Should Kids Get Into Voice Over? Here’s What I Learned Hearing My Grandson Try It
Every now and then, life hands you a moment that makes you stop and think a little deeper about the path you’re on. For me, that moment came when my grandson, still young enough that his backpack is almost as big as he is (but not for long), started getting the occasional audition from some of my agents whose clients were looking for kid voices.
Nothing high‑pressure. Nothing full‑time. Just a handful of auditions here and there as they came in.
But hearing him step up to the mic, made me wonder:
How many other kids or teens out there have that same spark?
And maybe more importantly, how many parents have no idea where to even start?
If you have a child or teen who’s curious about voice over, or if someone has ever told them “you’ve got a great voice,” here are some thoughts, realities, and resources that might help you navigate the journey.
Why Kids Can Be Great in Voice Over
Kids bring something to the table that adults spend years trying to recapture:
authenticity.
Kids don’t overthink. They don’t “perform.” Kids…just are. And in a world where brands want natural, conversational reads, that’s gold.
Plus:
- Kids’ voices are in demand for animation, commercials, e‑learning, toys, games, and more.
- They take direction surprisingly well when the environment is fun and low‑pressure.
- They learn fast – sometimes faster than adults because they’re not fighting old habits.
But the key is this:
It should always be fun.
If it stops being fun, it’s time to pause.
What Parents Should Know Before Diving In
Voice over for kids is not the same as voice over for adults. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
1. Protect their time and energy
School, sports, music, friends, and rest come first. VO should fit around their life, not the other way around.
2. You’ll be involved, A LOT
You’re the driver, the engineer, the scheduler, the email-er, the cheerleader, and the snack provider. Kids can’t run a VO career alone.
3. You don’t need a fancy studio
A quiet space, a decent USB mic, and a blanket fort can go a long way. Keep it simple at the start.
4. Coaching matters more than equipment
A good coach who understands child VO can make all the difference. Kids need direction that feels like play, not pressure.
5. Don’t chase the money
If you’re doing it for the paycheck, you’ll both burn out fast. Do it because your child enjoys the creative process.
How to Know If Your Child Might Be a Good Fit
You don’t need a “golden voice.” What you’re looking for is:
- A kid who likes reading out loud
- A kid who can follow simple instructions
- A kid who enjoys pretending, storytelling, or characters
- A kid who doesn’t freeze when a mic turns on
- A kid who can handle a little rejection without taking it personally
If that sounds like your child, VO might be worth exploring.
Where to Start: Practical Resources for Parents
Here are some beginner‑friendly places to dip your toes in:
Kid‑Friendly VO Coaches
- Anne Ganguzza – Known for clear, supportive coaching
- JMC Demos (youth division) – High‑end coaching and demo production
- VO Dojo – Fun, energetic training environment
Audition Sources
If your child wants to try a few auditions just to see how it feels, these platforms can be a great entry point. They offer kid‑appropriate opportunities and allow parents to manage the entire process.
- Backstage – One of the most established casting platforms with regular kid VO roles.
- Casting Call Club – Safe, beginner‑friendly, and great for practice through indie projects.
- KidsCasting – Focused specifically on children and teens across VO, on‑camera, and modeling.
- Voice123 (with parental supervision) – Not kid‑specific, but many clients post child VO roles.
- Local studio rosters – Many regional studios keep lists of available kid voices for local work.
As with anything involving kids online, parents should always manage the accounts, review opportunities, and keep safety as the top priority.
Books & Learning Tools
- There’s Money Where Your Mouth Is (great for parents)
- Voice Over Voice Actor (fun, accessible intro to VO)
Gear for Beginners
- USB mic: Audio-Technica AT2020USB+
- Headphones: Closed‑back, comfortable pair
- Recording software: Audacity (free) or TwistedWave
Start small. Start simple. Let your child lead the pace.
Final Thought: Let Curiosity Be the Guide
Hearing my grandson take a shot at voiceover reminded me of something important:
Voice over is storytelling. And kids are natural storytellers.
If your child or teen is curious about VO, you can explore it together. Keep it light. Keep it fun. And who knows? Maybe you’ll both discover a creative outlet that becomes a lifelong skill, a confidence builder, or even a career someday.
If you ever want help getting started, I’m always happy to point you in the right direction.
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