I spent a wonderful Sunday here! The owner asked me to come in and teach a class, so I did. I hadn't been to Voice One before. I can tell you it's a wonderful facility with great ownership and management. The students here are and welcoming to new people. As a professional Voice Actor for 20 years, I feel that the education they are giving their students is top-notch. They have wonderfully defined coursework and everything is mapped out to gear students for success. I have a friend who teaches here and she is also very fond of the school. She and I are both very honest people, and we appreciate that being reflected by the owner of Voice One. The integrity is lovely to be behold. If you were looking to learn about voice acting or any of the other things they teach here don't hesitate to sign up. read more

Voice One - The booth. - Art Schools Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Took a number of classes and really couldn't recommend any aspect of their approach to teaching. Most, but not all, of the instructors seem jaded, burnt out, and obnoxious, sally in particular. There didn't seem to be any effort to build meaningful connections between instructors and students, their attitudes seem very detached, joyless, and transactional. read more

Voice One is a fantastic organization where you can learn to become a voice actor (voice over professional). I have taken dozens of courses (over 70) at Voice One. Owner, Sally Clawson, has been a guiding force in my voice acting career serving as an outstanding mentor, teacher , coach and friend. The entire staff at Voice One: Danny, Aaron and Ericka, are each talented and helpful voice over professionals snd wonderful people. The classes at Voice One are incredible because of the stellar faculty who teach all of the classes. Sally Clawson has assembled the most outstanding Voice Over professionals in the Bay Area and beyond, each a highly acclaimed and accomplished voice over professional eager to share their knowledge and wisdom in a giving, nurturing, honest way. Whether you are just beginning your voice over journey or are a working voice actor, the array of classes has something for everyone. All aspects of the voice over profession are addressed: technique, recording, editing, script analysis, the business aspects of voice over, and a chance to meet coaches, agents, directors, and professionals in commercial,narration, and character voice acting who are immersed in their craft and serve as role models for Voice One students. I highly recommend Voice One without reservation. What makes it great is the people including all of your classmates who are a tapestry of aspiring and working voice over professionals. read more

Well, a long time ago I was studying a spiritual subject. One teacher had a PhD. in psychology and another person was a high school dropout. The difference in their teaching styles was dramatic - one was organized and the other presented us with a weekly word salad. One stated her goals for the class and met them, the other made promises and then never quite delivered. One continued to get my money and the other didn't. Voice one, reminds me of the experience learning from the dropout. I never wrote anything about this because I knew the studio owner and was honestly hoping to get some work out of her, but that didn't work in my favor, so here's the hits: 1) They will take your money, sign you up for classes and make promises. 2) They are very nice people 3) The teachers, for the most part, are pretty good Here are the misses: 1) They will take your money, sign you up for classes 2) They aren't good at telling you what they want from you. 3) It's frustrating to hear that they aren't getting what they want from you, especially since, you have been listening to the intructions given to every other person. 4) I had a class with an agent, who said I took direction very well. But he was very disappointed as he said it. I thought that taking directions well was a good thing. 5) I don't think they knew what to do with my voice. I'm an African American, middle class woman and I think they wanted something more street from me. One woman, when I went to sing something (we all had to do this), said "Bring it home, mama!" and I saw her face fall as I sang. It wasn't what she was looking for. I know that it wasn't my voice, because I've booked every gig where I had to sing something and however, I think that she wanted something else from me. The problem is that she couldn't tell me what it was. It's like someone ordering a desert and telling you what it isn't. It isn't baked, it isn't cold, it isn't apple, it isn't.., instead of saying, I'd like the chocolate pudding. With that direction, I know what to deliver. So that was my first time taking classes. I went back again, after learning, oh maybe they want street. At this time, I'd been working in an adult school and imitated my students, sounded disinterested, and so on. We didn't speak with that when I was coming up. And that's when I was "complimented" by the agent who said, "You take direction very well," with the saddest face I have ever seen. Something that I thought would mean, I wanna sign you, left me confused. Especially since he seemed to ignore me after class when I tried to talk to him. At one point, Elaine said that the reason why they train us the way they did was because directors don't know what they want and we need tips and tricks. I think that they teach the way they do, because they don't know how to do better. My whole time studying with them, I was told that I wasn't giving them what they wanted, but there was no direction towards what they wanted from me. I now think they train the way they do, because they will get money from us and keep us on the hook to figure out how to give a good reading. Now some of the teachers are really good and I've had a good time with them. Also, the teachers aren't mean, except for one who I believe is a racist. He wasn't mean, just dismissive and I wasn't the only one who noticed. But I spent all that money for VO lessons and then got one measly gig. BTW, my sister, an actress has booked a lot of VO through her agent. We have a similar vocal quality, so I know that it can be done! She's done national and regional spots so I feel like if I were to get some good guidance, that I'd be able to get some work. That guidance won't come from them. They have a lot of famous people coming through and since taking classes with them didn't result in getting work, I stopped seeing the point. They didn't quite help me with what I was looking for. Good luck getting these people to help you with it. read more

