Voicetrax San Francisco

Just finished up the Beginning Seminar with Chuck and had a great time!
Chuck had us behind the mic within 40 minutes of arriving and set up a totally supportive environment for everyone to start finding their «voices». We partnered to improvise scenes based on Chuck’s prompts then recorded tags with various attitudes, further developing our approach with the feedback and support of our classmates and more direction from Chuck.
That was just the first evening!
The following day Chuck had us rehearsing and recording longer spots in groups of 2, 3 and 4 that we’d then listen to and share supportive critiques. Chuck’s acting talent impressive vocal range give his direction and demonstrations a lot of weight and his anecdotes and descriptions reveal that he’s a very smart and fun guy to work with.
As a former performer with VO experience from 30 years ago this was a great class for me to explore what might be possible and I think most of the very diverse group in the class would say the same. No small feat for Chuck to pull off in about ten hours!

I’ve been taking classes at Voicetrax for three years and I have learned so much, had a lot of fun and met some really awesome and talented people — instructors and students. It feels like a community. Samantha and the Voicetrax team pay attention and guide each individual student.

I attended the intro class, and basically would love to get to be trained by Ms Paris, her style and capability seem truly wonderful.
this link is a lot of what $ 60 buys you for an intro lecture, but not. I was impressed how intimidated i was to actually be there, i had not expected that. I feel confident, she could work with me and have me learn Voice Over. I have to go to the intro class at VoiceMedia in Lafayette, and i need to check out Voice One in SF but even if i go to one of them for some class or what ever, i feel like i want to be infected with Sam’s enthusiasm for VO. I made a mistake not volunteering, to get chance to enjoy her direction, i loved watching her do it with people but i just sat cowering in the corner, since i drive a motorbike, fly a small airplane and have windsurfed under the GG bridge, i find it funny, the surprise of how intimidated i was. That was really worth going to the intro to feel as well as to watch her work with the people who were smart enough to get up and volunteer.

Since this was my first class, an intense seminar for $ 360 over two days, here is the deal. For the money you will get to do one tag line, a 15, 30 and 60 second spot as narration or announcer, no characters. You will experience what it is like to be in the studio and take direction as to how the spot should sound, get advice etc. You’ll get a few handouts and insights into the business, how to conduct yourself in the studio. My class has 11 people, most had had drama classes or other VO classes. The voices all seem very slick. A couple did not sound that far off from audition material. It is amazing how difficult it can be to deliver what the director wants, to parse etc. So, having never done this it was as an eye opener. It is a drama class behind a mic. Some drove 2 hrs to the class. This seminar has all that the longer 6 week course has but no character voices, that class runs $ 460. I think it would be of more value if students had more than one chance in the studio. It takes getting use to. For the money, I left feeling somewhat empty. I think more could have taken place in the 10 – 11 hours over two days.

I’ve been attending classes since March 2009 and I have nothing but positive things to say about Voicetrax.
The classes are fun and varied and the teachers have all been great. Sam has assembled a team of dedicated mentors literally from the top tier of the industry. I do not know know of any other place where you are able to learn from successful voice actors, casting directors, directors, producers and agents. Each class is tailored to help you learn specific aspects of the industry while cultivating the skills you will need to pursue a career in all areas of voice acting.
The first thing that I learned was that actors book jobs, not voices! Everyone is given the same attention and the same constructive criticism. The very first day, I learned from Sam that you have to love the process and enjoy your own personal journey. Everyone is unique so for some it will go quickly, others may need a little more time before they are ready to do it for real. Sam goes to great lengths to follow each individual’s progress closely and check in every few months to offer guidance on areas to work on in the months ahead.
Are the teachers tough? You bet they are, you’re paying them to teach you the real world of acting and auditioning — not to give you a hug and tell you that you’re awesome when you’re not «there» yet!
Truthfully, it is a great school. A safe environment to challenge yourself to go beyond your comfort zone. The students are always very supportive of each other and you quickly feel confident to do things you might never have imagined you could do. The teachers work hard to educate and to push the students harder and harder until they are truly ready to be competitive in the real world.
If you’re serious about getting into voiceover and can take criticism from dedicated professionals who are 100% committed to helping you realize that goal, then you will not find a better place to get started.

