Ever dream of turning your unique voice into a money-making machine? Or maybe you’ve always wondered what it takes to bring animated characters to life or create compelling voiceovers for ads and videos. Well, “Be a Voice Actor: Making a Living with Your Voice” on Udemy promises to teach you exactly that. Led by Laci Morgan, a seasoned voice actor who’s voiced characters for Disney, Universal Studios, and more, this course is packed with tips and tricks to help you break into the world of voice acting.
Instructor Reputation
Laci Morgan is a name that resonates with creativity and versatility in the world of voice acting. With over 20 years of experience under her belt, she’s not just another instructor—she’s a powerhouse of talent with a deep understanding of the entertainment industry. Laci has voiced characters and ads for some of the biggest names in the business, including Disney, Universal Studios, Mattel, Nintendo, Hasbro, and Sephora. Her work spans across various media, from commercials and audiobooks to video games and live performances. Notably, she’s been the voice behind characters like Twilight Sparkle from “My Little Pony” in a live show and April O’Neil in the VR “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” game. This broad spectrum of experience allows her to provide a comprehensive view of what it takes to succeed as a voice actor.
Her background isn’t limited to just voice acting; Laci is also a skilled illustrator, theater performer, and marketing expert. This diverse skill set is evident throughout her teaching, where she seamlessly blends practical advice with creative inspiration. Her approach is refreshingly transparent—she’s not afraid to share the nitty-gritty details of her journey, including the challenges she faced when breaking into the industry. This honesty creates a learning environment that’s supportive and grounded in real-world experience.
Laci’s unique ability to relate to her students shines through in her 4.3-star instructor rating and the glowing reviews from over 2,200 learners. Her enthusiasm for voice acting is infectious, and she has a knack for breaking down complex concepts into manageable pieces. She understands that her students come from all walks of life—some may be aspiring voice actors, others complete novices, and some are business owners looking to add a personal touch to their marketing efforts. Laci’s teaching style is inclusive and adaptive, catering to each student’s unique needs while maintaining a high level of engagement.
One of Laci’s greatest strengths as an instructor is her focus on the practical aspects of voice acting. She doesn’t just talk about the fun parts; she digs into the business side, helping students understand how to market and brand themselves effectively. Her experience in marketing and branding is particularly valuable, as she teaches students how to position themselves in a crowded market and create a unique voice that stands out. Students have praised her for not holding back any secrets, providing genuine insights into what it takes to land jobs and sustain a career in voice acting. Overall, Laci Morgan is not just a talented voice actor but a passionate and dedicated instructor who genuinely cares about her students’ success.
Course Structure
“Be a Voice Actor: Making a Living with Your Voice” is meticulously structured to guide students through every step of their voice acting journey. The course is divided into several comprehensive modules, each focusing on a crucial aspect of the voice acting profession, from discovering your unique voice to booking your first jobs. This step-by-step approach makes it easy for beginners to follow along, even if they have no prior experience in the field.
The first module introduces the concept of finding your “money voice”—the voice that will get you paid. Laci helps students identify their natural strengths and find a vocal style that suits them best. This section is essential because it lays the foundation for all future lessons, ensuring that students have a strong grasp of their vocal identity before diving deeper into the craft. Laci also emphasizes the importance of versatility, encouraging students to develop a range of voices and characters to increase their marketability.
Next, the course moves into the nitty-gritty of setting up a home studio. Here, Laci provides a detailed breakdown of the equipment needed, from microphones and headphones to soundproofing materials. She discusses different options for various budgets, making it clear that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get started. This module is incredibly valuable for those who may be intimidated by the technical aspects of voice acting, as Laci walks through each piece of equipment, explaining its function and offering tips on how to use it effectively. She also covers studio etiquette and best practices for creating a professional-sounding recording, which is critical for anyone serious about entering the industry.
The course then transitions into recording skills and audio editing techniques. This section is where Laci’s experience truly shines. She breaks down the basics of audio editing, teaching students how to clean up recordings, remove background noise, and add effects to enhance their sound. The lessons are hands-on, with practical exercises that allow students to apply what they’ve learned. This module has received particular praise from past students, who found it to be more in-depth than expected, providing them with the tools they needed to produce high-quality recordings on their own.
Marketing and branding are covered in a dedicated module that offers actionable strategies for building a personal brand and promoting one’s voiceover services. Laci draws on her extensive experience in marketing, providing tips on creating a memorable demo reel, writing an engaging bio, and building an online presence. She discusses various platforms where voice actors can showcase their work and network with potential clients, as well as how to approach agents and casting directors. This section is invaluable for anyone looking to turn voice acting from a hobby into a full-fledged career.
Finally, the course wraps up with guidance on booking jobs and navigating the voice acting market. Laci shares her personal experiences and lessons learned, offering students a candid look at what it takes to succeed in this competitive field. She provides a roadmap for finding work, whether through freelance platforms, agencies, or direct outreach, and discusses the different types of gigs available, from commercials and audiobooks to animation and video games. The course concludes with a module on character development, where Laci encourages students to build a portfolio of characters they can perform, adding depth and variety to their voice acting arsenal.
Overall, the structure of this course is designed to be progressive, each module building on the previous one, so students can develop their skills in a logical and cohesive manner. The course’s organization ensures that by the end, students are well-equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to start booking jobs and building a career in voice acting.
