Will Cooke

I have performed the following dialects in professional stage productions: British (RP), Irish, Russian, French, Danish, Spanish and German. I have an excellent ear, and a facility for producing dialects of all sorts. I can produce North American dialects from all over the USA and Canada.

The bulk of my VO experience comes from 35 years as corporate spokesperson for my own business. I was principal of two automobile dealerships in Central New York, wherein we represented three US brands, and five imports. This work entailed producing (and voicing) an average of two 30 and 60 second radio spots per week (total: 3000+) for broadcast over several stations in New York State. The subjects of these messages included all aspects of the automotive industry, including new and used car retail, leasing, service, parts and body shop promotion. In addition, I did all on-camera work for our television spots. I felt that this was a part of our business that was actually “fun”, and I was very good at it. In addition, I was called upon by various local institutions (Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Family & Children’s Services, Tompkins Arts Council, The Hangar Theatre, American Cancer Society, etc.) to record PSAs relevant to their activities and projects. I have narrated two full-length documentaries: “Narwahl” (Cornell University Dept. of Ornithology), and “Cornell: The Making of the American University” (WSKG Public Television, Binghamton, NY) I hold an AB (English Honors / Philosophy) from Georgetown University (Washington, DC), a Certificate from The British American Drama Academy (BADA) / Yale Drama Program (Balliol College, Oxford University, England), and an MFA (Classical Acting) from The Shakespeare Theatre Company’s Academy for Classical Acting (ACA) of George Washington University (DC). Among others, my principal teachers at ACA included Michael Kahn (Artistic Director of The Shakespeare Theatre Company), Gary Logan, (Director of ACA) and nationally-recognized Voice and Dialect Coach, Ellen O’Brien (Principal Voice & Dialect Coach for The Shakespeare Theatre Company), and Chris Cherry (Certified Alexander Technique Instructor). At this time I do not have my own studio, since I have moved to Washington, DC. I am within 30 minutes from a professional audio engineer. He has produced the demo that I have attached. I believe his skill -- and knowledge -- speaks for itself. It is important to note that I have appeared in some 70 professional plays, musicals, readings and choral productions. These have been produced both in Central New York and in the DC, MD, and VA area. (Full resume is available upon request.) I have served as emcee for more than 35 public fund-raisers, auctions, galas and variety shows. I have most recently narrated the entirety of a full-length audio book entitled: THE ELOQUENCE OF TRUTH, by Fr. Ralph Wright, OSB .