logologo
jmichael@jmcvoiceover.com 202-738-1151
  • Home
  • My Demos
    • Commercial
    • Crisis Commercials
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
    • Commercial
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Coaching
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Euro Vo Retreat
  • Public Speaker Training
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Home
  • My Demos
    • Commercial
    • Crisis Commercials
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
    • Commercial
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Coaching
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Euro Vo Retreat
  • Public Speaker Training
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact

The 2016 Voice Arts Awards, ( http://sovas.org/home-vaa/,) preceded by the That’s Voiceover Career Expo, (http://thatsvoiceover.com/,) are just around the corner. These November staples of the voiceover industry social calendar, conceived and brilliantly managed by Rudy Gaskins and Joan Baker, who founded the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences, offer all members of the voiceover community the opportunity to both learn from industry luminaries, and celebrate the business that is so near to all of our hearts.

In 2015, The Society of Voice Arts and Sciences introduced the first SOVAS Academic Scholarship, (http://sovas.org/sovas-scholarship/,) which I had the honor of sponsoring. This year, the scholarship has grown in content and support, and the opportunities for career advancement provided by the package of training, equipment, and access being offered is second to none.

Recently, I had the opportunity to discuss the scholarship with 2015 recipient Brenda Robinson. Here are some excerpts from that interview:

JMC: 

Tell me about your background in voiceover, and where you were in your career when you won the SOVAS Academic Scholarship.
Brenda: 

I was involved in the film industry in Utah off and on for years, first doing background, then auditioning for minor parts and commercials. Later, after starting voice over, I joined Utah Women in Film and started learning a little more about film-making behind the scenes. I also sing, and have studied Broadway, opera and pop. Voiceover was something I was intrigued by, and it was just the love of being creative and acting but being somewhat anonymous that made me want to dive in. I worked with a coach on and off for about two years before I made my first commercial demo almost 8 years ago, and I have been working at it ever since, doing a few various spots, from E -books to some corporate narration, commercial work for web and TV, to recently working with a childrens’ author in the UK narrating one of his stories. There will be more collaborating to come. There’s been a lot of learning, sometimes through the school of hard knocks, along the way.
JMC:

How did you first hear about That’s Voiceover?
Brenda:

I met Joan Baker two years ago at VOICE 2014, which was produced by Penny Abshire and James Alburger. She won the Humanitarian Award. Afterward, when everyone was dancing, I started talking to Joan as we were dancing and I mentioned that Rudy was already a Facebook friend of mine, and then she and I connected on Facebook. After that I started taking notice more about That’s Voiceover, and I knew I just had to attend last year.
JMC:

What were your thoughts when you were announced as the winner of the scholarship? There was no formal application process in 2015. Was it a surprise?
Brenda:

I had absolutely no idea it existed, and yet even though I didn’t know anything when you, (J. Michael,) started talking and got ready to announce it, a feeling came over me that my name would be called; Yet it was all in one moment and very surreal. More than anything, I felt humbled and so grateful to have been chosen. That has meant as much or maybe more to me than even the financial aspects, but of course that helps too. It was great to be the recipient of such fantastic opportunities, and to be given this gift. Many VO friends I was sitting by kept telling me to run up to the stage, and although I remember some of what happened, much of it is a blur.
https://ssl.gstatic.com/ui/v1/icons/mail/images/cleardot.gif
JMC:

What did you enjoy about That’s Voiceover in 2015?
Brenda:

I enjoyed the chance to mingle with other voice artists, or those looking to get into the business, and to hone my craft and learn more from some of the best in the business, like you, JMC, Joan and others. I love how the voice community in general is so giving and I feel there is less ego involved than in some other forms of acting and entertainment. I really like the opportunities it gives us to audition for big jobs like the Channel 2 news and the Speed Dating with agents, as well as attending the awards themselves, which are such a wonderful addition to the entertainment industry by honoring voice artists.
JMC:

How has the scholarship helped you advance your voiceover career?
Brenda:

It has given me the confidence and more of the tools I need to take me to higher pursuits. It was great to work with Joan one on one, and I feel we have made a real connection emotionally and professionally. I took away some valuable information that I have kept and implemented regarding the auditioning process and getting out of my own way so I can soar. We have a lasting connection on both fronts. Pat Fraley has always been so genuinely kind and helpful as well, and he has such a wealth of knowledge about different aspects of the business, in addition to various genres of voice over, which when followed and practiced make a difference for the better in the audition process and when voicing anything.
JMC:

What do you hope to learn at this year’s That’s Voiceover expo?

Brenda:

That by continuing on this path and working through the tough times, I will continue to hone and gain invaluable skills. Also, learning more about the business end and technology, and to grow more as a voice actor, It’s always wonderful to see so many friends I know and to make new friends in the business. 