If you're reading this I suppose you're interested in Voice Over schools.... right? Well, thanks to my friend Michael I am able to leave some feedback for Elaine Clark of Voice ONe and of course You! I have always been interested in arts of all kinds. It so happened that not only did I adore manipulating my voice, but I also received compliments on it! The next logical step was to take a class. I started backwards taking a intermediate character class and then a core commercial class. WOW!!!!! is all I can say. The classes are intense, challenging, and a great deal of fun. The first day I started the character class I thought Elaine was speaking a different language. Quite frankly I think she was. But I caught on to the lingo of the biz and started stretching my mind, focus, and control. You definitely need to be Present, Focused, Relaxed, and Listening. Let Elaine direct you and trust me, she will. Elaine Clark is a phenomenal teacher, director, and actor. She is as REAL as all get down! Unlike some other L.A. types. She knows the business and she gives great tips/advice. Expect to be challenged because she will critique, cut through, repeat, and direct you to the finish of a script. Like it or not. You might even think she's harsh at first, but you'll get over it. This is a defining experience in my life. Thank you Elaine for being YOU. Can't wait to be stretched some more!!! read more

The instructors and staff at Voice One are great to work with. The new Historic Jackson Square location is bright and fun. If you want to learn; be whipped into shape; there's no better place to study VO. read more

Voice One - Common area - Art Schools Near Me - San Francisco, California

As other non-five star reviewers noted - if you sign up for the $50 introductory class, don't expect too much except for the owner to sell you on the curriculum and program. I walked away with the impression that if you want to succeed in this business you HAVE to register with them otherwise you're taking the long hard road. They cram everyone in a small space and in the end you get 1-3 mins tops to do actual voice acting or learning the craft. The rest of the time is spent sitting there learning about the program and why you need to drop $$$ on their classes to succeed in this business. Both my friend and I walked away feeling like if she didn't push so hard on signing up for classes, buying her book or buying her apps and focused more on the experience they provide, perhaps we would feel inclined to sign up. Overall, I walked away with a little more knowledge about the industry and thats the only reason why I gave this place 3 stars. read more

Update: Ended up studying a bunch at voice one for years on and off. Never had a bad class (even when I found things I didn't like or enjoy, it made me pay closer attention to my talents/skills and showed where I needed the most work. Also did private Skype coaching with Elaine which was also a good investment. Highly recommended even after all this time. read more

I got really interested in voice over a couple of years ago, but I was living in Orange County at the time. The choices for workshops were limited. I settled with buying some CD's. Listening was nice, but without being able to apply it, it turned out to be a waste. I moved to San Francisco last year, and I have been attending Voice One for a few months now. I started out with an intro class, and I progressed on to the Beginner's Stepping out and Creating Characters class. This past Monday I took a class in Home Recording. Since many auditions are done from home understanding the progam to do my own recording was a necessity. Elaine took us through the program, and showed us everything needed to record auditions. It was a relatively inexpensive set-up as well. I am also currently taking the "By the Book" class on Thursday nights. In this class, the concepts that were written about in "There's Money Where Your Mouth Is" is elaborated on e.g. breathing techniques, movement, etc. We've also been updated on what's current in the industry for 2009. I believe the book was written in 2000. On Sundays I attend their 10.00 drop-in Improv classes, which has been fun. I am not regularly the spontantous, energetic character, so it really develops a skill I am not able to practice on a regular basis. From a convenience standpoint, because I work full time, I need the classes to fit around my schedule. Most classes are offered several times throughout the year. There is evening availability, and for those who are full time actors or don't have day jobs, they have day time classes. Voice One has provided a forum where I can regularly practice with lots of support because everyone participates and always has encouragement on some level. There is enough variety in the classes where a person can be skilled for many types of voiceover jobs and the instruction has been incredible. When you go up and do a read Elaine won't tell you that you're great, but she gives constructive feedback that you normally wouldn't get. A person will just most likely not get a call back from an employer. What I like about her style of teaching - she wasn't just a voiceover herself, but she's also casted so she knows from an employer's point of view what the right protocols are, what they're looking for, and what would make the lives of directors and audio engineers easier. As far as the demo, she charges a quarter of what most studios would. Not only do I get the good quality demo that I would need to market myself, but the instruction to help develop my skills. It's a very good investment to develop a skill that is universally used. read more

