Multiple reads per audition?

Erik Sheppard · **Voice Talent** Moderator Joined: 02 Mar 2005 Posts: 1317

I have a question: I usually do at least two partial reads on my auditions to try and give the seeker a choice of styles. I tell them how many reads there are in the comments section in hopes that if they don't like the first they will keep listening till the second (sometimes third). Do you guys do the same or do you think it is just annoying for the client? Does it maybe seem like I lack confidence in my interpretation? Just wondering if anyone had an opinion.

Joe J Thomas · **Voice Talent** Joined: 16 Nov 2004 Posts: 1521

I'll bet the crowd is split on this issue.

As for myself, I normally only do one read. Dry voice only, with a short slate on the front. The thinking being to give the client the easiest way to hear my voice and interpretation in the shortest amount of time.

My 2 cents,
Joe

Deby Cedars · **Voice Talent** Joined: 23 Jan 2006 Posts: 1482

When I auditioned for my agent he had me read each one 3 different ways. Personally I think it would depend on the script.

Robert Jadah · **Voice Talent** Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Posts: 2627

I'm with Joe. A serious, pro Seeker wants to hear your interpretation and take on their text.
Three versions might indicate you have no idea how the thing should be delivered.

And any client worth their salt can project your voice to slightly different variations.

Which all means that at voice sites such as, it doesn't really matter which way you go, although three dry seems excessive, and three produced seems like over-kill.

Waffle On!

Ronald T Robinson · **Voice Talent** Joined: 22 Apr 2004 Posts: 1008

Unless there is a radical departure - one read from another - the effort is hardly worth it.

Besides, instead of going through 183 reads, the Seeker will be going through 184.... maybe.

Jim Feldman · **Voice Talent** Joined: 12 Oct 2004 Posts: 77

on auditions i usually give one read. if they don't like my voice they probably won't listen through the first read anyway.

but for VO jobs i land, i always give 2 or 3 different reads. maybe one of the reads is exactly how the writer envisioned it, or maybe one of the reads is better than how the writer envisioned it. even if i'm recording in a session at their studio, i would usually ask if there's time for one more read.

it gives them a variety to work with... they can mix and match lines from each version.

Caryn Clark · **Voice Talent** Joined: 27 Mar 2005 Posts: 1000

For voice sites, I do one read, no slate, dry (edited for pops, clicks, breaths). I don't think they'll listen long enough to hear two... and they likely aren't reading your comments either.

For agents, I generally do one, sometimes two... always slated unless they request otherwise.

Caryn

Maya Kuper · **Voice Seeker** Joined: 04 Oct 2006 Posts: 97