Voiceover Studio Chicago

03/19/2025

Voiceover Studio Chicago was featured in an article in the Redfin magazine.

If you have dreams of being a working actor, it’s important to have a self-tape studio set up to record your auditions.

01/27/2025

I do very little marketing for my coaching business. Most of the time, I'm too busy or don't want to work that hard -- or don't want to encourage ANYONE to get into a business that's so competitive, and where it can be so difficult to land work. But I'm seeing more and more posts from companies who are selling their coaching in ways that appear unethical.

"Hey, do you want your voice in a videogame?"
[Getting work in animation and videogames is VERY difficult, even for skilled and experience professional talent, PLUS you usually need to be able to work in Los Angeles.]

"Hey, you should make a voiceover demo and get into voiceover!"
[They're implying that you MUST have a demo to make money with your voice -- you don't -- and they will take your money for a fully-produced one-minute demo whether you have any experience or not.]

"Hey, make money with your voice! It's easy and fun!"
[I love my job and enjoy auditioning whether I get the work or not. But running ANY business is not 'easy.']

But friends have convinced me that I should promote my voiceover coaching more, as I'm an incredibly experienced talent and coach, and offer excellent information for a great price. If you or someone you know is interested in the voiceover business, please look over my coaching site.

Voice over and voiceover classes. Come for coaching, training, demos, demo production and more. Commercials, announcers, narration, promo, videogames and animation -- all shared by a guy with acting experience, warmth and honest stuff.

04/06/2023

The most direct and honest information about the VO biz available anywhere.

09/27/2022

I am honored to be on the roster of presenters for the CAST Convention!

CAST Convention (Community of Artists Skills Training) is a one-day conference-style event to elevate the skills, professionalism, and community of Chicago and greater Midwest actors and models. Featuring top Casting Directors, Acting Schools, VO Studios, and more, learn from elite professionals

09/19/2022

On a walk, I just noticed a new mural in my neighborhood. 

04/01/2022

This is not an April Fool's post! I just had to share a glowing review I received today from a recent Voiceover Exploration client. Thank you, Ben!

https://www.voiceoverstudiochicago.com/testimonials.html

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April 1, 2022

I found Darren's website one day while doing some web searches for voiceover coaching and resources, and how glad I am that I stopped in to take a look! I was fortunate enough to be gifted a session with him by my amazing girlfriend as well as my parents and what more can I say than it was an absolute honor to be coached by Darren. His knowledge and experience were evident as he explained the business then proceeded to put me behind the microphone in a very well-treated space to get some "voice on" practice. He made it all feel very comfortable and fun and not once did I dread any mistake I made or nitpick he had as his friendliness and demeanor helped me to thrive during that 2-hour session. The overall exploration was an amazing opportunity leaving me with a huge confidence boost and an even greater drive to pursue a voiceover career.

The follow-up sessions via email and phone are just the cherry on top of an already filling and nutritious experience. His follow-up email dissected my speech patterns, pronunciations, and offered tips to help push me to take time to work and be mindful of aspects of my voice and how to improve it. As an AV nerd, I also appreciated being able to just chat about equipment and hearing his recommendations for future upgrades to my own setup later down the line.

Finding and learning from someone who genuinely enjoys what he does and offers his expertise with such clarity and care is absolutely someone who I would recommend to others who are looking for voiceover coaching or wanting to take that first step.

Ben K.

I do ask people if they'd like to offer a testimonial, but offer no remuneration or anything in exchange for what they send me. I've been fortunate to receive compliments from clients for my advice,...

06/28/2021

My first in-person coaching of the pandemic went well. (He and I were both vaccinated.) It felt strange working with someone in my home studio and a I felt a bit rusty, but the workshop apparently well, as Mark wrote one of the most glowing testimonials I've ever received.

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I'm so glad I found Darren. I didn’t know anything about the voiceover business and I quickly found I could spend an inordinate amount of time researching, watching youtube videos etc. Two hours with Darren may be the best investment of time and money I've ever made! I learned so much from him in our session and then I was blown away when he sent me all of the recordings he coached me through as well as a step by step guide on what to do next. He provided me with detailed feedback and areas where I should concentrate. He gave me links to all the software, websites and specific equipment recommendations. I feel like I have a roadmap to find my way into the voiceover business. Many thanks Darren, I’m sure I’ll see much more of you in the future! I know I’ll hear you - what a great voiceover artist!

Many thanks,

Mark S.

09/16/2020

[These kind words were from an established actress who is resuming voiceover work after some years absence, so she took the Voiceover Consultation.]

I recently took Darren’s two hour Voiceover Consultation session. It was fantastic! During our session, Darren coached me on five commercials and three narration pieces. He gave me very helpful feedback about how to improve my voice and make my audition more competitive. After our session, he provided me with notes to improve my performance, additional info on the VO business and resources to help me move forward. I received a lot of really valuable information in a short amount of time. The session was worth every penny! I’m very glad I consulted with Darren.

07/07/2020

I received another terrific testimonial from a Voiceover Exploration I conducted via Zoom. Certainly worthy of sharing... Thanks for the kind words, Jordan.

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July 7, 2020 [This coaching was conducted via Zoom.]

Working with Darren was an absolute treat. In short, it was an incredible, roughly two-hour session that provided a lot of insight into the voiceover industry. If you're interested in learning what commercial VO is all about and/or want to know the best place to start, you want to take the Exploring VO class!

If you're at home like I was, you'll be up on your feet recording with him (Darren will help you find good, affordable [microphones] that you can use as you start your career!) You'll be learning about different ways to approach copy and which strategies are important to use in which situations. You'll learn different ways to practice and get better at your craft. You'll learn techniques to help you deliver your takes. And Darren will help you understand where you personally need to grow the most.

To boot, you'll get valuable insight into the industry and different strategies to help you succeed, all while working with a great, warm, humorous, and professional voice actor.

I cannot recommend the Exploring VO course enough. It's really worth every penny.

Jordan K.