A little about my journey at Voice One: I attended an intro class in March 2015, recorded my demo at the school and launched keithnorton.com in August 2015, began booking auditions and gigs in Sept 2015, and was signed by an agent I met at the school in December 2015. After I cranked through the core curriculum in the first few months, I moved along into more challenging classes with more experienced classmates. There were plenty of times where I felt out of place and at times wondered if I was just paying for a creative outlet. But with a little kick and a little pull and a lot of patience, I was able to move past those moments and move along in the process. Facilities - in terms of location, Voice One is ideal for those in the city and around the Bay. It is conveniently located blocks from CalTrain, Embarcadero, and numerous bus lines. The space itself is simple - a theater, a small class room, and a recording booth. It is always clean, and looks the part of what it is: a Voice Acting school. The décor keeps you focused on what you're there to do and the equipment is top notch. I've made a point of recording important jobs or auditions out of their space, too, so I can also speak highly of their production amenities. Instruction - Is there a rating higher than 5? Whether it is the Steady Eddies like Elaine, Dave Rosenthal, or Sally Clausen or the special guests that come in for weekend long workshops, you will be learning from top-flight, working voice actors WHO LOVE WHAT THEY DO. These people care about their craft and their students. This does mean that they may find a way to push you through something or out of your comfort zone. Consider yourself lucky if this is the case, as they could easily collect a check and let you fail while blowing sunshine up your you-know-what. That said, I have received and witnessed incredible warmth and support from each of the instructors I've encountered. Classmates - At the beginning, you'll be in larger groups (20-50) that run the gamut: raw talent, classically trained actors/ singers, people who need help speaking, and folks who *really, really, really* wanna be in cartoons. It's new for everyone, so wherever you fall on the talent spectrum, enjoy it. Enjoy seeing a retiree pursue the dream they had as a child; enjoy seeing the 20-something who has "it"; enjoy seeing the single mother of two who needs to improve her diction to move ahead in her day job. As you advance in the curriculum, you'll find that the class sizes become more intimate (5-12 people seems to be the most common). The added bonus is that the people you begin to see more often in class are taking things VERY seriously...just like you. Responsiveness and Support - I have reached out to Voice One's staff and the instructors for idle questions about gear, process, planning, and the like. They are quick to respond and offer advice. Phone calls and e-mails are quickly responded to and always with the highest of professionalism. Networking - you WILL meet players of this industry; agents, directors, producers, high performers, ad execs, so on. You'll see them instructing a newbie or sitting in a class as a student sharpening their ax. Your classmates will invariably become friends, as you'll see a lot of one another over time. Your instructors will become confidants that you can turn to in a pinch. Voice One also has an actors data base that you can get in to and gain exposure. If you're like me, and have a day job, this place is ideal. They classes are offered at times such that you can make it work with your schedule. Evenings, daytime conservatories, weekend marathons, a la carte classes...they make an effort to make it easy for you. Allow me to button all of this by saying: you have to put in the hours in order to progress. This means, putting in the hours in the classroom, on the mic at home and simply immersing yourself into the craft. If you don't you'll probably feel like you're starting from square one every class, grow frustrated, and wonder what just happened. If you DO put in the time, you'll see results. This may mean wild financial success or improved speech, but hopefully both. read more

After completing the 6 week daytime conservatory, I couldn't wait to start the advanced session. Elaine's style of teaching and feedback is honest, direct, interactive, and fun. I clearly hear the difference in my reads. I am truly excited to add voice over to my acting trajectory. And I'm very proud that it began with Voice-One. Thank you Elaine. read more

I took Elaine Clark's introductory class one Saturday morning and was immediately bitten by the performer bug. I followed up with a few weekend courses and some individual coaching with Elaine. I just got my first gig a scant few months since completing the courses. Elaine is an excellent teacher, and Dave has provided invaluable tech support for home recording. You can't go wrong taking voiceover classes at Voice One. I can't imagine getting started any other way. read more

I have had the pleasure of taking classes at Voice One in San Francisco since July 2017. I can say without hesitation that Elaine Clark and her team have earned an A+ from me. The curriculum is smartly designed, the instructors are experts in the field, and the classes help build the necessary skills to be a professional voice over actor. The classes are taught by successful working actors and the content is always focused on skill building and what's current and on trend in the industry. If you are interested in becoming a voice talent, an on-camera actor, or a business professional wanting to up your presentation skills - I would encourage you to sign up for classes at Voice One! read more

