VO Atlanta Program Track Overview

Thank you for reviewing the program tracks for VO Atlanta.  We're excited about the range of learning opportunities and our ability to offer content that caters to many areas of voiceover.

Whether we’re talking about animation, commercial, promo/affiliate, audiobooks, or medical narration, Voiceover has its roots in the art and craft of Acting. Actors are, for all intents and purposes, storytellers. As voice actors, we have the opportunity and good fortune to express the fundamental truths of life in concert with other creative artists: writers, animators, cinematographers, directors, and musicians. Together, we are about the business of uniting people through our common human experience. To express ourselves truthfully and authentically behind a microphone, (without sounding like a “talking head”) we voice actors must incorporate skills in the art of Acting, no matter the genre we work in. There are several approaches or methods available for actors to explore. But no matter the method, all great approaches teach us vulnerability, honesty, and in-the-moment presence. It’s been said a million times over that having a “great sounding voice” is NOT what makes a great voice actor. It is, rather, the voice actor’s capacity to engage honestly and authentically in relation to others. This is what acting training is all about.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMAn Introduction to LipSynch dubbing techniques : Band Rythmo (No Recording)Stephane Cornicard
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMCrossover Voiceover: Adapting the Stage/Screen Actor’s Process for VORick Wasserman Wasserman
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMYour Resilient TRUETELLDave Walsh
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMVirtual Reality experiences - a new avenue for voice actors to exploreMarinda Botha Botha
3:15 PM - 6:15 PM[X-SESSION] How 3 Questions Can Improve Your PerformanceDonovan Corneetz Corneetz
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMMake Acting Choices Effortlessly Using LABAN EFFORT TechniquesMonique Bagwell Bagwell
5:00 PM - 5:45 PMThe Scales of Voiceover (The Key to Excellent Performances)Larry Hudson
Thursday, April 22, 2021
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM[X-SESSION] An Introduction to LipSynch dubbing techniques : Band RythmoStephane Cornicard
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMFundamentals of Acting for VOBrad Oxnam Oxnam
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMActing PanelMonique Bagwell Bagwell Beth Chaplin Donovan Corneetz Corneetz Dave Walsh
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMImage Structuring: Make Your Text Come AliveGrace Keller Scotch Keller Scotch
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] Your Resilient Truetell - The Workshop Dave Walsh
Friday, April 23, 2021
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMActing for Non-Actors: Guideposts to create more truthful, connected and conversational reads.Beth Chaplin
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] Be the B.O.S. of your Emotions: Learn how to Channel Emotions In Your Read using the B.O.S. TechniqueMonique Bagwell Bagwell
Saturday, April 24, 2021
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMFinding the Illusive "Conversational" ReadDonovan Corneetz Corneetz

The animation track is one of the most anticipated tracks offered during the VO Atlanta Voiceover Conference as you’re exposed to the latest information needed to improve your chances of success in this area of voiceover. You’ll learn from industry leaders about what it takes to get started, build a successful career, and stay on top of your game. Included during the conference will be an expert panel discussion lead by those in the know to share with you how they approach the area of animation and what you need to know. During this panel, you’ll have a chance to ask questions and get direct answers from those on the front line. Don’t miss it.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or you’re just finding your way, our audiobook presenters are here for you. VO Atlanta offers a number of breakout sessions to help you explore and discover what it takes to reach the top of your audiobook potential. During the Audiobook panel discussions, our presenters will offer their expert perspectives on what it takes for you to achieve success.  In addition to the expert panel discussion, VO Atlanta also offers several workshops covering a variety of topics designed for you, the audiobook narrator. If you’re looking for more and want to take a DEEP-DIVE into audiobooks, check out our Audiobook Academy where you’ll find more than 50 hours of direct training and content to take you to the next level.

