Voice actors are used to provide audio only for animations, radio plays, and audiobooks. In recent years the video game boom has meant more voice acting work available in that industry. Voice actors have to be able to communicate emotion and characterisation through their voice alone as the audience can’t see their facial expressions or physicality. Actors can play very small roles in advertisements that will play on television or on the internet such as Ads that play at the start of YouTube videos. Bigger companies are able to pay to get bigger acting names selling their products or services.
The performance itself needs to meet certain mechanical criteria such as proper voice projection and enunciation. Proper technique allows us to shape-shift into someone else who may be entirely different to ourselves. Good acting also means being a good partner to your fellow actors. Even if you’ve fully nailed your characterisation you are still a cog within the bigger picture of the scene and production. Sir Ben Kingsley has stated before that he aims to make others in the scene look good – not just look out for himself. You must also be willing to adapt or improvise if necessary while staying in character – for example, if a scene partner misses their cue or fluffs a line.