It is hard for me to write this review because there are so many nice things I want to say and I don't have all day, for gosh sakes. I was introduced to VoiceOne and its owner Elaine Clark when I started out in voice over training. I had read Elaine's book, "There's Money Where Your Mouth Is," and later learned that she ran a school in SF. I was excited to meet the author of what I considered the best book out there (the more I read the truer this is). But I also shopped around a little before settling on VoiceOne. Boy I am glad I did stay with Elaine. The classes are small, usually around 10 students and the instructors are terrific. While everyone is looking for mic time, I think the best part of the classes is examining the technique of other students and listening to the instructor lift up their reads. Some folks for whom you have little hope of getting a good take, suddenly improve exponentially under the sharp direction of the Voice One staff. It is an excellent learning environment. Physically, the location has only one drawback, it is 2 blocks from AT&T Park (or whatever they are calling it this week). You need to be careful when choosing classes that you check the Giant's schedule and that you make sure no other events are going on at the park. Recently, I went into a class at 9:30 AM on a Saturday and did not leave the building again until 5 PM. When I came out I found the streets overrun with guys who were there for a motorcross event. This wouldn't have bothered me but the parking lot I had parked in then tried to charge me 2 1/2 times the amount that I would usually pay on a Saturday. I talked my way out of it, but be careful. Overall, I find that VoiceOne is a well run, exciting and serious place to learn this craft. Please give it a try, or if you don't want to jump in feet first, try picking up Elaine's book. It will give you a lot of information and show you what kind of person she is. Kudos to Elaine and her staff for all of their good work. read more

I only recently began my foray into voice-over acting, but the experience has been nothing less than transformational. I discovered Voice One via a Google search for voice over and acting schools in San Francisco - it was the first result in the search, which is a testament to its online credibility. Owner Elaine Clark had me at hello (aka, the Intro class offered on a monthly basis), and my experiences since have completely validated Voice One's fantastic 25-year reputation in the industry. Like any great instructor, Elaine has both the professional experience (she is an actor, director, producer and sound engineer) and the [academic] training necessary to properly educate Voice One students - and the same goes for the force of instructors on their roster. Of course, the teaching styles vary amongst the staff, but they most always offer constructive criticism that enables you to build a better sense of style and technique. Thus far, my favorite experiences have been with Elaine, Tom Chantler, Sarah Kliban and Sally Clawson. Elaine is most critical, but in that, the best; and don't mistake criticism for dislike - she coaches her students from a selfless place, bestowing accepting individuals with wisdom and insight acquired from a career spanning 30 years. Classes cover the various forms of voice-over acting (commercial, narration and characters), as well as acting for film and TV. Furthermore, Voice One offers intermediate and advanced courses including marketing, improv, home recording and dialects to name a few. Many classes are offered several times a year at varying times to accommodate students and working professionals, alike. Voice One's pricing is very reasonable, particularly compared to other major voice-over markets. And if you're serious about a career in voice over, consider it an investment - something that always precedes any return. Voice One is centrally located to Bay Area transit. It's only a short walk from Muni, CalTrain and BART. read more

Just completed the 5 session Character Intensive class. Have had many seminars over the years and set my expectations accordingly. We were thrown into the 'deep end of the pool' repeatedly and then were provided continual guidance to understand what would be expected in real-world situations. Elaine and her other instructors provided a barrage of instruction as well as insider tips, anecdotes and perspectives learned from other pros in the industry. These are not full time teachers. We were learning from working pros who take time to share what they are seeing every day. Entertaining, nerve-wracking, mutually supportive and finally providing a clear sense of the tremendous amount of work required to become a voice professional. I don't know how she could have overdelivered against my expectations any better. read more

I took Elaine's By The Book class recently and came away a much better voice over actor than I was when I went in. She really broke down my voice and narrowed in on what I needed to work on to be successful and get work, which is the whole reason I took the class. A lot of good exercises, a lot of good butt-kicking, a lot of good technique. For those who think the class is expensive - I felt the same way going in - but you really do get your money's worth. She does not try to sell you anything, you go through almost the entire book, she pushes you to get the voice that earns. I highly recommend this class read more

Elaine Clark and all the folks at Voice One have opened my eyes to the possibilities in Voice Acting. The range of opportunities is amazing in scope. I first enrolled thinking I would simply like to read Audio Books for a living. While I still want to do that, I can see other areas in the industry where it would be fun, challenging, and possibly lucrative to work. Why limit yourself? The classes are well focussed, professionally run, and dense with knowledge. Each class provides a wealth of information from qualified, seasoned professionals. These professionals are eager to develop your acting abilities so you can consistently deliver a performance that is interesting and entertaining to the audience - even if the performance is one word long!! You will get direct, constructive feedback from instructors as you work in class. Learning these acting skills requires hard work and commitment, but the enthusiasm of the staff is contagious and long-lasting. Voice One excels at providing students with an industry perspective as regards what practices you should expect to see and be able to do in the working environment, what not to do, what your fellow professionals want from you, what it takes to market yourself effectively, levels and types of pay for various work, etc. While nothing is a substitute for firsthand experience, having an idea of what to expect is certainly a great first step as you begin to work in the industry. I have to mention the Improv classes at Voice One. While not voice classes per se, they are truly invaluable in your development as a voice actor. Through these classes you learn to be more creative, playful, "in the moment," and spontaneous while having fun in a safe and supportive environment. I highly recommend Voice One and Elaine Clark. read more

