In this Student Success Story, we have the distinct honor of introducing Monica Wemitt. And let me tell you, I’m in awe! Monica is a professional actor who performed on Broadway and now has transitioned to a full-time voice artist. In this Q&A, Monica shares her journey, motivations that started in childhood, and experiences in the world of voice overs.
Q: What was your background (education/career) prior to enrolling in the Work from Home doing Voice Overs course?
A: I was a professional actor
(I’m interrupting this interview because I had to stop and do some research…not just anyone gets to put “professional actor” on their resume. I think you’ll be interested in what I found…
Monica was one of 12 women who performed with Liza Minnelli in Liza: Stepping Out at Radio City Music Hall. Later she auditioned and landed the role of Ernestina Money with Carol Channing in Hello, Dolly! when she made her Broadway debut. Monica was the understudy for the role of Dolly, and went on in Kalamazoo...she was the ONLY person to go on for Carol due to illness. She later landed the 3rd National Tour of Beauty & The Beast & toured for four years. And if you're wondering what character she played, Monica was "Madame de la Grande Bouche", or as most people recall, the chest of drawers!)
Q: What motivated you to enroll in the Work from Home doing Voice Overs course?
I had a neighbor who was sight-impaired when I was a child
Q: How did you find the Work from Home doing Voice Overs online course? Online search? Referral?
A: Online search
Q: Could you share your initial expectations about the course? Did it meet or exceed those expectations?
A: I thought that Julie seemed approachable and made the course sound like something I could understand.
Q: How long ago did you complete the course?
A: A little less than 2 years.
Q: How much time do you spend working as a voice artist? (part-time, side gig, full-time?)
A: I do voice-over work full time
Q: What types of voice over work have you completed so far? Audiobooks, commercials, podcasts, etc.
A: Audiobooks and a couple of commercials.
Q: What’s your favorite type of voice over work?
A: Hands down, audio books
Q: What’s a typical work day like for you when you are doing voice over work?
A: An hour of gentle warm-up, reading the chapter for content, reading the chapter for intent/voicing, recording the chapter, mastering & editing the chapter and then exporting it. If the chapter is short (less than 15 minute finished) I’ll generally do a second chapter.
Q: What do you love most about being a voice artist?
A: I love creating the characters. And working at my own pace.
Q: What advice would you offer to others who are considering becoming a voice artist?
A: My advice would be: Don’t doubt yourself.
Q: Could you please describe your recording space? Where do you record? How did you treat the space?
A: My space is a spare closet. I was able to purchase some acoustic tiles on Amazon. It is devoted completely to my recording equipment
Q: Is there anything you'd like to add?
A: Give this course a try. Julie is very hands on and supportive. You won’t be disappointed.
Here is a link to Monica’s vast selection (and ever-growing list) of audiobooks she has narrated:
Monica Wemitt's journey from professional actor to accomplished audiobook narrator is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passions and leveraging existing skills. Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that success in voice overs is within reach for those who are willing to take the leap.
Stay tuned for more success stories from the dynamic world of voice overs!