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Voice Over Workout Groups versus Workshops…What’s The Difference?

October 17th, 2008 Posted in Beginners, General Info, Voice Over Instruction

Recently I attended Roy Samuelson’s Voice Over Work Out Lounge, VOWOL here in LA. Each week, Roy has a different guest (casting directors, agents, producers) to give feedback to the participating voice actors. It got me thinking about the difference between Workout Groups and Voice Over Classes. So I asked Roy. Here’s what he had to say.

-Tracy Pattin

TJP: What is a Voice Over Workout Group?

RS: A voice over workout group gives voice actors a behind-the-scenes environment to play with Voice Over copy, listen back, try a few different directions, and grow a community through networking, sharing, and support. 

TJP: How did you start your group, VOWOL?

RS: It began as a voice over work out group, and has grown to be a portal for various producers, casting directors, agents, managers, coaches, teachers, yoga instructors, improv gurus, character specialists, dialect coaches, audio engineers, and booth directors to share their thoughts on the voice business in an intimate environment for a few hours with positive, likeminded Voice Actors. (Whew)

TJP: What is the difference between a voice over workout group and a voice over workshop?

RS: There are a few differences between a workout group and a workshop. A workshop has a specific agenda of teaching a lesson. A work out group is more like a gym — sure, in both places you can learn, but at a gym, there are skills that you can practice and hone in on your own terms, no matter what shape you are in. Karate Kid’s “wax on, wax off” is the bottom end of the spectrum, the top end is recreating a voice session or audition. In any given night at VOWOL, either are possible, but the emphasis is “safe haven” for all involved. It’s certainly less like a showcase and more like a gym.

Check out part 2, next week, when I ask Roy about the benefits of a workout group and success stories of group members.

  1. 3 Responses to “Voice Over Workout Groups versus Workshops…What’s The Difference?”

  2. By Jon Morss on Nov 3, 2008

    I have spoke with Roy in the past since I thought the whole concept of the VOWOL was really cool. In fact Roy inspired me to work with Ray Nakamoto who owns Nakamoto Productions here in Sacramento to set-up our own version of VOWOL called the Reading Buddy Nite.
    Roy is a really great guy and is offering a tremendous opportunity for every VO talent to better their skills. If I lived in SoCal again, I would be there at every session. One day I will take a trip down south and check VOWOL out myself.

    I wish Roy continued success with VOWOL.

    Jon

  3. By Raleigh R. Pinskey on Nov 3, 2008

    I started in August and am there every Thursday night for my VOWOL fix. The quality of the guest instructors is primo, and the variety offers a broader range to learn from. So many meaningful tips and insightful techniques from the in-the-moment, hands on interaction that I didn’t get or passed me by in class situations. I get to practice all my voices and personalities in a supportive, safe environment. Thanks Roy.

  4. By Tracy Pattin on Nov 3, 2008

    Thanks Jon. Keep us posted on your Sacramento workout group!

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