I just took "Narration Simple" with Sara Kliban. Sara is a wonderful teacher, even though she is "tough," pushing you to bring out the best in yourself. I'm looking forward to more classes and feeling a little more confident about entering the field of voice acting. read more

These folks know a lot about the business and impart a lot of good information. Unfortunately, the training is not always conducted in a positive environment and can leave motivated, hard-working students feeling quite inadequate due to some very negative teaching practices that they somehow think are conducive to making better students. Well, I've invested $4,000 in the core curriculum, and for that money, I expect to be treated with respect and to be set up for success in the classroom when I apply myself. I've seen students berated in class and moved to tears. Not a smart business plan when your students are spending thousands of dollars on training. I'm all for letting your students know how competitive the industry is, but you really do draw more flies with honey than with vinegar. read more

I have had an incredible journey thus far at Voice One! On a whim, I started taking classes in February 2016, with the intention that it would only be part-time and mostly to "scratch an itch" that I'd had for many years -- I have a BA degree in speech communications, and also people were ALWAYS telling me that I had a unique voice and should do voice over. About a month after I took my first class, I was unexpectedly laid off, and I decided to use the opportunity to dive in full-time for about six months. It's now been five months, and I am sincerely amazed at how much I have learned and accomplished. I am planning to record my demos in about six weeks, and I am feeling very confident and excited to produce some evidence of my hard work. I have shared this background of my personal story because I think it has greatly influenced my journey. Most students also work full-time while attending Voice One, and therefore cannot attend 3-5 classes/week, like I have been fortunate to do. The more classes you are able to take, the more quickly you can progress. And I think this is important to mention, because while I have been able to acquire a monumental amount of skills in those five months, it was because I was able to dedicate myself to this full-time, both in and out of the classroom. I want to emphasize how supportive I have found everyone to be at Voice One. When I first began, I was so nervous every single time it was my turn at the mic (...and I still am a little). But I didn't let myself get frustrated when I just wasn't getting it, and my instructors never got frustrated with me either. In fact, the direction that I have received has always been fair and constructive. They are not there to make you feel good about a crappy performance. They are there to get you to realize your full potential by teaching you tried-and-tested techniques, and to push you to incorporate those techniques in every single one of your performances - until you not only get it, but you get it right consistently. Some of the best advice I ever got was from Elaine Clark, the owner and often-instructor at Voice One. She knew that I was struggling because I had taken most of the core classes, and I had studied and knew most of the technique, but it was all stuck in my head. She told me that I needed to just let go, trust myself, and let it flow out of me. And that was a huge breakthrough moment that made all the difference in the world. She not only took the time to give me careful instruction during class, but also to take the time to really see where I was getting hung up, and to coach me away from my trouble spots. I also want to give a huge shout-out to another instructor, Sarah Kliban. Her class, Narration Simple, was incredibly insightful. She is a no-nonsense instructor, who can seem tough if you are thin-skinned... but if you want someone to teach you how to really get inside a script and make it sound like the words on the paper are thoughts in your head, rather than something that you are reading, this is a must-have class. I found her approach to be so helpful, especially with the emphasis on how both sociological and psychological behavioral patterns affect our interpersonal communication. That was the focus of my BA studies, and I found it super helpful when applied to these narration studies. If you, like me, have never been a performing arts student before, and tend to have a more cerebral approach to things, this class is instrumental. It opened a door for me, that allowed all the other classes to make sense. I know everyone's journey is different, and mine is just one example. But since mine has been so gratifying, I just wanted to share my story and encourage all prospective students to trust this amazing group of dedicated teachers! P.S. Keith N.'s review on 3/23/16 is spot on! He clearly articulates almost every detail of Voice One, and I thought that was a very thoughtful and helpful approach. Not only is his review trustworthy, but he is also an exemplary student. I have had a couple of classes with Keith, and I was immediately impressed at what his studies at Voice One had allowed him to accomplish. read more