Business and Marketing is at the core of every successful voiceover career.  Without a solid understanding of how to market and manage your business, you will struggle and ultimately have less than the success you want.  With a variety of sessions, workshops, and engaging activities you will have the opportunity to discover what it takes to build, AND SUSTAIN a profitable voiceover business. While our presenters aren’t miracle workers, they will provide you with tips and tools needed to grow your client base and solidify the relationship you have with your existing clients. So, don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn and grow your business.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM[X-SESSION] A Marketing plan that WORKS!Rachael Naylor Naylor
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMAround the World in 60 minutesSusie Valerio Valerio
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMVoice123 Tips for Beginners - with Natasha Marchewka & Katherine ToleNatasha Marchewka Marchewka Katherine Tole Tole
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMThe Producer's PanelJ Michael Collins Dave Walsh Cliff Zellman AJ McKay McKay Anne Ganguzza
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMBrand Your VO Career. Change Your Life.Celia Siegel
5:00 PM - 5:45 PMYou're a Sales Person First.Jim McCarthy McCarthy
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM[X-SESSION] Brand Your VO Career. Change Your Life. Celia Siegel
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMDemo Review Session with J. Michael Collins and Sound & Fury Casting CEO Jill KershawJ Michael Collins Jill Kershaw Kershaw
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMEnhance Your Resilience - Trade Time for Money - The BreakoutLynn Norris Brigid Reale
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMClimbing your EverestAlfonso Lugo Lugo
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMIs your's an 'Award Winning' Business?Ian Russell
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMChoose your Marketing | Find your Lane - with Natasha MarchewkaNatasha Marchewka Marchewka
5:00 PM - 5:45 PMGetting Noticed in :60Eric Romanowski
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMVoice Your Vision: How to Create a Resilient Mindset During Challenging TimesZina Solomon Solomon
Thursday, April 22, 2021
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM[X-SESSION] The Global VO Warrior - an ABC to Conquering the WorldSusie Valerio Valerio
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM[X-SESSION] Embracing the potential in your Voiceover Business-Marketing and GoalsRachael Naylor Naylor
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMIf You're Not Working - You Should Try Networking!Liz Drury Drury
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMBreaking through and having the voiceover success you deserveRachael Naylor Naylor
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMVoice123 Tips for Experience Talent - with Natasha Marchewka and Katherine ToleNatasha Marchewka Marchewka Katherine Tole Tole
5:00 PM - 5:45 PMDiscomfort is the Price of Growth - Lean in to it!Sonia Meneses Meneses
5:00 PM - 5:45 PMUltimate VO SuccessElley Ray Hennessy
Friday, April 23, 2021
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMBusiness & Marketing PanelNatasha Marchewka Marchewka Brigid Reale Celia Siegel Marc Scott Scott
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMThe Tech Threat: Will Virtual Voices Take Our Jobs?Simone Kliass Kliass
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMHow To Organize Your Computer For Voiceover and For LIFE!Larry Hudson
5:00 PM - 5:45 PMCongrats! You Have a Shiny New Demo - Now What?Eric Romanowski Jeffrey Umberger
Saturday, April 24, 2021
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM[X-SESSION] Enhance Your Resilience - Trade Time for MoneyBrigid Reale Lynn Norris
11:45 AM - 2:45 PM[X-SESSION] Voice Your Vision: How to Create a Resilient Mindset During Challenging TimesZina Solomon Solomon
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMOnline Casting in the '20s: A Panel DiscussionLiz Atherton Atherton J Michael Collins Carin Gilfry Armin Hierstetter Hierstetter Rolf Veldman Veldman Ben Wake Wake
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMNetworking, the most powerful tool you can use Rachael Naylor Naylor
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMWhat 4 Years of Not Booking Taught Me About ResilienceHeidi Rew
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMBrand Your VO Career. Change Your Life.Celia Siegel
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] Perfecting the Pay to Play- How to Make yourself Competitive in the World of Online CastingCarin Gilfry

