Voice-Acting at The Lir Academy
This practical two-day workshop will introduce students to the fundamentals of voice-over acting. Learn more below in our Q&A with tutor Al Doyle.
Q: Tell us about you!
A: I'm a London based Irish voice-over artist and actor. My interest in voice work started early on in the 1990's when I had a varied music career. The first band I was in was called 4 Rhythm, and in 1995 we had a hit with the track ‘Maniac’. We toured extensively across Ireland and the UK supporting bands including the Prodigy. Then I went on to set up the award-winning hiphop act '3rd Eye Surfers' in 2001 and we released the first ever Irish hiphop album called ‘Filthy Folklore’. we supported Public Enemy, Jurassic Five and Grand Master Flash. In 2004, I joined the experimental band Decadence releasing the album ‘Loud’ later that year to critical acclaim.
After that, I changed tack and worked in TV for 24 years working as a voice artist, freelance producer, director and comedy writer. During that time, I produced and performed in many award-winning shows and created a six-part comedy series called ‘Meet Your Neighbors’. Some of my other credits include: 'Star Wars Battlefront 2'; the animation series 'Viking Skool' (Disney+); and the BAFTA-supported series ‘Night Zookeeper’ (SKY1); multiple roles in 'Zig and Zag' (BBC); the 'MYA GO' series 1&2; and I am currently writing and starring on a new animation called ‘Ghost Town’. I also work on video games such as Star Wars; Battlefront II; Worms Rumble; and Outcast: A New Beginning, amongst many others.
Q: Describe your passion for voice-over Acting.
A: I’ve been a voice actor for about fifteen years and every single job my agent brings me is a total surprise; an amazing adventure into the unknown. I have tried to broaden my vocal skillset as much as I can over the years. On any given day, I could be a dragon in a computer game trying to eat a player, an 85-year-old granny with invisible cats in an animation or convincing you this is the best car you’ll ever taste.
Q: What will people learn on the course?
A: During the course I will outline the journey I took to become a working voice-over artist. I will run through the practicalities, the equipment, ideas for showreels, how to approach agents and how to edit and direct yourself. I encourage discussion in these lessons to try an answer any questions the participants might have. There will also be practical exercises to open and develop their skillset and they will finally put those skills to the test putting their unique voice over actual commercials and animation.
Q: What kind of people participate in the course?
A: We have had people from all walks of life and different stages who want to explore the possibility of doing voice work. I’ve met policemen, writers, retired accountants, butchers, bar people, busmen, and actors who want to further their abilities.
Q: What experience do people need?
A: I don’t feel anyone needs any experience - I think anyone who has come to the course has an itch they want to scratch. I intend to let anyone who wants explore this world know everything I know but also to take them on a journey to discover their abilities. The only things people have to arrive with is an open mind, curiosity and the willingness to have fun, learn and explore.
Q: What are the elements of voice-over acting?
A: Exploration, mimicry, curiosity, research, playfulness, imagination, an open mind, persistence and above all fun.