I’ve been attending Voicetrax for about 2 years now and overall have had an extremely positive experience. Have all of the teachers/​classes been of the same quality? No. But I doubt there is a school that exists with multiple teachers and a varied curriculum that doesn’t have some teachers better than others. Part of this is learning styles, whereby some teachers are better for some students and others are not. All of the core teachers are extremely knowledgeable and competent, though teaching styles do differ. The guest teachers are also well established within the industry and offer at the minimum an insider’s view of what goes on. I have found that the school has prepared me thoroughly for all aspects of the voiceover industry.
As for some of the more trivial complaints, such as hard seats or bad parking, I find these much less relevant than the quality of instruction. But since they were brought up… The classes are small — no more than 15 and usually more like 10 – 12 — so there is room to get up and move around. Yes, the chairs are plastic, but they are certainly more comfortable than the ones I used in college. And I have always been able to find a parking spot. If you have a weekend class, ask where the free parking is — though you may have to walk five blocks it does exist. If you don’t want to walk you either need to pay the meter of rotate your car to a different spot ever couple of hours, but it’s certainly not difficult. Weeknight after 6pm is free and usually plentiful. And, yes, the classes are non-​refundable, but it clearly states this upon registration.

I’ve been a student for 3 years. It’s pricey, no doubt, so I’ve been going at it at a slow pace taking about 3 classes a semester… but I’ve gotten the incredible opportunity to learn from the best.
Sam Paris, owner of the academy was in a lot of the cartoons I’ve watched in my childhood. particularly Jem and the Holograms (she played Roxy from the Misfits). I’ve also had the opportunity to learn from other greats in this industry. from Bob Bergen (porky pig), Thom Pinto (CBS promo guy)… and network with some of the best, including the largest Voiceover casting agency in LA and Stars the Agency in San Francisco.
I’ve also gotten a chance to meet Nancy Cartwright (Bart Simpson) and Dionne Quan (Kimmy Fong from Rugrats) so it’s quite an experience!
It’s really given me a chance to actually believe that my dreams can soon become a reality. Many from this school have gone on to great careers in the VO world, and though everyone in the classroom is potential competition, the friendships and close-​knit togetherness is really there and everyone is a great support system.
If voiceover is something you’re interested in, whether as hobby (an expensive one, be warned) or as a potential career, this is definitely the training you should turn to to.

Voicetrax is a multi-​faceted community of very talented voice professionals, who offer years of experience and insight, as well as truly inspiring enthusiasm.
I have had class with Sarenetta, Chuck and Samantha, and enjoyed each of their very different teaching styles. They provide a safe environment to explore all the possibilities of your vocal styles and range, and do what all superior instructors should, by encouraging every student to push past their comfort zone in an effort to discover talents they may not have even known about.
Samantha is particularly energetic. Her constructive criticism comes from a place of care and understanding, making the feedback part of the process as painless as possible. She has explosive creativity in expression that is contagious, and fun.
*Just learned an important lesson: deposits are NON-​REFUNDABLE, even in case of emergency…

I’ve been attending classes at Voicetrax for a while now, on and off for financial reasons, but if I had the wherewithal, you can be sure that I’d be spending more time there to reach my goal of being a bona fide voice actor. I couldn’t believe that there would be people on Unilocal who would give this place a one star rating! Samantha takes this very seriously and is genuinely interested in the progress of EACH_​AND_​EVERY student who comes to her for this education.
It doesn’t stop there, either. So far every one of my instructors at Voicetrax has demonstrated a genuine thirst to dispense the absolute best knowledge from their personal experiences in the industry.
The comraderie that exists between the students is pretty unmatched — for example, one of my classmates actually started up a social network for the students who attend the school for the purpose of sharing experiences and soundbytes, (not to mention the fact that we all now have a way of staying in touch).
To address the environment, sure the rooms are not your typical classroom environment, but come now… let’s think about this… Voice Acting not your typical career now isn’t it.
For all you FOO FOO heads who gave this place one star, pull that porcupine out of your ass and go back to Mcdonalds or Wal Mart where you belong.
(oh, was that my outside voice?)

