From Stage to Sound: Transitioning from Acting to Voice-Over in the Digital Age.

It’s no secret that the acting world has evolved. As the digital age continues to reshape entertainment, many actors are finding that the key to staying relevant doesn’t always involve being in front of the camera.

Welcome to the world of voice-over—a once niche industry now booming with opportunities for actors who can harness their voice to navigate the shifting tides of modern entertainment. With advancements in technology, and increasing demand for animated content, video games, podcasts, and commercials, transitioning from stage to sound has never been more accessible, or more critical, for working actors.

The beauty of voice-over work lies in its versatility. No longer are actors confined to specific roles based on their physical appearance, age, or typecasting. In voice-over, your voice becomes the instrument, allowing for an incredible range of characters and styles, from video game warriors to animated animals. Plus, it’s not just about character work—narration, commercial spots, and corporate gigs are lucrative fields for voice actors.

For those actors who feel boxed in by the limitations of traditional casting, voice-over work offers the ultimate creative freedom. However, making the leap requires more than just a good voice—it demands a blend of performance skill and technical know-how.

Technological literacy is essential for actors venturing into voice-over today. With the rise of remote work and self-produced auditions, actors must be their own sound engineers, mastering recording software, audio editing, and soundproofing.

For those already familiar with self-taping for auditions, the shift into voice-over might feel like a natural progression. Yet, having the right microphone, software, and understanding basic sound engineering can make or break an audition. The actors who thrive in voice-over today aren’t just performers—they’re tech-savvy creators who understand that quality audio is non-negotiable in a competitive industry.

So, how does an actor build a voice-over career to support their on-screen ambitions? To get some insights, we spoke to Chris Miller, an Australian actor and professional voice-over artist who’s successfully navigated this transition. Chris has built a thriving voice-over business while continuing his passion for acting. Here’s what he had to say:

Interview with Chris Miller

1. Book Club Audio: Chris, what first drew you to the world of voice-over?

Chris Miller: It started as a way to diversify my acting work. In Australia, the acting gigs can be few and far between, so voice-over presented a chance to keep working creatively without waiting for the next big acting role. Plus, it’s incredibly freeing to play characters that I’d never be cast for in live-action.

2. Book Club Audio: How important do you think it is for actors to be tech-savvy when entering voice-over work?

Chris Miller: It’s absolutely crucial. In this digital age, studios are expecting clean, professional-quality recordings from home setups. Being able to edit your own audio, troubleshoot equipment, and deliver polished files is a big part of the job now. If you can’t do that, you’ll be left behind.

3. Book Club Audio: What’s been the biggest challenge in building your voice-over business?

Chris Miller: The biggest challenge has probably been balancing the creative and business sides. You’re not just the performer, you’re the sound engineer, the marketer, and the negotiator. It’s a full-on operation, but learning to run my own business was key to making voice-over a sustainable career.

4. Book Club Audio: Did your acting experience help with voice-over, or was it a completely different skill set to develop?

Chris Miller: Acting definitely gave me an edge. The voice is such a critical part of any performance, whether on stage or in the studio. But voice-over requires more than just acting skills—you have to know how to convey emotion and character without the physicality of film or theater. It’s about honing your voice to do all the work.

5. Book Club Audio: What advice would you give actors looking to break into voice-over?

Chris Miller: First, invest in the right equipment. Get comfortable with recording yourself. Then, start practicing different kinds of reads—commercials, narration, characters. You need a range. And don’t be afraid to market yourself. Create a website, post samples of your work. You’ve got to put yourself out there. Perseverance is key, keep going, keep learning, keep building and success, autonomy and financial freedom will become imminent.

As the lines between acting and voice-over blur, it’s clear that adaptability is key. For actors like Chris Miller, the leap from stage to sound is not just a way to diversify income streams, but also a chance to expand creatively in a competitive, tech-driven industry. Whether you’re an established performer or a fresh face in the industry, voice-over offers a world of opportunity—if you’re willing to put in the work, learn the tools of the trade, and let your voice do the talking.

Visit CSM Voice to view the extensive voice over portfolio of Chris Miller