A Fan Speaks from the Heart

Jason Weiner gets backstage support from VO Actor Rodd Houston

By Jason Weiner
Photos by Jeff Fasano

When I bought my ticket for That’s Voiceover! in New York last year, I figured I might meet some good people and learn a few things. Well it was not unlike the time I went to the Grand Canyon to see a hole in the ground. In both cases, my expectations and preconceived notions were blown away.

My first reaction upon arriving at the event was, “Wow this is first class all the way.” Clearly the people that put it together were pros. Before the event even started I was able to talk to a union representative and mingle with producers and other voice actors. There was a great Neumann microphone set up manned by some very knowledgeable people who were more than happy to answer all of my home studio questions. Honestly, before the event even started, I got my money’s worth.

When the main event did start, I realized I was in for a show. The hosts Alan Kalter and Joan Baker were super entertaining and kept everything moving with great war stories and personal recollections about the business.

The bulk of the show was two extremely interesting panel discussions. The first featured voice actors. These were capital “V” voice actors. All of them sounded like old friends because I had heard them so many times on TV and in the Movies. Their experiences were fascinating and the diversity of their career paths gave everyone in the room a sense of the possibilities this business offers. After a really solid panel they graciously answered questions from the audience. I think they answered every question that was asked and a few that weren’t because Joan, who was moderating, would expand on their points and touch off discussions that further illuminated various aspects of the business. If it had ended there, it would have been worth it. But of course there was more.

Jason Weiner performs in Audtion Contest

The next panel consisted of agents and producers and in many ways was even better than the first. One of the most frustrating things about this business is the fact that you never really know what a casting director wants or thinks. This panel shed a lot of light on those questions. We heard about their likes and dislikes, their pet peeves and their overall impressions of the industry. They followed that with another lengthy Q and A that was as entertaining and informative as the first. If it had ended there, I would have been thrilled. But there was more

Shortly after I bought my ticket a few weeks before the event, I was informed that I was one of thirty people selected to participate in the Audition Spotlight. At the time this was an afterthought, I figured it would be no big deal and put it out of my mind.

Agents, Creatives and Execs on the business of VO

Around 35 people including myself showed up a couple of hours before the event to audition for three of the agents and casting directors on the panel. The other voice actors ranged from green beginners to seasoned veterans. I was surprised to learn how many had traveled from all over the country to attend. We spent a lot of time talking before the audition and I am still in touch with some of them today. Based on the wealth of talented people I met at the audition, I figured I would not be a finalist.

I was chatting with the person next to me when Alan Kalter took the stage at the end of the second panel to announce the finalists for the Audition Spotlight. He began reading his list of finalists. Each finalist was greeted with applause as they stood to make their way back stage. When he got to the fifth name, I noticed it was mine. I started shaking as soon as it registered. I quickly gathered my stuff and smiled at the people in my row as I made my way back stage. I took deep breaths and tried to remain calm even though I was going to stand in front of a few hundred people and read copy. I probably wouldn’t have made it, but for the fact that I was greeted by the great Rodd Houston when I got back stage. Rodd is the voice of the NFL on CBS among many other things and he coached me through my nervousness and prepared me for the final read onstage. Each of the finalists got coaching from one of the great voice actors that participated in the panel. We went out one by one and read to the panel of agents and directors

Joan Baker shares her secrets

Just the experience would have been a great prize, but That’s Voiceover! had seen to it that the winner got a Neumann Mic and a representation deal with TGMD, a major LA voice agent. I didn’t win, but I didn’t really need to. The experience of performing under pressure did wonders for my confidence and is something I still treasure. If it had ended there, it would have been amazing, but of course it didn’t!

After the main event ended, everyone went into the lobby for drinks and delicious Hors d’oeuvres. Everyone got a chance to chat with all of the panelists and each other. It was networking paradise! Personally, I found out about a great class with Valerie Smaldone and met a bunch of great actors that I still keep in touch with.

It ended there and it was worth it!