your toes and really work hard to get these roles.

 So the salary is roughly equivalent to say, a pizza delivery guy or a veteran Subway employee or a guy who parks cars?
Monica: I can't say. I mean we get paid very nicely per hour but if you only go in for an hour a month you're screwed. Some people don't even go in that much! It's pretty unpredictable. 

 What kind of socks should a voice actor wear?
Monica: Well, I'm of the personal opinion that voice actors should wear crazy Hello Kitty socks. It helps for motivation. Otherwise we sometimes wear slouchy sock for our schoolgirl characters.

 Is there a lower age limit to who can be a VA?
Monica: I think speaking is a necessity so...no infants. :) Actually we have several kids that work at ADV. Even though it's harder for children to find work it IS out there. Most of the time teen roles are done by adults that sound young though. 

 Do you have or need an agent?
Monica: I don't personally but in most cases an agent is helpful. I know in some places they are almost necessary. An agent can get you into voice over classes and help get you some experience. 

 Is there a school for voice acting or classes that can be taken?
Monica: There's not a school for voice acting in the US like there is in Japan. At least not that I know of. Most theatre schools will teach voice classes though. Agents have access to classes specifically for voice over acting.

 "Can I get a signed picture of you?"
Monica: Oh my...If you send a self addressed envelope to ADV...yes you may. :P Please put a letter in the envelope telling me that you want an autograph! You would not believe how many times I get an envelope mailed to me at ADV with nothing but an envelope inside. D'Oh!

 [ This is for work in the voice acting industry in the US. Working as a voice actor in Japan, which a few people have asked about, is going to be much more difficult as English language parts are extremely rare. In order to do a Japanese language role the actor would have to have language ability exceeding the available Japanese actors.
 There are some voice acting schools in Japan but, like animation schools there, they’re mostly basic trade schools which teach only the bare minimum that is required to get a job interview.]