Beat the Heat: Essential Tips for Voice Actors to Stay Cool While Recording in the Summer – Hannah Trusty
Summer can be a challenging season for voice actors. Between the sweltering heat and the need to maintain vocal clarity, long recording sessions during the summertime require a bit more creativity. If you’ve ever tried to deliver a perfect performance while sweat beads trickle down your back, you know just how crucial it is to find ways to stay cool. Here are some practical tips I’ve learned from both my own trial and error and advice from my peers to help you keep your cool and ensure your voice remains as crisp as a summer breeze!
- Hydrate with Cool Water
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay cool is to drink plenty of water—and make sure it’s room temperature or cool (as ice cold will harm your performance!) Keeping hydrated is essential for maintaining vocal health, but the temperature of the water can also make a difference. Cool water not only helps to keep your body temperature down but also provides a refreshing sensation that can help you stay alert and focused during your recording sessions. Keep a large pitcher or bottle of water handy and sip regularly to stay hydrated and cool. Do be wary what you put that water in, however – metal bottles will ring your sound waves audibly in recordings!
- Consider Your Air Conditioning Options
Beat the heat!
An expensive, silent air conditioning unit can be a fantastic investment for voice actors who can afford it, but it’s not a necessity for everyone. If you’re on a budget, there are still ways to stay cool without breaking the bank. Portable AC units or even basic fans can provide some relief. Just be mindful of any background noise they might generate, as this can interfere with your recordings. Typically, you may want to have one of these nearby, but only turn it on when you’re in between takes or editing auditions.
- Stand in a Tray of Cool Water
This tip I recently heard in one of my social media classes from a student, and I loved it! For a quick and direct cooling method, try standing in a tray of cool water. Unconventional to be sure, but it’s a surprisingly effective way to keep your body temperature down. Fill a shallow tray with cold water, and stand in it while you record. Make sure the tray is large enough to comfortably accommodate your feet without risking damage to your equipment or studio floor. This method can be particularly effective if you’re recording in a small, enclosed space where other cooling methods might be less practical. Be careful not to slosh your feet around while you’re recording!
- Apply Cool Damp Washcloths & Ice Packs
Another simple yet effective cooling technique is to use cool, damp washcloths over your shoulders. Soak a few washcloths in cold water, wring them out, and drape them over your shoulders and neck. Alternatively, ice packs work all the same! The evaporative cooling effect will help to lower your body temperature and keep you feeling comfortable. You can even keep a small bucket or basin of cool water nearby to refresh the washcloths as needed throughout your recording session.
- Sit on a Wooden Stool
Standing for long periods can make you feel hotter, so consider switching to a wooden stool instead. Wooden stools are generally cooler than upholstered chairs, and they help maintain better airflow around your body. Plus, sitting can be less strenuous and help you conserve energy, making it easier to stay cool and focused during long recording sessions. Do keep in mind though that typically, voice acting is best done standing to ensure a full range performance. I usually sit down only for longer narration that isn’t heavy on character work or dramatic line reads!
- Time Your Recordings Wisely
Finally, consider adjusting your recording schedule to avoid the peak heat of the day. Early mornings and late evenings tend to be cooler, making these times ideal for recording. By scheduling your sessions during these cooler parts of the day, you can take advantage of more comfortable temperatures and avoid the worst of the summer heat. Instead, you can spend the hotter part of the day sitting inside with the A/C blasting, or getting out to a nearby beach to soak up the rays!
By incorporating these tips into your summer recording routine, you can keep cool and ensure that your voice remains in top form. Hydration, creative cooling methods, and strategic scheduling can make all the difference in achieving a successful and comfortable recording experience. Stay cool and keep delivering those stellar performances, no matter how high the mercury rises!
Check out our free PDF with pro tips from real working voice-over actors here!
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