Content Quality
When it comes to content quality, “Be a Voice Actor: Making a Living with Your Voice” is a treasure trove of valuable information for aspiring voice actors. The course is thoughtfully curated to provide both breadth and depth, covering a wide range of topics from the very basics to more advanced techniques. What sets this course apart is its focus on practical, actionable steps that students can immediately implement. Laci Morgan doesn’t just deliver theory; she offers real-world advice and exercises that encourage students to dive in and start practicing right away.
The content is broken down into bite-sized segments, making it easy for learners to digest and apply. Each lesson is carefully crafted to build upon the previous one, creating a smooth and logical flow throughout the course. The modules start with the foundational elements—like discovering your “money voice”—and progressively move into more detailed topics such as audio editing, marketing, and booking your first gigs. This approach allows students to gradually build their skills and confidence without feeling overwhelmed by too much information at once.
One of the highlights of the course is its focus on the technical aspects of voice acting, particularly the section on setting up a home studio. Laci demystifies what can often be a daunting topic for newcomers, explaining the different types of microphones, soundproofing techniques, and recording software in a way that is accessible and easy to understand. She also includes valuable insights on studio etiquette and best practices, which are often overlooked in other voice acting courses. This ensures that students not only have the right equipment but also know how to use it effectively to produce professional-quality recordings.
The course’s section on audio editing is another standout. Laci goes beyond the basics to teach students how to achieve a clean, polished sound using various editing tools and techniques. She explains the process step-by-step, from removing background noise to applying effects, and even shares some insider tips on how to create a signature sound that can make a voice actor stand out in a competitive market. This content is particularly well-received by students, many of whom have praised the depth of detail and practical nature of the lessons.
Laci’s emphasis on character development and performance techniques is also noteworthy. She encourages students to experiment with different vocal styles and create a diverse portfolio of characters, which can significantly broaden their range and appeal to potential clients. The exercises provided are fun, creative, and designed to push students out of their comfort zones, helping them discover new facets of their vocal abilities. Whether it’s mastering the art of cartoon voices or finding the perfect tone for a corporate narration, the course offers a wealth of tips and tricks that are immediately applicable.
Additionally, the marketing and branding module is a goldmine for anyone serious about making a living as a voice actor. Laci leverages her own experience in marketing to provide concrete strategies for self-promotion. She discusses everything from building a compelling demo reel and creating an engaging online presence to networking with industry professionals and landing that first big gig. Her advice is practical, straightforward, and geared toward helping students navigate the often-intimidating world of self-employment and freelancing.
Overall, the content quality of this course is top-notch. Laci Morgan’s expertise shines through in every lesson, and her ability to convey complex information in an engaging and digestible way makes the learning experience both enjoyable and highly effective. The mix of technical instruction, creative exercises, and real-world business advice creates a comprehensive learning package that prepares students for all aspects of a voice acting career.
Overall Course Rating – 9/10
In terms of overall effectiveness, “Be a Voice Actor: Making a Living with Your Voice” scores a solid 9 out of 10. This rating reflects the course’s strong content, engaging presentation style, and the comprehensive approach that Laci Morgan brings to the table. From the first lesson to the last, it’s clear that this course is designed with the student in mind, providing a well-rounded education that goes beyond just the basics of voice acting.
One of the course’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with a bit of experience looking to sharpen your skills, there’s something here for everyone. Laci has crafted her lessons to be welcoming and inclusive, ensuring that no prior knowledge is required to get started. Her approachable teaching style makes complex concepts feel simple and manageable, which is crucial for those who might feel intimidated by the technical aspects of voice acting, such as setting up a home studio or editing audio files. The course is full of practical exercises and demonstrations that allow students to learn by doing, which is one of the most effective ways to retain new information.
Another aspect that earns this course high marks is its balance of creative and business content. Laci doesn’t just focus on the artistic side of voice acting—she also dives deep into the nuts and bolts of turning it into a viable career. This dual focus on both the craft and the business is rare in many online courses, which often concentrate on one to the exclusion of the other. By offering a holistic view of the profession, Laci gives her students the tools they need to not only perform well behind the microphone but also market themselves effectively in a competitive industry.
That said, no course is without its minor drawbacks. While the content is rich and varied, some students might find the pace of the course a bit fast, especially in sections dealing with technical topics like audio editing and studio setup. Laci does her best to simplify these areas, but there’s a lot of information to cover, and it can feel a bit overwhelming for those who are completely new to the technical side of voice acting. It would be beneficial if the course included a few more hands-on demonstrations or downloadable resources to help reinforce these more complex lessons.
However, these are small critiques in the grand scheme of things. The overwhelming consensus from students is that this course is well worth the investment. Laci’s genuine passion for voice acting, combined with her wealth of experience and practical advice, makes this course a valuable asset for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the field. Her personal anecdotes and transparent sharing of her journey—from working with industry giants to landing gigs as a freelancer—add a layer of authenticity that many other courses lack.
In conclusion, “Be a Voice Actor: Making a Living with Your Voice” is an outstanding course that offers an engaging, informative, and supportive pathway into the world of voice acting. Whether you’re in it for the fun of discovering new characters and vocal styles or you’re serious about launching a professional career, this course provides the knowledge, tools, and inspiration to help you succeed. Given its comprehensive content, practical approach, and Laci Morgan’s expert guidance, it certainly deserves its high rating and comes highly recommended for anyone ready to explore the exciting realm of voiceover work.