Erik Sumner

Voice Description

My voice can be emotive per dramatic situations, or engaging and explanatory for informative recordings. Characterization is of utmost importance and is handled with finesse. Gritty, pure, breathy, full, or warm might apply, depending on the project. I will not only assign a characterization to your copy but will of course work with you to fine-tune it to your liking.

Voice Genders and "Ages" I Can Perform

• Teenage Boy
• Young Adult Male
• Middle Age Male

Language(s) of Which I Am a Native Speaker:

• English - Australian / NZ
• English - British
• English - North American
• English - Other

I Offer my Services for these Recording Purposes

• Commercials
• Promos
• IVR, voicemail, phone systems, and on-hold messages
• Audiobooks
• Documentaries
• Podcasts
• Songs

Jobs I Am Willing to Take (Union-wise)

• Non-Union Jobs

• Jobs for AFTRA (US) signatories

• Jobs for SAG (US) signatories

My Union Affiliations and Memberships

None

My Recording and Delivery Capabilities

• I can record and then deliver the audio files via Email

Pre-, Post- and Production Services I Offer

None

My Home Base

Salt Lake City, Utah, United States

Accents, Impersonations, Characters and Dialects

North American English is my native language, while I can do a posh or "relaxed" British accent, Scottish accent, Irish accent, Australian accent, German accent, French accent, Russian accent, standard or regional American accent (Northern or Southern). German and French are second languages. I've done "demon" voices, as well as soft and breathy, loud and rough, authoritative, timid, angry, fun, excited, and romantic voices.

My Voice Experience

From my childhood on, I've been fascinated with sound, particularly human sound. I have sung, played musical instruments, and written music all of my life. I have done theatre, musical theatre, and opera roles and am on the verge of a career in film. I have traveled to European countries and through the different regions of the United States, having lived in London for four years. I am always "tuned in" to the accents and inflections of people I meet, and I imitate cartoon and movie characters (human and otherwise).

My Training

I hold a Master's degree in Vocal Performance from the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston, MA, and I also hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music, with concentrations in Voice and Composition. I have extensive performing arts experience (piano, guitar, drums, theatre, show choir, show band, singing) and a great command of English. I can learn the grammar and pronunciation of foreign languages quickly.

My Studio Equipment

MBOX 2 Pro
Zoom H2

Additional Skills

I apply my intelligence to understanding the content of what I read, such that my inflection is appropriate even to "unemotional" texts. On the other hand, if "emotion" is required, I can make clear a range of qualities from goofiness, solemnity, grief, elation, and sarcasm to nervousness, jollity, rage, suave, and carefree. These have all applied in my operatic, theatric, and "purely musical" performances.

Payment Methods Accepted

• PayPal
• Personal checks, cashier's checks, or money orders in my local currency

Contact Information

To contact Erik Sumner by email or phone, please click here.