Introduction
What genres of voiceover (VO) do you work in?
I work quite frequently in Commercials, Radio/Streaming, and audiobooks, though I work in just about every discipline.
Why do you love being part of VO4TP? What motivated you to join VO4TP?
Voiceover can be a solitary endeavor, and being part of a group of talented and like-minded folks working towards a common goal/cause is incredibly rewarding.
What are 3 words your best friend would use to describe you?
Responsible, Easy-Going, Supportive
Additional Work Insights
What aspects of your job bring you the most joy?
Telling varied and personal stories.
Connecting people and ideas to each other
Learning new things all the time.
How did you get started as a voice actor?
I’ve been an actor all my life, and I graduated from NYU’s MFA Acting Program in the fateful spring of 2020. Like many others, covid killed theater, film, and the entertainment industry at large for a while. But you know what’s “covid proof”? Voiceover. So, with a fresh Master’s Degree and no job prospects, I used money from a canceled flight to buy my first microphone and dove in head first. Four years later, I’ve paid off my student loans, garnered a handful of awards/nominations, and I’m a full time voiceover artist.
If you hadn’t pursued voice acting, what career path might you have explored instead?
I’ve always had a dream of opening a restaurant or cafe somewhere–probably in the Pacific Northwest. Like many actors, I’ve worked in restaurants and hospitality…a lot, and I’ve loved it! Food and service can be a direct reflection of love for someone else, and that’s hard to beat when you’re a part of it.
The Business Side
How do you manage your schedule and prioritize projects?
There are many ways I do this, but the big secret? I have an awesome (and stylish) dry erase board that sits on my desk where I keep note of all impending projects. Not only is it super satisfying to cross things off, but it also makes rearranging things tangible and easy based on my schedule, priority, and most importantly a client’s needs and deadlines.
In what ways has being a part of VO4TP challenged or changed your day to day business?
Having a community that works together to build each other up and offer support or help when needed is invaluable. Doing everything by yourself is hard, and you don’t have to!
What is it like working in a collaborative group like VO4TP?
Hey, sometimes you just need a hug, and having folks surrounding and supporting each other who know exactly what your world is like and how it feels (the highs and lows), is invaluable.
Environmentalism
Which organizations are you most passionate about giving to with your time and money?
Out of the hundreds of amazing sustainable organizations out there I couldn’t pick just one to support, and so The Planet Impact Fund was a great way to contribute to many at once.
One of my favorite places on the planet–Prospect Park. A green enclave in the heart of Brooklyn where in a short 30 minute walk you can find yourself alone with nothing but trees and sky, hear three or four different languages, see a hawk, a swan, a baby turtle, and (of course) several pups. The Prospect Park Alliance helps ensure that magic and this place are preserved and protected for everyone, indefinitely.
The planet is important, and so are the people on it. Most of my friends and family have been lucky enough to have unconditional support from their homes and communities. That love and support should be available to everyone, everywhere. The Trevor Project helps to make that a reality.
Any great tips on being sustainable in your work and/or life?
Buy less, buy used. Think you need something? Cool! Write it down, wait a couple days, and if you still need it go for it.
How do you stay informed/inspired/educated about environmental issues? Got any great resources you want to share?
1% for the Planet has awesome newsletters and updates. Scanning those and checking out the companies and businesses who are members of the organization does a good job of keeping me up to speed on what people are doing, supporting, and talking about within and about the environment and sustainability.
For Fun
If you could have any animal as a pet (real or mythical), what would it be and why?
Liz, the cat. It might be sappy, but she’s pretty tough to beat as is. (Honorable mention, hippogriff. Harry makes it look pretty fun.)
What is the most adventurous activity you have ever done, and how did it change your perspective?
One sunny morning in May back in 2015, an Italian man, my wife and I were staying with at the foot of the Dolomite Mountains told us, “you must go up the mountain.”. He pulled an oversized map from a cupboard, and traced his finger along some lines. Then he ushered us out the door and we set off on two rusty bikes towards a trailhead where we clomped into the wilderness with nothing but a dirt path and about as much information and guidance as you have now to find our way there and back again. We did, and we still reminisce about it nearly ten years later.
Imagine you’re creating a playlist for a road trip through the world’s most beautiful landscape. First, where would you be, and second, what would be the first song on your playlist?
All up and down the West Coast, but mostly in the PNW, jamming out to anything with a good bassline–preferably a funky one. The Gorillaz and Dua Lipa pop to mind. (Dance the Night from the Barbie Movie is quickly becoming a trusted standby.)
Learn more about Jay Myers.
Introduction