Two years ago when I took the Introductory Class at Voice One, I had no idea how my life would change. From the first class to the specialized classes, workshops and guest lectures, I was able to learn the tools and techniques required to enter the world of voice-over acting. Elaine is a dedicated professional who guides her students by improving their weaknesses and emphasizing their strengths. Her success in the voice-over world has been an incentive for me. With dedication, hard-work and perseverance, I am now on my own road to success. The network of contacts and opportunities is extraordinary and because of Voice One, I am pursuing my dream. Thank you, Elaine! read more

I'm surprised this place doesn't have a lot more reviews - it is a jewel. So far I've taken classes with Elaine, Tom, and Sally - each extremely knowledgable, as well as kind and helpful. (Okay, two of the three are "kind," but all will help you get where you're going, voice-wise.) read more

I took the intro course recently and it was exactly as expected. Great base knowledge on the industry, recommended classes to take based on areas of interest, and a focus on getting you work and paid as soon as possible. Elaine is transparent with her industry knowledge, has clear business savvy, and even with a larger intro class of around 30, was able to give productive feedback to each individual in the first session. I look forward to taking the next class and learning more about technique and getting behind that mic again! read more

I absolutely love this place. I trained here as a voice actor and have now been working in the industry for a few years. These days I use Voice One as a resource to cast talent with as well. Dave and Elaine are both very kind and professional, and always willing to help. Elaine is an amazing teacher as well. Highly recommended for anyone seeking to begin or explore a career in voiceovers. read more

I took the Narration class with Sarah Kliban. No one enjoys being critique, but if you want good critiquing, you want someone who knows what they are doing. You want someone who is honest, and who you trust to give you the right information. Sarah not only walks the walk, but she talks the talk. She works WITH you, not AT you. So, if you want honest information, leave your ego at the door, put on your listening ears, and get on the Sarah train. It will lead you were you need to go, and help you to see where you need to be as a VoiceOver actor. Thank you V1 for having her teach the class. read more

Before I was an innkeeper, before I was a hi-tech marketeer, before all of that I was an actor. I stopped being an actor in the belief that I needed to make a living, and acting was not a sure way to do it. But eventually I missed it -- I missed the people, I missed the challenge, and I missed the business. Fast forward to last Christmas. I was searching for something fun to get involved with, that wasn't innkeeping, and I thought of voice-over acting -- I had done a bit of it many years ago. I found an old audition tape I'd made, listened to it, and was impressed by what my voice could do way back then. So the next question was "how do I see if I want to get back into the acting business?" I went on line and easily found Voice One. As luck would have it, they had scheduled one of their "Starting Out" classes the next day, so I signed up. This class was an overview of the industry, and of the educational and experiential opportunities the school offered. Next I took the 'Daytime Conservatory" -- another more in-depth overview with hands-on microphone experience. A couple sessions of that, and I was convinced I'd found not only that thing I wanted to do, but the school that could give me the tools to make a go of it. I'm currently working my way through the "Core Curriculum" at Voice One -- classes designed to focus on specific areas (Commercial, Narration, Characters) where I might develop expertise and eventually find work. I'm not yet sure which area(s) I am most interested in, or have aptitude for, but I'm confident that the staff at Voice One will help me focus and find my niche. I enjoy my classes so much: meeting and working with other aspiring voice actors and having an opportunity to learn from the experienced (and delightful) working voice actors that form the teaching staff. Elaine Clark, the founder and guiding light of Voice One, is involved in every aspect of the school, teaches many of the classes, and is always available to dispense advice or share knowledge. And, frankly, she and the other instructors, make learning FUN! I feel like I've come "home", to a family of like-minded artists and performers, many of whom, like me, have had success careers doing what they "thought" they should do, and are once again connecting with what they "want" to and love to do. Make no mistake, it's hard work, getting those rusty old "pipes" (my voice) back in shape, and convincing that voice to do what I want it to do. And there is much more to voice acting than appears on the surface. Levels above levels above levels. But that's what makes it fascinating, challenging, and enjoyable! I hope to be ready to cut a demo disk by the end of this Summer ('07), and to be able to call myself a working voice actor by Fall. With my determination, support from my family and peers, and training by the fine staff and management of Voice One, I'm sure that's exactly what will happen. read more

