Welcome to this exclusive interview with the talented voice actress, Jazzy!

Hello, and a warm welcome to all our readers. Today, we have the privilege of chatting with Jazzy, a remarkable voice actress based in the vibrant city of Dallas, Texas. With an impressive portfolio that spans across animation, video games, and radio plays, Jazzy has left her mark on the world of voice acting.

Now let’s get into the questions to learn more about Jazzy’s journey as an actress, inspirations, advice to new actors, and roles! If you are interested in following Jazzy learn more HERE!

1.What inspired you to become a voice actor?

As a kid, I watched a lot of behind-the-scenes videos on DVDs of cartoons, particularly SpongeBob. And something about the voice acting process always spoke to me and it was something I always wanted to do ever since. 

2.Can you describe your process for preparing for a voice acting role?

If I have the script on me, I run through all the lines on my own time and try get a feel for the character. I take some time to get in their headspace, especially if the content in question is emotionally heavy. I take some time prepping, go in and go for it. 

3.What has been your biggest challenge as a voice actor and how have you overcome it?

Being a trans woman in this industry can be difficult. Sometimes casting directors don’t know where to put you. I identify as female, but I’ll fully admit my voice tends to fit more masculine characters. I think at the end of the day, it’s hard to get roles in an industry that doesn’t get you as a person. 

4.Can you tell us about a particularly memorable project you’ve worked on and why it stands out to you?

Near the end of 2022, I got cast as the new voice of Paintbrush in Inanimate Insanity. Not only were the people involved super nice, but it’s a show that took inspiration from Total Drama Island, something I watched A LOT of as a kid. So finding something with that nostalgic connection gave me such a wonderful feeling. 

5. How do you handle the pressure of performing in front of a microphone?

I just take deep breaths and clear my mind, calming me down. 

6.Can you share any advice for aspiring voice actors just starting out in the industry?

Prioritize acting classes. A surprising amount of people forget the acting part of voice acting. It’s no use spending so much money on a fancy mic if you don’t have the ability to back it up. 

7.Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a new character or voice?

I remember back when I had voiced Mr. Shiny, I wasn’t used to such a….unique(?) voice before. Either way, it was an absolute blast. 

8. How do you stay motivated and engaged during long recording sessions?

Maybe it’s just my general interest in anything I get to voice in, but so long as I’m having fun, I’m always engaged regardless of how long I’m returning for. Though due to my arthritis, it is hard to keep standing (which I prefer to sitting when voice acting). 

9.Can you tell us about an experience you had while working on a project where you had to improvise or come up with an unexpected solution?

I voiced Muggsy in a fun little game called Elsewhere Express and there was a bit where they go on about being a pirate, so in the spur of the moment, I gave the character a pirate voice for the line talking about it. The director and the devs both loved it! 

10.Can you share a funny or interesting story from your time as a voice actor?

In one episode of Inanimate Insanity Invitational, I had to voice an Inani-Mate (a Pokemon-type creature) named Nickel Jr. It was mostly growls and grunts, but there was one line they had near the end. Now, a day before, I watched the Jordan Peele movie Us, so imagine the absolutely perfect timing of Justin Chapman (who was directing me) asking me if I could pull off a voice similar to Red from that movie. I still find it very funny. 

11.Can you share your favorite voice acting moment or performance?

Even with only a few episodes taking on the character, I absolutely adore Paintbrush. They are just such a fun character and I’m so happy I got to take over at a point where they’re going through such significant development. 

12.Can you tell us about a voice acting project you turned down and why?

Not necessarily “turned down” per se, but I did leave a failed project a couple years back due to a rather toxic series creator. And I was far from the only one! They had a cast of some crazy big VAs and within one day, everyone left. 

13. How do you keep your voice in good condition for voice acting?

Vocal exercises and knowing my limits. I try not to do anything that would strain the voice or damage it. Water also helps. Water is your best friend in the booth honestly. 

14.Can you tell us about a time when you had to take on a role that was completely different from what you were used to?

I was cast in an audio drama called Dreambound as this character Nimara who had a much deeper and suave voice than I was used to doing. He was also this rather mysterious, calm and collected dude, a far cry from my usual hot-headed chaos gremlins.

15.What are your thoughts on All Ages of Geek and what can we improve on to make it a better platform?

From what I’ve seen, the auditions and opportunities y’all provide are nothing to scoff at! I guess I’d love to see more!

16.Where can people find you online?

You can find me @LadyJazzington on Twitter, Jazzy Oliver on YouTube and my website jazzyolivervo.com!