Navigating Voice Acting Challenges: A 13-Year-Olds Perspective

As a 13-year-old voice actor, you might find yourself in a situation where the script you're given is riddled with grammar mistakes and assumed spelling errors, written by someone with English as their second language. It's important to handle such situations with a clear and professional approach to ensure you give your best performance while also addressing any potential issues with the script.

Understanding the Script

The first step is to ensure you fully understand the script. If possible, ask someone in charge—be it your agent or a production manager—to clarify if the grammatical errors are intentional parts of the character's dialogue or if they are genuine errors. As a 13-year-old, the answer may not always be black and white. Sometimes, they might just instruct you to follow the script as it is, knowing that minor corrections won't significantly impact the performance.

Practicing with and without Errors

Given that your audition script contains errors, it might be beneficial to practice it with and without the errors. This can help you understand the character better and give you more confidence during the audition. You can reach out to the audition coordinator and politely explain your situation, asking if you can perform the script both ways. This approach can also demonstrate your adaptability and professional demeanor.

Studying and Improving

If you can't resolve the script issues with your audition coordinators, focus on studying and improving your craft. Reading literature, watching performances, and analyzing scripts will help you understand different styles and help you grow as an actor. Even if you don't get the part, don't beat yourself up. There are always other opportunities and other ways to learn and improve. Keep a positive mindset and stay determined.

Seeking Professional Guidance

Your agent can play a significant role in your voice acting journey. If you feel it's necessary, ask them to make polite inquiries with the casting director. This can help in clarifying any doubts and addressing any concerns you might have. Remember, agents are there to advocate for you and ensure your best interests are met.

Real-World Examples

There are instances where voice actors might encounter scripts that don't align with the character's cultural background. For example, on Grey’s Anatomy, an actor played a character of their own nationality (Kiwi), but the dialogue was sometimes inconsistent with how a Kiwi would naturally express themselves. While it's not clear if the actor requested script changes, it highlights that even experienced professionals face similar challenges.

Ultimately, remember that auditions are about your fit for the role, not just perfect line delivery. Many other actors might also find the script difficult to understand or navigate. Stay focused, be polite, and above all, continue to learn and grow as an actor. As the saying goes, 'There is always something else.' Go out there and conquer it!