I have been studying with Elaine Clark at Voice One for almost 2 years and am still taking classes as I write this. Elaine not only has a passion for acting as a craft and an industry, but a genuine passion for teaching it as well. She is extremely knowledgeable and as a working actor, in voice over and on camera, knows very well of what she teaches. Elaine provides a safe, supportive, instructive but nurturing environment in which she guides students through the process which leads to the journey of self discovery, enrichment, and empowerment. Whether you're just starting out, are a seasoned artist or just somewhere in between, you'll find yourself challenged by what Elaine offers in the class room. More over, with your classmates, you'll marvel at the results. The unique individual direction she provides each student during class is one of the things I think makes her classes really special and distinctive; she recognizes that while we, as students, all need to get to the same place in our work, that the road to get there is not the same for each individual student. Her real-time direction and feed back truly serve to distinguish her classes, making the experience that much more real and relevant to the student. From behind the mic, I look out and can still see Elaine's eyes when she gave me direction that challenged me emotionally; and the twinkle that appeared in them not long after I took the first step in that direction. Did I mention that she's also written a book on the subject of voice over? Of all things, it's called "There's Money Where Your Mouth Is". Those of us who have stepped to the mic swear by it. It's now a part of my permanent library. I personally think that the true measure of Elaine as an Instructor isn't measured just by the students who take her class, but by those working professionals who return to take more classes from her. And you don't have to be interested in a career in Voice Over or On Camera work to benefit greatly from the classes offered at Voice One. You'll be more in touch with your true inner self than you've ever been. Voice One has taken me from the Intro Class, to producing my Demo, to signing with a Talent Agent, to booking a gig, to recently cashing my first check. What's in between is the adventure and journey of a life time in realizing a life long dream. And the staff that helps you put it all together; simply the best. Thinking about attending Voice One? Bring your imagination, courage for self discovery, a sincere interest in your craft, a total willingness to be successful, open ears, and a closed mouth until cued. You'll soon be writing your own story to share with others. It's a great life. It's a great career. Thank you Voice One. V14Life. Earon B. Mackey, Actor (Stars, the Agency) read more

Do you want to get into voice over work or acting? Voice one teaches it all in a very small group and personal way.

I took a couple of classes here during the summer of 2007 to keep things fresh. They offered some interesting classes for working talent. I enjoyed the day time advance conservatory class. I especially like that they offered it during the day. My only complaint was that we did not use the recording booth for the entire 6 weeks. Instead we recorded in front of our peers in a class room environment. Be sure to take bart or the train. Parking is a bear. Elaine was honest and did not sugar coat anything. You received a copy of all your work with every class. They also have a monthly newsletter. It is nice to see which peers are working. They also provide a lot of information on home recording, from microphone cost and programs. I highly recommend the promo class with Melissa Grey. The New York transplant provided wonderful insight and lots of promo COPY, especially for women. Thank you! read more

This place is so much fun and has been such a help to me in not only learning about the art and business of voice over, but in improving my communication skills in other areas. All the teachers are fun and supportive and the staff is always friendly and willing to help. read more

Wow! I've taken a number of classes at Voice One and they are all excellent. However, I just took a class that topped them all. It was Sarah Kliban's "Auditioning for the Camera" all day workshop. Kliban really knows her stuff and she knows how to teach it. She is witty and wise, and very generous. Her honesty cuts to the chase, but one feels elevated as well as chastened by her critiques. This class gave me additional inspiration to work harder in all aspects of my theatre career....not just film. read more

If you're in the Bay Area and you're looking for voice-over training, you've really lucked out. Voice One is as good as it gets. I had no idea when I first stumbled across this school, via an unscientific Google search, that it would offer so much. Now I understand how rare it is to have all of the classes and disciplines offered by Voice One under one roof. The style of the school is nurturing, but it has a no-nonsense professional approach. You don't get away with coasting here - every class is run with a view to what really happens in the industry. Elaine Clark has assembled a top-notch line-up of working voice actors who know what's going on in the business on a daily basis. Elaine herself is a seasoned voice professional who knows the world of voice over inside out, and then some. Under her watchful tutelage, anyone with an interest in this work is bound to improve and develop as an actor. I can't recommend Voice One too highly - in case I haven't already made this clear! It's also good for kids - check out the special summer classes especially tailored for their need. read more