Trackback URL: https://www.jmcvoiceover.com/2016/09/10/an-interview-with-brenda-robinson-2015-sovas-academic-scholarship-recipient/trackback/

J. Michael Collins
Previous PostAn Interview with VO Mastery Founder Randy Th...
Next PostWhy No One Needs a Voiceover Coach
0 Comments
Leave a comment

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Archives
Subscribe
  • Receive News & Updates
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
RECENT TWEETS

@jmcvoiceover

January 25th 2021 11:01:23

This is what being a dad is all about. #goat @TomBrady is pure class. https://t.co/0u7leKhx7e

@jmcvoiceover

January 20th 2021 04:01:58

https://t.co/TAbOBrCwXH

@jmcvoiceover

January 19th 2021 04:01:59

@TheAlixMartin @GravyForBrain @JMCdemos You rocked it! Always a pleasure working with you. :)

@jmcvoiceover

January 18th 2021 05:01:45

https://t.co/FPkETFCxTZ

@jmcvoiceover

January 18th 2021 01:01:22

https://t.co/89rhMteg8P

Are you honoring your colleagues' kindness when they give you the gift of a recommendation… https://t.co/ewP1XnGptL

@jmcvoiceover

January 14th 2021 11:01:17

@jasonkappus LOL :)

@jmcvoiceover

January 14th 2021 11:01:13

Always a blast working with talent repped by Impressive Talent, and this group was legit impressive! #vo #voiceover https://t.co/lDCKvMQNRW

@jmcvoiceover

January 9th 2021 07:01:49

@aganguzza This x100

@jmcvoiceover

January 8th 2021 11:01:05

Devastated by the loss of @bradvenable May you rest in piece, my friend.

@jmcvoiceover

December 25th 2020 12:12:20

From our family to yours, have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Wishing all safety, health, and prosperit… https://t.co/eUp74u7F1Y

@jmcvoiceover

December 22nd 2020 07:12:48

#vo #voiceover https://t.co/DOE7PurDKv

@jmcvoiceover

December 21st 2020 01:12:06

Congrats to JMC Demos clients Doug Turkel, Stacey Kimble, Gaynor Kelly, Jason Kappus, Jenn Henry, and Paul Cartwrig… https://t.co/rAPSAfM4lq

@jmcvoiceover

December 15th 2020 12:12:24

#vo #voiceover https://t.co/rZpdx4tHpn

@jmcvoiceover

December 12th 2020 03:12:27

#vo #voiceover #voiceovers https://t.co/yZQjxA7gC2

@jmcvoiceover

December 11th 2020 12:12:40

https://t.co/BBWJse3954

Check out part 2 of my blog on where the industry stands in the year of COVID, featuring t… https://t.co/TEOzp7WNqT

@jmcvoiceover

December 11th 2020 12:12:03

#vo #voiceover #voiceovers https://t.co/DvppE8uffb

@jmcvoiceover

December 10th 2020 04:12:28

https://t.co/Ow7dpfkQ7D

@jmcvoiceover

December 9th 2020 09:12:18

@jemrosenfeld @Joanthevoice @rgaskins1 @SovasVoice @ThatsVoiceover https://t.co/nEQ2uvdOLs

@jmcvoiceover

December 9th 2020 07:12:08

#vo #voiceover https://t.co/VWtvRtIInx

@jmcvoiceover

December 8th 2020 01:12:50

https://t.co/kjrMJggjFc

@jmcvoiceover

December 7th 2020 12:12:31

https://t.co/6isS4eNAd1

@jmcvoiceover

December 7th 2020 05:12:29

@UrbanLegendVO @jasonkappus That gives new meaning to food porn.

@jmcvoiceover

December 6th 2020 04:12:27

https://t.co/pJz0RhZxHC

@jmcvoiceover

December 5th 2020 06:12:40

https://t.co/nTFRx1uEBX

@jmcvoiceover

December 4th 2020 12:12:09

https://t.co/SfHkVz8pNC

@jmcvoiceover

December 4th 2020 10:12:23

@DustinEbaugh Prayers for your whole family...

@jmcvoiceover

December 3rd 2020 07:12:27

@johnnyheller Note to self: Do not piss off audiobook people. They have words.

@jmcvoiceover

December 3rd 2020 12:12:14

https://t.co/NQBRXHoObP

@jmcvoiceover

December 2nd 2020 12:12:05

https://t.co/Z8eOC5ftXJ

@jmcvoiceover

December 1st 2020 11:12:49

@VoicesByKelli It was my distinct pleasure. You're fantastic!

@jmcvoiceover

December 1st 2020 11:12:15

An advent calendar of VO advice, you say? Here's 1 of 25. #vo #voiceovers #voiceover https://t.co/BCetwGz4uQ

@jmcvoiceover

November 28th 2020 01:11:29

@peterdickson https://t.co/IHLsWBEaJJ

@jmcvoiceover

November 25th 2020 09:11:27

RT @vlbarrera_vo: I am super excited to share my latest episode featuring guest @jmcvoiceover! It was so much fun talking with him and lear…

@jmcvoiceover

November 23rd 2020 12:11:39

@TheMicheleLyman Thank you!

@jmcvoiceover

November 22nd 2020 03:11:18

Check out this great interview with the JMC Demos Animation & Video Game team, led by Matt Curtis! #vo #voiceover… https://t.co/WYM2jvXjQS

CONTACT
202-738-1151
jmichael@jmcvoiceover.com
  • Home
  • My Demos
    • Commercial
    • Crisis Commercials
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Recent Work
  • Demo Production
    • Commercial
    • Medical
    • eLearning
    • Corporate
    • Automotive
    • TV Promo
    • TV Narration
    • Radio Imaging
    • Telephony
    • Political
  • Coaching
  • Photo Gallery
  • Success Club
  • Euro Vo Retreat
  • Public Speaker Training
  • Giving Back
  • Blog
  • Contact

Privacy Policy ©2020 J. Michael Collins // Voice Over Site by Voice Actor Websites