Nothing propels you towards success like your ability to perform professional reads for your clients.  In addition to a great performance, you need to be ready and able to improvise at a moment’s notice to meet the changing needs and interests of your clients. Whether it’s an audition or a live studio directed session, you want to shine.  The experts at VO Atlanta aim to equip you with the skills and insight needed to book more jobs and connect with your copy breakthrough that makes a difference.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMLatest Commercial TrendsHeidi Rew
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMCommercials A -ZMary Lynn Wissner Mara Junot Junot Trish Ryan Ryan Natasha Marchewka Marchewka Scott Parkin
5:00 PM - 5:45 PM“If you talked to people the way advertising talked to people, they’d punch you in the face.”Hugh Klitzke Klitzke
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] There's a reason you're not booking CommercialsMary Lynn Wissner
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
1:00 PM - 1:45 PM Talking Direction: How to improve the odds.Stephane Cornicard
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMBreak Free: Spontaneity In Commercial VOSally Clawson Clawson
Thursday, April 22, 2021
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMBehind the Scenes with Commercial ProducersLawrence Lewis Lewis
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMGet out of your HEAD!Elaine Clark
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] There's a reason you're not booking commercialsMary Lynn Wissner
Friday, April 23, 2021
8:30 AM - 11:30 AM[X-SESSION] Tackling Copy : An Introduction to the Layering SystemStephane Cornicard
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMThe Basics of Working with an Agent or ManagerJeffrey Umberger
3:15 PM - 6:15 PM[X-SESSION] Grounded, Connected, Genuine and Real: Conversational VoiceoverHugh Klitzke Klitzke
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMBe Bold: Increase Your Status In Commercial VOSally Clawson Clawson
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] Mastering the Brand Imaging Commercial ReadKay Bess Bess
Saturday, April 24, 2021
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMMeet the Commercial ProducersLawrence Lewis Lewis
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMChoose Your Style!Elaine Clark
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] What Announcer?!Elley Ray Hennessy

Each year, we’re asked to bring more resources to VO Atlanta for those interested in Narration and eLearning, so we’re happy to deliver on our promise to do so.  The experience and knowledge available through our presenters on narration and eLearning is amazing and we can’t wait to have you move ahead and discover what it takes to step forward and breakthrough to your next level. 

If you’ve been wanting to take your career to the next level in the world of gaming or animation, this track is for you.  With years of experience and a wealth of knowledge, that’s unsurpassed in any voiceover conference.  VO Atlanta is about providing you with the tools you need for success.

One thing almost every person in the voiceover industry has to deal with is the need to get up to speed on technology and production. The ability to successfully record, edit, and deliver high-quality products to your clients is at the core of being a professional voice actor, so it matters that you learn from industry leaders how to plan, secure, and implement the tools needed to operate at a high level.

Each year, we work to bring more resources to VO Atlanta for those interested in Promo and Imaging. The experience and knowledge available through our presenters on Promo and Imaging is amazing and we can’t wait to have you move ahead and discover what it takes to step forward and break through to your next level.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMAn inside view of the CNN worldwide promo departmentDenise Patierno Patierno
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] Coming up next - The New Direction of PromoJeff Howell
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
11:45 AM - 2:45 PM[X-SESSION] Super Promos and Superteases - A mini Master Class for Promos and In-Show AnnouncingJoe Cipriano
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] In A World of Promo-TrailerMelissa Disney Disney
Thursday, April 22, 2021
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] Tips from CNN'S VO Experts on how to get noticed for news promos with a focus on the acting styles requiredJeff Howell Denise Patierno Patierno
Friday, April 23, 2021
3:15 PM - 6:15 PM[X-SESSION] Live Event & Sports Promo ReadSteve Van Wormer Van Wormer
Saturday, April 24, 2021
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMPromo PanelJoe Cipriano Donovan Corneetz Corneetz Melissa Disney Disney Jeff Howell Denise Patierno Patierno Steve Van Wormer Van Wormer
3:15 PM - 6:15 PM[X-SESSION] And The Winner is... Going Live with Kick Ass Confidence - Explore the world of Live Announce and Award ShowsMelissa Disney Disney
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMAll about promo and who do I have to network to get on a network?Jeff Howell
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] Advanced Promo ActingJeff Howell