I wanted to provide a review of this business because I'm not sure the yelp reviews on here are reflective of a majority population -- I have to say it's pretty hard to believe that you run a business like this and you almost have 100% 5 star reviews -- I mean someone is going to be unhappy, this is essentially investing in an acting career and you're paying a business to make your dreams come true, I seriously doubt everyone that comes through this business is successful or happy after dispensing with 3000 plus dollars -- mostly my review has nothing to do with the cirriculum, I'm sure it's great(or not) -- or your chances of getting a gig might be great(or not... most likely not) --my feeling is like so many of these types of schools you get out of it what you put into it -- that said, some people can work as hard as they possibly can and never go anywhere -- I went to the Intro to VO 3 hour workshop, in which I paid for so I feel I qualify to make a review regarding that experience Soooo, I showed up for this workshop -- it was held in a cramped little room with 50 or so other strangers interested in VO -- here are the things I did not like-- The space, too small, they crammed everybody they could squeeze into that room -- and collect $50.00 a person for the privilege -- I started to think about this because this place is so 'gotta make money' centric seems like they could have sprung for a decent space in that building for 3 hours and a bagel(but hey, it's only worth what you're willing to pay)-- this little workshop is most likely the bread and butter of the entire school, they have several of these scheduled all the time and they pack em in-- I'm sure numbers thin out considerably after people get the bottom line Elaine did the workshop -- and that's great, it's her business and she showed up to sell it -- can't say anything is wrong with that -- My chief complaint was-- I felt a little like I showed up for one of those Trump University classes, where they say they're going to teach you how to make $10,000.00 in real estate -- problem is you never make that, they just keep leading you down a road where you spend more and more money --sooo, you sort of feel like you need a shower after you finish the 3 hours-- I did not find that it was a high pressure sell to sign up for classes at the end(which is good), although they were quite ready to take you credit card at all of the breaks for classes and buy Elaine's books :)-- Elaine walks the line of making promises that are not hers to make during the workshop --but if asked directly about something I felt she gave an honest response --at that point a good majority of those that might have the cash to do this sort of thing might just only hear the things they need to hear to make the leap -- this is the danger and not so much Voice One's fault --but be warned they are certainly aware of this and are game to take advantage of it -- Soooooo, tread lightly-- if this is your dream and you think this will help you get there , go for it -- I can not say I would not take classes here, but I think it would just be a for fun type thing ...just wanted to write a review so people can get in the right head space before walking in to this place -- read more

Went here to check this place out coz I heard and saw reviews that this was the best school to go and take voice over classes. So of course, my expectations were a bit high, unfortunately my standards was not met and I felt I was being discriminated coz I was a minor. Oh well, better luck never! Would I reconsider? Probably not. read more

Sarah Kliban's "Narration Simple" class at Voice One was fantastic! Sarah is, as she herself says, a "tough teacher", and one of the best I've ever had. I walked out of the 2 day-class having learned a ton about mic technique, and making a "read" sound natural and personal. Even more, I have tools now to keep practicing at home, and an ear for what sounds knowledgeable and "intimate," and what doesn't. I would recommend Sarah to anyone serious about getting into voice-over. read more

Every class I have taken here has taught me more than I imagined would be possible. Every class, whether with Elaine, the founder/owner, or with a guest teacher, has been wonderful fun as well as a challenging learning experience. Each teacher has a different approach, and every single one has been amazing in terms of their own impressive career credentials as well as their teaching abilities. So many specific improvements to my acting technique. So many specific to-do items to support my career and job prospects. Every interaction is handled with integrity, organization, and professionalism. I can't say enough good things. Hobbyist or professional actor, either way, Voice One is a great place to be. read more

I just finished a four day class at Voice One called " By the Book". The class was based on Elaine Clark's book 'There's Money Where Your Mouth Is.' Ms Clark was the instructor and I can't give her instruction style or her book enough praise! It was four days packed with information, individual and group training. Trite as this may sound but, there never really was a dull moment. She has had a long and successful career in voice over work and draws on that for hilarious anecdotes, touching stories of strength and support, as well a numerous "a hah" eureka light bulb moments. I could think that I was lucky to get into an exceptional class whose diverse members were stunningly fast learners, but I have a feeling she gets the most out of all of her students. It's important to note that many of the techniques taught can be helpful for a wide variety of endeavors. I sing and the class has helped improve my voice. I could imagine this helping those in business, acting in general, or any situation that calls for public speaking. I know this review sounds over the top but this is an honest assessment of my experience. read more

I totally agree with Leigh and Melodi. I found the instructors to be impatient and to have clear biases toward specific types of voices. If you don't have one of those voices, you're SOL. They are happy to take your money and push more classes and books. The GREAT exception to my so-so experience here is the wonderful friends and contacts I made in the core curriculum classes. read more

I took a multi-day VO class at Voice One (with Elaine) about 6 months ago. I've been intending to write a review sooner; I am after so much time because I recently completed voice work that was very well received, and I know the class I took at Voice One has been foundational to my professional development. I still have a lot to learn, but my work has reached a point where I have confidence in myself--it's something I can be proud of. That success has been the result of applying what I learned with Elaine. She pointed me in the right direction, and with each job I made an effort to aim for the things she brought to my attention. Her class aligned my thinking with the underlying motivations of the copy I'm reading, and she supplied a practical framework to channel those motivations through. Elaine is extremely perceptive and intelligent, qualities that contribute to her being a great teacher. I highly recommend Voice One. read more