Articles, blogs and what’s happening now at Halp
Stephanie Southerland is a voice actor based in Los Angeles! She grew up loving stories in every form: Saturday morning/after school cartoons, playing video games, etc. Her mom enrolled her in dance at the ripe age of 2 years old where she learned that she loved dancing and especially the spotlight. She spent most of her childhood performing for anyone who would listen (or couldn’t escape). Her path to voiceover started on stage, where she fell in love with character work and the endless ways a voice can shape a story.
She earned her degree in Music Dance Theater, training as a singer, actor, and dancer before discovering that her favorite part of every role was the voice. It wasn’t until she was deciding whether to move to New York or LA that she figured out that she wanted to focus on voice work.
I can’t live without my vocal nebulizer. Since the voice can be affected by things like dehydration or heavy use, it’s been a game-changer for me in maintaining good vocal health. I love that it’s backed by research which shows that using a nebulizer with isotonic saline can actually reduce the pressure required from your vocal folds to create sound. Less pressure means less tension while singing, less swelling after long sessions, and faster recovery times. It’s become one of my most favorite things!
This year, I’ve found a lot of pride and fulfillment in things outside of work, which has been huge for a workaholic like me. I’ve learned to slow down and really enjoy my flower garden. It’s peaceful and helps me feel centered while connecting with nature. I also foster kittens, which has been incredibly rewarding. Watching tiny, helpless neonates grow into funny, independent little personalities and then finding them loving forever homes is so good for the heart.
Having these parts of my life outside of work has brought balance and, I think, has only made me a better actor.
Community is a rising tide that lifts all ships. It might sound trite, but I really believe that when we root for each other, we all succeed.
Separate your worth from your achievements. Your talent and success aren’t measured by the jobs you book. You can give your best performance in an audition and it still might not be the right fit, and that’s okay. Be patient. Some people find success quickly, for others, it takes time. You are exactly where you need to be, and the opportunities meant for you won’t pass you by.
This career is unpredictable, so keep taking classes, building your craft, and connecting with people. Community and friendships really are everything. Work hard, but also make sure you have joys outside of work, because they make everything else better.
16 06 25Hunter McCoy (they/he) is a non-binary actor based in Los Angeles! They were born in Manassas, Virginia, and moved around a bunch as a kid, but for the most part grew up in Cary, North Carolina. Their parents called it that they'd be a performer, having put them in community plays at 4 years old, but Hunter didn't bite right away. As a lifelong gamer, they started high school thinking they were on their way to being a concept artist or a programmer.
16 06 25We've been having such a blast organizing opportunities for actors to work with voice directors in a setting that mimics real recording sessions! We love seeing people bring their A-game, having lots of fun, and connecting with us in-person!
16 06 25Are you "directable?" What does that mean, exactly?