With so many sessions available to you as part of your VO Atlanta experience, there are bound to be sessions that don't fall into our primary tracks. With that in mind, we have created a special section to represent our 'Specialty Track' which captures these special sessions.  Be sure to take a look through them.  We're sure you'll find something that suits your interest.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021
11:45 AM - 2:45 PM[X-SESSION] Vocal Freedom & Flexibility for Narration & AnimationSarah Weatherwax Weatherwax
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMHow to Improve Your Casting ChancesHugh Edwards Edwards
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMSounds for Toys and Games (voice, effects, music)Wes McCraw Rick Sellers
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMThe Pivot After the Pivot: Finding a New Purpose (and Career) After CrisisSylvia Longmire Longmire
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMWorking Parents Panel (No Recording)Carin Gilfry Kristin Price Price Susie Valerio Valerio
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMThe Stand for Sonic DiversityDavid Fennoy Roger Gehrmann Gehrmann George Washington III Washington III Sophia Cruz Cruz
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMHow to Create a Global Podcast SeriesSteve Van Wormer Van Wormer
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMKickstart your voice: Go from dead weight to buoyancy in your VO spacePilar Uribe Uribe
8:00 PM - 10:00 PMHey Pandora Listener! Pandora Script Reading Workshop 1David Cuetter Steve Pogatch
Thursday, April 22, 2021
11:45 AM - 2:45 PM[X-SESSION] The Force is With You: “Energy Work” for Voiceover Artists (Deep Dive)Karen-Eileen Gordon Gordon
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMConquering Imposter SyndromeKristin Price Price
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMThe Directors PanelMary Lynn Wissner Harry Dunn Dunn Jeff Howell Steve Pogatch Eric Romanowski Jason White
3:00 PM - 3:45 PMWhy The Future of the VO Industry is GlobalisationHugh Edwards Edwards
3:15 PM - 6:15 PM[X-SESSION] Voice Over for Automotive Encore SessionCliff Zellman
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMAtlanta's Highly Successful VO Community and LeadersJeffrey Umberger Jennifer Hummel Hummel Lina Ramirez Ramirez Heidi Rew Gopal Swamy Swamy
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMHow I lost my voice and found my lifeMelissa Disney Disney
6:00 PM - 6:45 PMPodcasting for Business, Creativity, and MonetizationElaine Clark
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM[X-SESSION] Cast a SPELL-Vocal MAGIC!Elley Ray Hennessy
8:00 PM - 10:00 PMHey Pandora Listener! Pandora Script Reading Workshop 2David Cuetter Steve Pogatch
Friday, April 23, 2021
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMDirected Auditions (Practical & on mic session) with Hugh Edwards Hugh Edwards Edwards
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMFace Yoga for Voice ActorsLaurel Thomas Thomas
2:00 PM - 2:45 PMVoice Over for Automotive. Moving your VO career to the Fast Lane!Cliff Zellman
3:00 PM - 3:45 PMJMC Unicorn Award Sponsored SessionJ Michael Collins
4:00 PM - 4:45 PMLet's Make a Bizcast!Daree Allen Nieves Allen Nieves
Saturday, April 24, 2021
11:45 AM - 2:45 PM[X-SESSION] Voice Over for AutomotiveCliff Zellman
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMOhhhhhhhmmmmm: Meditation for VO Artists (aka: How to Get a Flexibility Six-Pack!)Karen-Eileen Gordon Gordon
1:00 PM - 1:45 PMCreating, Mixing & Mastering Your Own ContentJames Younger Younger