Delivering vocal performances is a highly nuanced form of acting, and continuous, regular practice is an absolute must to achieve peak competitive form. For children, it means quite a few new things to learn and observe. Learn below about what type of scripts kid voice actors need to practice with, as well as more useful tips for their vocal development.
- Pick age-appropriate scripts. Practicing voice acting with scripts that the kid does not quite understand can derail the overall progress.
- Practice should become a daily routine. Voice is a tool for vocal performers; thus, it should be developed accordingly.
- Professional experts are nearly a must. Given the nuanced nature of acting, working with vocal coaches can be a priceless experience.
Make Sure The Scripts For Practice Are Suitable For Children
It all starts with finding a script for the kid to practice with. There is a significant number of scripts, in any genre and style, available for aspiring voice actors to practice with, yet not every one of them will be a good fit for beginning actors, let alone for a child.
Not every script available fits every type of actor, as the formatting of, for example, a stage acting script and a voice acting script will have significant differences between one another, even if the story it is based upon is the same. Failing to work with a script that is specifically meant for vocal performances can significantly derail a child's practice process.
Amongst the other key aspects that parents should consider when picking a script is how well the themes and language included in it align with the aspiring kid actor’s current emotional maturity and general understanding of the workings of the world. Stories included in the scripts that focus on simple and relatable experiences for the child are best for practice, as the youngster will be able to focus on the task at hand, instead of also requiring that their parents clear up confusion about what is happening in it.
Besides the story itself, the script for practising should also be without overly convoluted sentences and complex vocabulary usage, so the child can read it with ease and practice without additional distractions to ultimately focus on delivering a natural vocal performance. The attention span of kids is also rarely unlimited, so it is best if the scripts for practice are reasonably brief, thus allowing the child to remain engaged for the length of the whole practice session.
Ideally, the scripts for voice acting practice should also differ from each other to keep the process engaging for the child. It can be achieved by opportunities to try out different genres and types, e.g., not only scripts for plays and films but also audiobooks and commercials, thus testing various voice tones, accents, and emotional deliveries. It can additionally foster not only the kid voice actor’s creativity but also flexibility to compete for a more varied number of voice acting opportunities.
Regular Practice Makes Perfect For Every Type Of Actor
The practice routine for voice acting goes beyond working with the scripts. Amongst the fundamental things of any aspiring voice actor looking to succeed is committing to daily vocal exercises and warm-ups. Typically, they should not last for longer than 10 to 15 minutes, thus making such a daily routine manageable even for kids. It is also very important for the kid actor to remain hydrated during their voice acting practice sessions, as it reduces friction and prevents strain on the vocal cords.
Amongst the exercises that will help improve such key areas of any voice performer, as proper warming up of the vocal cords for performing, improving breath control during it, and improving articulation, are humming, tongue twisters, and lip trills. As the child begins to commit to such exercising, they will begin to view their vocals as a tool for their acting aspirations that can be strengthened and enhanced, not unlike athletes focusing on training their body’s physical abilities. Such exercises also reduce the risk of vocal cord injuries.
Parents should encourage the child to also listen to their performance after the practice sessions have been recorded, as it allows them to objectively rate themselves and look for ways to improve the next time. Similarly, aspiring voice actors should also listen to the performances of professionals, e.g., audiobooks and voice acting in animation, to better understand the nuances in their delivery, as well as try to imitate their timing and portrayal in their next practice sessions.
Kid Voice Actors Should Seek Extra Help From Professionals
While the initial practice can be done in a home environment, the voice acting aspirations, sooner or later, will require the involvement of professionals. Vocal coaches will guide the kids into improving their understanding of various voice nuances, as well as breath control and articulation. They will also work with the young performer with the aim of further improving their daily practice routine to make it more productive. Such professional coaches have the knowledge and experience required to develop a young vocal talent in all of the right ways.
Once the kids have their practice routine all set and going forward, parents should aim to remain supportive of their child’s aspirations and guide them into remaining focused on the bigger goals of what it takes to succeed as voice actors.