Howdy fellow Unilocalers,
First I would like to state I am not an employee of Voicetrax, I have not been paid or given any quid pro quo for any comments. Also any comments I make may not be the opinions of the staff, company or other students.
Simply enough I LOVE VOICETRAX.
–I have been training here since 2004, yes– I have spent a small fortunate in class and I feel I have had the comprehensive learning experience vs. a small luxury automobile.
–I have not taken classes at VoiceOne. Therefore, I can’t speak to that experience.
–Classes are challenging, teachers are not here to hold your hand-​they have your best interests at heart. You get real-​world experience in auditioning, directing yourself and script analysis just to name a few classes. The guest directors and instructors have been incredible.
–Numerous students have gone on to become huge successes in the industry and for me I have found my passion. At nearly 40 I have finally found what I want to be when I grow up.
–Fellow students and staff are warm, welcoming and encouraging. Shirley does not suffer fools gladly.
–I didn’t sign up for classes based on parking, coffee or any other superfluous reasons. I signed up because VOICETRAX was the only VO company to actually call me back and show interest in making me their student. Voice One and Voice Factory never have returned my calls from 2004. I have stayed at VOICETRAX because I have loved my learning experience there.
–Parking sucks everywhere this is the bay area. I don’t expect that they will be any better in SF or LA when I go for gigs.
–Am not signed yet, but I do have a demo and I have had several auditions and gigs from my basic home studio.
–As far as feed back goes, I know of several occasions that myself and other students have email Sam at the main Voicetrax email and she has personally responded. She is very conscientious of her students and their learning experience. At no time have I ever felt she wasn’t open to feedback. Everyone of the staff gets our feedback. The Good, Bad and Ugly.
Thanks for reading.
Angie Noble

ALL I REALLY NEED TO KNOW ABOUT VOICEOVER, I LEARNED AT VOICETRAX!!!
(I really should make a bumper sticker or a button or something!)
I took my first class at Voicetrax in 1998 and I’ve been going back ever since. Let me try to summarize what I think of Voicetrax based on the past ten years:
— Voicetrax offers the best variety and caliber of classes anywhere. I’ve taken classes in NY and LA too… but nowhere else so consistently offers the breadth & depth of classes that Voicetrax does. The teachers at Voicetrax are top-​notch (most of the best teachers here in LA, I first met or heard of through Voicetrax), the content is up-​to-​date, and all your fellow students are there to learn & grow & play (whether they are there to become professional voiceover artists or just for fun).
— Samantha does not coddle you. She will be honest with you when you’re bombing and push you to do better. Most of the other instructors are the same. They’re really cool people but they are not there to stroke your ego… they are there to improve your skills!
— Voicetrax is like family. Whenever I go for classes, it’s like a homecoming… I get a big hug & kiss from both Samantha & Shirley. I get to say hi to people I’ve taken classes with before and meet new people I’ve never seen. I’ve definitely made friends I’m in touch with outside of class… both students and teachers. Whenever I call, Shirley & Chuck always know who I am. (Before Chuck it was Johnnie and way back when it was Irene… and maybe there was someone in between Irene and Johnnie that I’m forgetting… but the point is, I always felt like they took good care of me and answered all my questions.)
— It’s true that classes fill up FAST but the only times I haven’t gotten classes I wanted is when I’m too lazy and slow to sign up for them in a timely fashion. Even then, they always do their best to at least get me on the waitlist for the ones I want the most… and amazingly enough, I often end up getting the class because other people drop out! Samantha’s «dots» (suggestions for classes) and notes on the registration form are always hand-​written, personal & specific to me. And I know from first-​hand experience that Sam is always open to feedback from students about classes & teachers and she makes adjustments accordingly. Sam has also called me or emailed me directly when I had questions for her in particular.
— Yes, the classroom can get hot & stuffy with a full class of people. And maybe the chairs aren’t upholstered. And they don’t have water there anymore. But you know what? For one thing, 12 or 13 people in a class is actually a really good student-​teacher ratio. (If you really want more space, you can always sign up for private sessions or smaller group lessons with only 4 – 6 people.) The other thing is — we’re all adults, right? You can bring a water bottle and a back pillow for yourself if you need it. You can even bring food to heat up in the microwave or coffee & snacks to share with your classmates. And nobody says you have to stay rooted to your chair the entire time… get up, get a view of the booth, go outside and get some air & stretch… take care of yourself! As long as you aren’t being disruptive, I’m pretty sure nobody will mind.
— Maybe I’m just lucky but I don’t remember ever having a class start late. More often, I’ll get there a little early and Sam’s already started bringing people into the booth to work on copy. And many times teachers will stay late or order lunch in so that people can hear more playback or so they can answer more questions or just because we’re having such a great time!
— For me, Voicetrax classes are DEFINITELY worth the time & money I’ve spent over the years. Otherwise I wouldn’t keep going. It was worth it when I started to make the drive from San Jose to Sausalito (sometimes 2 – 3 times a week) and it was worth it when I moved to Seattle to fly down for classes and it’s STILL worth it to me now to drive or fly from LA when I want to take a class at Voicetrax.
BOTTOM LINE: I have been living and working in LA as a voiceover actor for the past three years now and Voicetrax is where I learned everything I needed to know to get a rock-​solid start in the business. And it’s still where I go to learn more from the best of the best.
***I do not work for Voicetrax now nor have I ever, I’m simply a VERY SATISFIED student.***

