Here at Such A Voice, we bring together some pretty incredible professionals from all different parts of the world to provide our students with a top voice-over education. Our staff members have such a wide variety of backgrounds and unique personalities. From working VO actors starring in movies, video games, and national TV commercial campaigns, to producers spending their days working on voice-over demos as well as broadcast voice-over work, to copywriters, casting directors and many other industry skills in between! We genuinely love bringing our expertise and our experiences together to create the best programs for our students.
For this week’s staff spotlight, we’d like to introduce you to one of our coaches, Wendy Shapero.
SAV: Tell us a little bit about yourself, Wendy Shapero!
Shapero: I’m a Detroit native, with vaudevillian grandparents. I was broadway bound, but then did Disney, and then LA came calling with more opportunities. I worked for Disney, aka “The Mouse,” for a bit and continued as a dancer and choreographer and moved into film and commercials. I’ve been very active in LA for sometime. I am really grateful for my fun and very talented mix of eccentric and eclectic friends. Meanwhile, I love going out east and visiting my sister, niece, and nephew. At my core, I think I’ve got a bit of a NY cab driver living inside me. 🙂
SAV: How did you get started in voice-over?
Shapero: As I share in class, I was sitting in the back seat of this producer’s car and he said to me, “You have a really good voice, you should do voice-over.” He was my friend and his pregnant wife was with us in the front seat on our way to dinner. But, he heard my sound without visual distraction and really encouraged me to go for it!
SAV: Do you prefer skydiving, scuba diving, or having your feet on the ground?
Shapero: I have a fear and fascination with the ocean. If I can’t see the bottom, there’s
a terrified curiosity. Mind you, I’m a child of the Jaws generation.
SAV: What’s something really cool that not many people know about you? (That you’re willing to share!)
Shapero: I enjoy karate. I plan to take up Krav Maga.
SAV: What other creative abilities do you have?
Shapero: Writing, directing, costuming, interior design, and dance (Jazz Hands!).
SAV: Please share with us one of your favorite voice-over jobs.
Shapero: Working with Seth Green on Robot Chicken was very fun, fast, and easy. We are still getting residuals. I’d say also doing a commercial for Caesar Milan – I love the dog whisperer!
SAV: What’s your favorite type of VO to do?
Shapero: Salty and wry with a hint of sass. It’s just my signature.
SAV: Would you pick a dance club or comedy club for a night out?
Shapero: Dance club for sure! But more like a place playing old school music or Abba! Nothing like letting your hair down and boogieing till the break of day!
SAV: Do you have a favorite vocal warm up when you’re in the booth?
Shapero: I think breathing and shaking it out is the best way to get in touch with my personality. Being physical and nimble is so important. Jumping jacks or anything aerobic to get connected to myself.
SAV: If you could tell ‘just starting out in VO’ you, something that you know today, what would you tell yourself?
Shapero: Never lose the childlike imagination. Really let all your natural instincts fly. There’s absolutely no reason to let fear or comparisons get in the way of your play time. And like my dad would say,”K.I.S.S. aka, Keep It Simple Stupid!”
To learn more about Wendy, check out her website.
