There is a whole other world for voice talent. It’s the radio play. This past week I was the in-studio manager for LA Theatre Works’ productions of Moliere plays, “School For Husbands” and “Imaginary Cuckold.”  Both were all British casts, except two American actors who can do perfect British Accents.

In Tuesday’s podcast, Amy Stoller, talks about accents and audio books. This is one of the areas where  a voice actor doesn’t have to have an authentic accent. It’s more about the characters and attitudes than a perfect accent. But there are exceptions.  Because these casts were all British, it was important that the two American actors have spot on British accents. Which they did. The Brits were impressed!

Speaking of the Brits, the radio play is alive and thriving in England. Seems British audiences grew up with the radio play and still love the medium. Why not in America? After all, before television, there was radio. It was THE place for information and entertainment (in addition of course to the newspaper) So why has it not withstood the test of time? (check out an upcoming blog post)

Listening to (and watching) these marvelous actors, Juliet Mills, Emily Bergl, Lloyd Owen, Brian Bedford to name a few voice their characters,  makes us realize the magic and power of the voice.

In Part 2 about the LA Theatre Works Moliere radio play recordings, find out how director, Rosalind Ayres works with the actors and how similar it is to a film set.

-Tracy Pattin