So, you’re between 8 and 18 years old, and you want to work as a professional voice performer.

Guess what… the industry needs you!

Montreal has long been known as a center of excellence in animation, video games and dubbing. But we need more kids and teens who are professionally trained and ready to do this work.

Workshop description

Training will be provided in the areas of Original Voice Animation and Dubbing. Through sixteen hours of intensive virtual and in-studio training, participants will be put through an acting “boot camp”. Students will spend most of their time on their feet, working individually and in virtual groups. Classes will be a whirlwind of energy and expression.

The 1^st two, four-hour-sessions will be spent in a virtual workshop space. The 2^nd two, four-hour-sessions will be spent in a professional recording studio. A total of 16 performers will be divided into two, age-based groups:

1. Group A:  8 kids (ages 8 – 12 years old)
2. Group B:  8 teens (ages 13 – 18 years old)

Who should apply?

ACTRA members, Apprentice members and non-members are eligible.

Applicants will be dynamic, excellent communicators with a demonstrated passion for performing.

These youngsters may have experience and proven talent in the following areas:

• professional film and television productions
• professional and amateur theatre
• dance experience, expressive sports (gymnastics, ice dancing, etc.)
• musical training (voice & instrument)

All applicants 17 and under must have parental consent.

Dates

Saturday, March 6, 2021 (Group A – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Group B – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

Sunday, March 7, 2021 (Group A – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Group B – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

  &

Saturday, March 13, 2021 (Group A – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Group B – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

Sunday, March 14, 2021 (Group A – 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, Group B – 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm)

Cost

$150.00 (plus taxes) – thanks to a generous ($575.00) subsidy by Emploi Quebec.

ACTRA thanks its industry partner, Difuze, for helping to make this workshop possible.

Selection process

Applicants will be evaluated based on the following criteria:

• A self-tape video audition (instructions below)
• A photo-resume of relevant performance work (if any)
• Supporting letters of recommendation (optional, maximum of 2)

Complete applications must be received at rduniz@actra.ca on or before Friday, February 12, 2021.* Please include the applicant’s contact information, preferably a parent’s email address.

Participants will be selected by a committee in a manner which faithfully reflects the diversity and range of ACTRA Montreal’s membership. Priority consideration will be given to full and apprentice members.

A note on Health and Safety

COVID-19 has forced many changes to our industry. As a result, ACTRA has implemented strict protocols for the way our members work and train. Such protocols will be respected.

Instructor

Thor Bishopric did his first radio spot at age 4. Since then, Mr. Bishopric has performed in thousands of productions in every performance category. He also works internationally as a Voice Director, with countless directing credits in animation, live action, documentaries, video games and dubbing. Over the past two decades, Mr. Bishopric has trained dozens of young performers as they have learned to master the technical and creative challenges of voice work.

Self-tape video audition instructions

Rule no. 1: Have fun with this. Don’t stress out. We want to see that you’re enjoying your audition.

When you’re solid about Rule number 1, then (print your self-tape audition script here).

Spend some time rehearsing your material (don’t worry – you don’t have to memorize it). Where the script says “as myself”, just use your natural voice. Be friendly and energetic. Try to sound like you’re talking to someone, not reading. Please be sincere. You should say all of the words that are contained within the quote signs (“ ”).

The Improv section of the script asks you to laugh and to scream. Have fun with this. Think of something really funny and laugh as hard as you can. Then, think of something really scary and scream. But try to convince us that you’re genuinely scared. Don’t just go: “ahhhh”. Scream as loud and as terrified as you can “AAAHHHHHHHHGGGG!!!” You have 20 seconds for this section, so be zany and creative.

The Animation section asks you to pretend that you’re a 6-month-old puppy dog. Try to imagine what your dog looks like. You get to decide how cartoony you want your dog to sound. Please say all of the lines as if you’re talking to somebody, telling them about yourself… not reading a poem.

When you’re ready to record your video audition, ask someone with a smartphone to shoot it for you. Hold your script in your hand (remember, don’t memorize it!) and go for it. Please do it all in one take (no editing) and make sure it’s less than 2 minutes long. Don’t worry if you make little mistakes, you won’t be penalized.

Your self-tape doesn’t have to be professional looking, so long as we can see and hear you. It shouldn’t be high-resolution, or it will be too heavy to deliver.

We’re looking forward to seeing your audition. So, remember Rule no. 1, and HAVE FUN!

* We understand that all smart phones are different, and your self-tape video may be too large to email. You are welcome to send a link to your self-tape audition (via Dropbox, WeTransfer, etc.), as required. Unfortunately, we cannot provide technical assistance to help you with making or sending your self-tape audition.