Life, with its beautiful unpredictability, paints a vivid tapestry of diverse experiences. This is especially true when you are an on-the-road voice actor. The traveling voice actor still needs to keep up to date with projects, auditions, and general day-to-day business. The journey is fraught with unforeseen turns and bumps. Yet, as an on-the-road voice actor, it's all about embracing the unexpected and arming yourself with strategies that enable you to turn these challenges into stepping stones. This article reveals top practices for ensuring success despite being on the move.
The reason behind a voice actor’s continuous travels might be numerous, from job opportunities, conferences, family visits, or simply indulging in a relaxing vacation. Of course, equipping yourself with essential travel-friendly gear is paramount, but there's more to it. The key to success, no matter the location, lies in maintaining a disciplined routine and adapting it to your travels. Let’s delve deeper into this concept.
Consider your regular routine at home, where you rise at 7am, and begin your workday at 8am, after a healthy breakfast and some reading, in the warm ambiance of your studio with a cup of coffee at your side. Now, throw in a new timezone that is 8 hours off, a night spent on an uncomfortable mattress, and a skipped breakfast due to jet lag. Things seem off-kilter, right? So how do you realign?
While these tips may seem basic, they are easily and regularly neglected, particularly by performers who tend to shun structure. By adhering to these practices, you set the stage (No pun intended) for smoother travels and performances. But the journey doesn’t end here.
The real challenge arises when you encounter opportunities like auditions and jobs at seemingly inconvenient times due to time zone differences. You might feel exhausted when your session starts at 4pm in the local timezone, while your body clock still runs at midnight. It's a hurdle, no doubt, but not one that's insurmountable - you can do it!
In the face of these challenges, remember that consistency and perseverance are your best allies. It's far too easy to fall ill or overextend yourself on the road, potentially leading to missed sessions, auditions, and opportunities. Stick to the practices mentioned earlier and strive to adjust your body to the new timezone. It might take a while, but your persistence will eventually pay off, leading to successful auditions and booked jobs. Moreover, you'll get to experience the excitement of exploring new places while nailing your career goals. The road ahead may be winding, but it's also filled with promise.
Traveling Voice Actor by Alan Shires