Community Spotlight – Ali Cheff

Ali Cheff is a Voice Actor, humanitarian clown, explorer, actor & bike polo player.  They came to voice over through the on-camera & stage world, but have always been a performer, whether that means performing in family and friends’ living rooms, barrios in the Amazon, the underground of DC, and, of course, inside the booth.

After being inspired by their mother’s efforts in creating healthy-living animation videos, Ali knew anything and everything was possible. Ali got their start recording audiobooks in a yurt– and having to navigate around all the animal sounds– and now has recorded in studios all over the country.

Ali’s current goals include continuing to level up their acting abilities and engaging more in the community.

Q: What’s one thing you absolutely can’t live without on your career or journey?

“Play.” I know that isn’t a physical thing but it is essential. Play requires you to be curious, to play in the depths of darkness, and to explore humanity and the world. “Play” also means being a little shameless because it shows you’re willing to give a hand to someone in need while also willing to pull from the depths of your soul.

I also love Tea and recommend Gyokuro or Tung Ting tea.

Q: What’s something that happened this year that you’re really proud of?

I’m really excited about some of the opportunities I’ve had recently (NDAs, so I can’t talk about them) as well as my journey in becoming more vulnerable. I’m also very excited to add Appalachian dialects to my repertoire.

Q: What’s one of your major takeaways from participating in THNEA classes? 

Reminding myself to be specific and know what each line is telling the audience or what the other character/listener needs to do specifically. THNEA is full of people who love this world of actors and acting. I’ve even taken a couple of classes twice and still learned a lot each time. They’re not only committed to sharing knowledge but to being human. It is such a reigniting environment. The community is awesome and keeps me going, keeps me curious, and keeps me giving what I can in return.

Q: If you can give your past self one piece of advice at the start of your journey, what would it be? 

The are no rules, be shameless, curious, and play! Love is at the core of every hero & villain, you are enough. Live it!

You can learn more about Ali on their website or IMDB.