I’m a professional, non-union voice actress specializing in horror, fantasy, and sci-fi video games, animation, and audio dramas. I also voice warm and conversational video narration, e-learning, and commercials. I’m a mom, a gamer, and a Star Wars, Witcher, and Stranger Things fan. I like hiking, history, studying my craft, pizza, and trips to Disneyworld.
1.What inspired you to become a voice actor?
I watched a LOT of TV and played lots of video games when I was a kid. I used to mimic all the characters in cartoons, monster movies, and even commercials. I wanted to jump into their worlds. Ok, maybe not the monster ones!
2.Can you describe your process for preparing for a voice acting role?
I read the director’s notes a couple of times and make notes. I then read through the script a few times to understand who the character is, what they are doing, their situation, who they are engaging with, what feelings are they trying to convey, what the writer’s vision is, etc. I also do warm-up exercises like tongue trills, humming and yawning, or saying the alphabet with a pencil clenched between my teeth!
3.What has been your biggest challenge as a voice actor and how have you overcome it?
I used to compare myself to other VOs and think everyone was doing so much better or was more talented than I was. I have learned to be true to myself, follow my own path and go with my gut. Each voice talent is unique!
4.Can you tell us about a particularly memorable project you’ve worked on and why it stands out to you?
I won an audition for the role of a mother on one of the P2P platforms last year. I didn’t know until I was contacted by both the director and producer that it was for a role in the 2022 horror movie “Monstrous” starring Christina Ricci. I’m still jumping up and down and internally screaming.
5.How do you handle the pressure of performing in front of a microphone?
Most of my work so far has been self-directed so there is no issue there but about 15% of my work is by Zoom, Skype, or Discord. I have yet to do a Source Connect session. On my first Zoom call, I was so nervous that I got a cotton mouth. I had to keep taking sips of water and try to stay focused and cool. The client, writer, AND casting director were all sitting in on the Zoom call and I was sure they could tell I was struggling. I just knew I would be branded a no-talent wannabe and be shunned forever by the community. The session went really well actually and they were all great and happy with the final product! I still get just a little nervous before a live session. I think we all do.
6.Can you share any advice for aspiring voice actors just starting out in the industry?
If you want this, REALLY want it, be prepared to work for it. A famous actor/musician/voice actor told me in his wild, over-the-top style “It’s a marathon, not a sprint baby. You want it you better be ready to work your behind off for it!” Don’t quit. Keep going. It’s hard in the beginning. Auditioning is basically applying for a new job over and over again…and getting rejected…over and over again! Keep at it, the work will come. Some months are great others you may not have any work at all. You might think you did your best audition ever but were not chosen. It’s okay, It just wasn’t what the casting director had in mind. Don’t take it personally! Move on to the next one! Oh yeah, and grow a very thick skin!
7.Can you tell us about a time when you had to adapt to a new character or voice?
I specialize in characters and am pretty versatile with a broad range but I had to voice an eccentric, evil alien space commander with a style similar to the Queen acting as Zerg Advisor from Starcraft. It was a (super fun) live session and I had a lot of lines. It was rough on my voice though!
8.How do you stay motivated and engaged during long recording sessions?
I have not had any super long sessions yet. The longest so far was around 70 minutes. I love what I do and when I’m voicing characters, time flies by! I am just always so happy and grateful to be doing what I love.
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 the role of Lois from Family Guy for an animated parody which came naturally to me because I’m from New England and used to watch the show a lot. I was asked to also voice Chicago Party Aunt. That was a stretch for me. I researched the character and watched several episodes. The Chicago accent did not come naturally to me (I’m more of a medieval, dying peasant or evil-something type of girl) but I pulled it off and the client was happy!
10.Can you share a funny or interesting story from your time as a voice actor?
Early on in my career, I forgot to edit out a loud burp from an audition. I actually won the gig and the casting director thought it was part of the character audition. He loved it! I could have died of embarrassment, but whatever, it got me the role! It was for a seriously nasty, old lady character for an app.
11.Can you share your favorite voice acting moment or performance?
I don’t really have one specific but I love fantasy storytelling. I have had several roles where I was the village elder, ethereal lady, mage, wizard, etc telling a magical tale.
12.Can you tell us about a voice acting project you turned down and why?
Yeah, this actually happened recently. I was invited to audition for three different female characters in a horror video game. When I got the script, I was horrified (literally) at the disgusting, degrading, misogynistic, and hateful violent acts beyond any of the normal horror video games I voice. The acts performed against the women were unspeakable. I almost threw up it was so upsetting. I actually cried and was upset for a couple of days.
13.How do you keep your voice in good condition for voice acting?
Honestly, I don’t really do anything. I just show up, lol. I do drink enough water and don’t smoke though.
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 had already voiced several characters in a video game and the director asked if I wanted to voice one more. She was much younger than me and out of my comfortable age range of 35-85. I tried my best but we both agreed the role did not suit me. Kind of like when a 20-year-old tries to voice a Granny! I’m destined to voice witches, hags, mages, old ladies, aliens, monsters, and other mature roles I guess!
15.What are your thoughts on All Ages of Geek and what can we improve on to make it a better platform?
Honestly, I’m kind of new to your site and Twitter page but I love what I have seen so far. I plan on diving in and watching a ton of content! I love your energy and originality! 😉
16.Where can people find you online?
https://www.instagram.com/nancyofallonvo/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nancyofallon/
Thanks so much for having me! I hope you enjoyed learning a little about me and I appreciate you reaching out to me for this interview! <3
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