Talent Spotlight: Shannon Edwards

Since graduating from SAV’s Breakout Program in 2016, Shannon Edwards has completed twelve 3-5 minute scripts for an award banquet for Rebecca J. Decker, voiced a couple commercial spots for Francis Marion University, and done a promo video for ESL Lounge Pro. She’s currently in the process of wrapping up her second audiobook and is looking to further explore the animation voice-over industry. Let’s learn more about what Shannon has been up to since graduating from Such A Voice.

SAV: Thanks so much for taking the time, Shannon! Tell us, what inspired you to get into voice-over?

Edwards: For as long as I can remember, I had a talent for doing voices, but I never thought it would be something I could actually do for a living. My friends would always ask me to do a voice, similar to how the guys would ask Gordo from Stand By Me to tell one of his stories. Anyway, I just woke up one morning in October 2016 with the idea in my head, like I had dreamed about it and didn’t remember. Know what I mean? I just thought, “I know what I want to do when I grow up!!!”

SAV: How did you come across Such A Voice?

Edwards: I immediately started doing research and found SuchAVoice.com. I called and spoke with Dan Levine and realized the possibilities were limitless, so I went for it! I signed up for 12 coaching sessions and a demo, and since then I haven’t looked back! I mean, I still have my day job, but maybe if I work hard enough and get myself out there, that will change.

SAV: What kind of resources did you use to record your own voice-overs (home studio, microphone, etc.)?

Edwards: Let me first tell you how I built my very first, humble little “studio.” Do not laugh! I went to Lowe’s and picked up an empty free refrigerator box. I bought some thick mattress pads, a staple gun, and some spray adhesive. I cut a door in it with a plastic vent so I wouldn’t pass out. After a while, it became too small. So, I took the 4 x 4 area under my stairs, cleaned out all the clutter from the Christmas paper hoarding I had been doing, and built myself a sound booth. I checked out videos on YouTube for “How To’s” and made a list of materials needed to create a completely soundproof space and began constructing it myself. I even put a window in the door like a real studio has! How fun is that? As for your original equipment question, I have a MacBook Pro with the Audacity audio production software and a Scarlett Solo Pack that makes my recording sound clear and crisp. You can use this for my story when I win my first SAG award. I expect to see you there! 2018 baby!

SAV: What type of voice-over work resonates with you the most? (In other words, what’s your niche?)

Edwards: I LOVE promos! I’m good at them. That is what I did for my demo, but I believe I have found a niche in audiobook production. It takes a little longer than I would prefer to complete, but I do enjoy reading. I have two audiobooks under my belt. I have also forged a great relationship with an author who loves my work. But, I also want to voice commercials and/or voice an animated character.

SAV: Tell us about your background. What kind of voice-over gigs have you done?

Edwards: My first gig was a project for a woman in South Carolina. I found her on UpWork.com. I recorded and produced 12 separate three to five minute scripts for an award banquet benefiting strong, influential women in her community. She was very happy with my work. That gig was done in my first studio! I have also completed production on audio for an ESL Pro video that is presently on YouTube (and my website). That was a lot of fun! I got to match my voice to the video. Timing that out was a challenge, and I love a good challenge. And, as I mentioned, I landed two audiobook production gigs through ACX.com.

SAV: What kind of jobs are you hoping to get in the future?

Edwards: I hope to eventually get a recurring gig in an animated role. That is my ultimate goal. I just need to find the right connection. It’s hard to do in Dickson, TN. I am close to Nashville, but I don’t know where to go for that. I am mining Craiglslist and Upwork. I’ll take any chance that I can get to find that one gig that gets my foot in the animation door.

SAV: Do you have anyone that has really pushed you? Anyone to thank?

Edwards: My coach is fantastic! Mark Neely is the man! Even after a year, he contacts me now and again with encouragement and sends me opportunities. He is a great source of motivation and inspiration. He calls me “Sunshine Shannon.” Also, Angela Castonguay was really great during my demo production. She was very honest with the priceless advice she gave and she listened to me when I spoke.

SAV: What advice would you offer to those who are looking to get into the voice-over industry?

Edwards: Just do it. Stop thinking, “That’s just for actors with great voices.” You can be that actor with the great voice. Everyone has a voice, and someone is looking for yours.

SAV: Any last thoughts?

Edwards: If you get a crazy idea, explore it. In that journey, you might just find what you are supposed to be doing. And, if you go into voice acting, keep it light. Have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously! Oh, and read everything out loud! It helps you hone your craft. Use different voices. Play with it.

SAV: Thanks so much for taking the time! Tell us, what inspired you to get into voice-over?

Edwards: For as long as I can remember, I had a talent for doing voices, but I never thought it would be something I could actually do for a living. My friends would always ask me to do a voice, similar to how the guys would ask Gordo from Stand By Me to tell one of his stories. Anyway, I just woke up one morning in October 2016 with the idea in my head, like I had dreamed about it and didn’t remember. Know what I mean? I just thought, “I know what I want to do when I grow up!!!”