As actors, we have three important tools at our disposal: voice, body and imagination. I’ve been an actor, voice actor, theater educator and coach for a combined 40+ years and I start every class and every session with a warm-up. It’s essential. Something actors and performers young and old never outgrow. Plus, the routine is psychologically grounding, preparing both body and mind to produce quality work.
Each actor has different warm-up needs. But whether you’re about to rehearse, film, hop on stage or get behind the mic, every professional needs a personal routine of their own. If you’re still working on creating one that works for you, today we’ll highlight three important elements to make sure you include each and every time you step behind the mic.
1. Physical Warm-Up
I start most days with a yoga routine to warm up my body and work out the inevitable kinks that build up over a night of sleep. Whether you start the day with an hour long yoga session, some deep stretching after a half-hour walk or just 5 minutes before you hop in the booth, some sort of physical warm-up will always improve your performance and final product.
2. Vocal Warm-Up
This is probably the most obvious element of the voice over artists’ warm-up. Yes, we’ve got to warm up the voice. It’s not great for your vocal cords to go into the booth cold and it doesn’t make for a long career if you’re not taking care of those muscles. I start with a short facial massage, letting go of tension especially in the jaw, neck and temples. Stretch the tongue and open up the mouth. Moving on to some easy yawning to bring the voice alive. Then what I call “Horse Face”, letting air pass through loose lips and letting go of any more tension in the tongue, throat and neck. I then add voice with some “lip bubbles” getting any gunk off those cords from my morning coffee or (hopefully) restful night’s sleep. And of course, we can’t forget our favorite jaw-releasing exercise that makes every actor look super cool. Afterwards it’s time to get those articulator’s moving. Stretch the tongue and practice those plosives.
3. Work with Support
After you’ll warmed up and ready to go, don’t forget to support yourself for a long session behind the mic so you don’t just start quality work, you finish that way several hours later. Hydrate regularly with a big ol’ reusable water bottle. C’mon, we can do better than disposable water bottles. Take care of our planet. Next, do your spine a favor and don’t record barefoot. Pop on some supportive shoes whether or not they go with your outfit. I keep some good ones in my booth so I can wear whatever I want for the rest of the day but still record supported.
The most important part of your warm-up? That it’s YOURS. Create something that works for you, addresses your specific physical and vocal needs, and will be easy to make into a consistent habit so you can enjoy a long and healthy career.
Caroline Cole is a voice-over actor, copywriter, and coach based in Dallas, TX. Learn more at carolinecolestories.com or join in by following @carolinecolestories on Instagram and @ccolestories on Twitter.
