Kathy Christopherson

Accents & Dialects: North American regional (midwest, New York, New Jersey, Southern Bell, Texan, Hillbilly); Upper crust snobby ballet teacher; bored East Coast factory worker; bratty boy b/t 6-16 years old; chubby nerdy jokester guy; wicked witch of the west; 1940s film noir babe.

A film, tv, theater and commercial actress for over 20 years, voiceover work has always been on the perimeter of my career. Having done a good deal of ADR/looping and sometimes the narration for tv and film projects, I have been in the sound booth on many occasions. After studying at Kalmenson & Kalmenson in the late 90s, I put together my first VO demo reel and immediately scored a radio spot for Honda. After working with 2 VO veterans on this national spot, I realized that I should be more aggressive in the field. However, I was once again pulled away for on-camera work, and it would be years before I re-visited the idea. When Anna Garduno, actress and VO veteran, began coaching in the LA area, I decided to jump in the class. Her reaction to my voice and capabilities was the inspiration I needed to focus my energy into forging ahead. While I was already comfortable with commercial copy, Anna unearthed my delight for character voices in the animation world. Coincidentally, my name was put on the director's shortlist to play a character in an upcoming Warner Brothers film, but the studio decided they felt more confident casting a talent who had a demo specifically for animation. I was disappointed, but all that more inspired to be proactive. Instead of waiting for the "perfect moment," I am now forging ahead into the VO world, and letting come what may. I have a great deal of respect and admiration for the veterans who have cornered the market, and am simultaneously hoping to carve out my own space here. Kalmenson & Kalmenson Voiceover class Anna Garduno - commercial and animation voiceover coaching Larry Moss - acting Patsy Rodenburg - Voice/Shakespeare Bruce Ekstat - Singing/voice John Lehne - acting and improv Tim Philips - audition Harry Mastrogeorge - scene study Lynette Katselas - scene study/acting Theater - 20+ years University of Illinois - Bachelor's degree in Advertising, cognate in Theater GarageBand Right now we're using a Rode condenser mic with an interface, but I am going to start working with the Blue Yeti condenser mic/pop filter and a small studio foam sound booth. My most beneficial skill that adds to this mix is my background in performance and character work. A crafted actor is already comfortable with taking direction, playing with choices and intentions, using the imagination, and the nerves sometimes associated with the audition environment. Also, having played all sorts of roles on stage and on camera, I feel like there is even more room for creativity in the voiceover world.