I have been taking classes at Voicetrax for about 15 months now. I have to say I am LOVING IT! I felt compelled to share my experience and help people find this wonderful school! I truly believe that what you put into it you will get out of it. Hard work is involved but wow, is it ever rewarding!
I started looking at Voice Over because I felt I had become too old to ever pursue any kind of acting career today and I always loved the idea of doing commercials or animation characters or even video games. I am a computer tech guy who really would love to branch out and become creative!
I have heard old stories about «talent» agencies that would love to take your money, so I was naturally cautious. Was this just a scam? I mean I do know that any kind of school is something that needs money to make its living, but just what would I get out of it if I invested in it?
My first class made me feel very welcome. I was loving it! Everyone in this class was having a good time and it was just amazing at how well the intimate environment provided allowed us to drop our guard and just have fun! I am surprised but I am still in contact with some of these fellow students yet today &#61 514;
I am a person who wants it ALL and NOW. However Sam had said one thing that resonated with me, you have to put something into your effort in order to get something out of it. How true that is with anything in life! So I gambled and signed up for a few more classes. I worried the cost might be too much. I had to decide: did I want quibble and try to get free handouts and only dabble into this new world? OR did I want to invest in my future? In the end I was able to pace it out and budget myself to my needs.
My fears that this was a quick flash in the pan looking to just take my money, quickly eroded away. Right away I saw that the teachers were all very qualified and even more, WORKING in their field, as well as casting agents and voice directors both from the Bay Area AND Los Angeles! What became apparent, is how well Sam was respected in this community and how well connected she was. She truly has her students interests at heart. She wants you to shine, but she wants you to work hard.
The curriculum covers all kinds of areas in the world of Voice Over. From commercials to narration to video games, to animation. Plus things I had never even considered. Heck I even had a class from the guy who is the current voice of Porky Pig!
The teachers vary in there approach. You can find many varieties that work for you. I really liked that. All of teachers also had great insight to the process of getting you to stretch and open up as a voice actor.
You learn to find your voice. You learn how to use it. It’s a great journey, and its fun. I can’t stress it enough. If you are serious about your desire to work in the industry, and you want to be serious about building up your skills, then you make a commitment. These people are committed to what they do and they know the business. Every agent and director I have met, knows VoiceTrax and holds them in high esteem. I am truly impressed!
Yes there were periods of time I doubted myself, and wondered if what I was doing was worth it. Yes I wondered if I could afford to take these classes. Parking? While areas you have to watch the meter, just a few blocks away you can find it fairly easy. At night? All of Bridgeway is meter free, and always has spaces. Far easier than downtown San Francisco at any time of the day.
In the end? I found I loved the people. The instructors were incredible, relevant and CURRENT. How could I NOT afford this? Do I think this is the only school you can learn from? Of course not! Diversity is a good thing. Though I have not found another place with this many different types of classes. Do I think that this is a wonderful school and the right direction for my career? Definitely.

I decided to train for a new career in voice acting about 2 years ago. I went slowly; reading books at first, buying some cheap equipment and experimenting. Then I set about finding a place to study. Here in SF, there are a few places you can train in this field, but really only two that focus on voice acting exclusively. With this in mind, I attended the introductory class at each school.
When I attended the class at the first school, VoiceOne, I was energized. I was given a lot of the information I had already gleaned from some books I had read, including the book by the woman who runs the school. But she also put a lot of things in a real world perspective — what is the job market like, how do you train, what to realistically expect. During her class, there was a torrent of noise from one of the other tenants in the industrial building that the school is housed in. The instructor acknowledged the noise, joked about it and told us its source, and that she had personally spoken with the company doing the work. She did her best to be honest and to take into consideration the needs and even distractions of her audience.
Next I went to Voicetrax. The first problem I encountered was parking. Not that parking in downtown SF is easy, but with some patience you can usually find a cheap or free place to put your car. No so in Sausalito where, despite the fact that the city thrives on tourism, parking is hideous. Once I got to the class, I was not charmed by the lady working there (who I later found out to be the owner’s mother). She was not helpful and seemed only to be there as a clerk, and not very organized at that. It took her a while to find my registration, which I sent in by mail weeks before. Went I finally was allowed entrance to the room, I had to sit in the back on the previously mentioned hard chairs and really had to crane my neck to see or hear during the class.
As soon as Samantha showed up, some loud, rhythmic, mechanical banging started. Samantha never acknowledged it and it did not cease during the class. By the time she gave everyone a break (to feed their parking meters) I had a headache. I was astonished that a school that depends on studio conditions would not address this issue.
Samantha also gave a lot of the same information that I had read before, but in her case she did not give real world context. She said plainly that she would never discourage anyone from training at the school, even if they were bad. Her words were, «Some people get this in 12 months, some people get it in 5 years. I am not here to tell you to quit.» Not that I think the folks at VoiceOne want to discourage students either, but to have the instructor basically tell you that she was really only interested in students and not in creating voice actors was very telling.
By the time I was done with the class I felt as if I had been in the room for hours. She did walk us through some exercises, which I thought were not very helpful because I wasn’t there to be stroked or titillated but to gather information. However, many of the other students seemed to be there just for that reason. Many of them were fellow Marin-​ites who seemed to be there on a lark, or as a diversion — like a pottery class. It made me uncomfortable to think I would have to deal with both unprofessional students and an instructor who did not inspire confidence. Overall, I was not impressed by my experience and I subsequently enrolled at VoiceOne.
That being said, she does have an impressive lineup of instructors and a wide variety of classes. She is well respected (to my knowledge) in the VO community and I have met students who train at both schools and have had great things to say about VoiceTrax. If it weren’t for the ridiculous parking problems, I would probably give one of the other instructors a chance. But I am not foolish enough to think that I could find parking easily or cheaply on a Friday night in Sausalito. That’s crazy talk.

Have one of those voices where people say, «You should do voice overs?» Well, if you want to explore that part of yourself, check out Voicetrax San Francisco. Cross the Golden Gate Bridge and head over to the ethereal land called Sausalito. Samantha Paris is a seasoned professional who will coach you with tough love and dedication, and get to the nitty gritty. She recruits teachers from L.A. and beyond, all consummate professionals. I have been taking classes at Voicetrax since 1996 and am now a working actor. The tools I continue to learn in this supportive environment have been priceless… «Selection Not Rejection» is advice that has helped me endlessly!