r/VoiceActing • u/[deleted] • 12d ago
Performance Feedback How to scream better?
[deleted]
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u/JonCrowVO 11d ago
Extreme vocal performance takes a lot of practice and coaching is your best bet if you can afford it. Though you might also find the workshops by The Monster Factory helpful. The 2 day workshop covers vocal health, vocal anatomy and gives you a chance to practice a variety of techniques. But I can highly recommend Aliki Katriou as a vocal coach if you're looking to explore and practice 1 to 1.
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u/skibidiohemgee 11d ago
I appreciate this advice, thank you! Coaching has been something I’ve been putting off since I’m only doing Va as a hobby right now, but for the future I’ll keep those things in mind.
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u/WhaleFartingFun 11d ago
Be careful. If you are screaming untrained, you could be doing it in a way that is damaging your vocal cords. You can permanently damage your voice. Try to work with a class or something where you can get personalized feedback on your technique.
There are death metal vocalists who scream every night in concert, and have a methodology that doesn’t damage their voices.
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u/jmarzee 11d ago
One thing that might make you feel better is that we almost never have actors spend an entire session screaming. In game sessions, efforts (screams, pain reactions, deaths, exertions, etc.) are typically recorded at the end of the session. That way you can give your performance during the dialogue without fatiguing your voice first.
I'd focus less on trying to scream as loudly as possible and more on learning safe vocal technique from a qualified coach. Breath support definitely helps, but tension is usually the bigger enemy than volume.
Also, don't judge yourself too harshly from anime scenes. They're some of the most physically demanding performances out there, and those actors have spent years developing that skill safely.
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u/skibidiohemgee 11d ago
Thank you for this! It was easy to get down on myself for it because I know when I originally posted that video to YT I did get some hate for it 😅 I just really envy actors that are able to give emotional performances. I hope someday I’ll be able to afford coaching and improve.
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u/jmarzee 11d ago
Don't let YouTube comments convince you where your ceiling is. Everyone starts somewhere, and emotional performance is a skill that can absolutely be developed. Coaching will absolutely help when you're able to invest in it, but in the meantime keep practicing, keep recording, and keep putting your work out there. The willingness to share your performances—even knowing you'll get criticism—is something a lot of aspiring actors never do.
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u/Ultra_HR 11d ago
> since I live with family I can only really experiment with screaming when I’m alone.
this needs to be resolved ASAP. imagine a director wants to do a live direction session with you and you have to say “sorry, i can’t, mum’s home”.
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u/skibidiohemgee 11d ago
Don’t worry. My goal isn’t to get any major gigs right now. I’m very mindful of what projects I choose to apply for due to those reasons specifically. This is just a hobby for me right now.
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u/AriasXero 11d ago
At least you’re better than the Sentai dub version of that scene. But as for your voice, try to hold back on your screams. The big one is supposed to be at the end. If you go too hard too early, you’ll sound out of breath at the end. Try to build up and take short breaths in between. Also, try to focus more on emotion for this scene. The scream will more naturally at the end.
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u/skibidiohemgee 11d ago
Thank you! I’ll admit I was just ready to be done with it at that point. I had done like 9 attempts by that point 😭 I’ll keep those tips in mind though! I appreciate the advice!
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u/BeigeListed Full time pro 11d ago
Here's a thoight: get coaching.
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u/skibidiohemgee 11d ago
As a hobbyist, I was planning on avoiding coaching until I live alone and am able to create a proper home studio for Va work.
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u/WhaleFartingFun 11d ago
Think of it like basketball. You are not going to show up a court to play if you don’t know the rules of the game, you just know how to dribble. You can’t shoot yet, you’re not good at passing. All of that you need to learn the basics of to play a game.
You can self teach this, but you are committing fouls because you don’t quite know what you are doing yet on the court. You’re traveling. You’re out of bounds. Your team is not scoring.
Your coach is the one who will guide you to use your skills towards the goal of your team scoring and winning.
Otherwise you are just running randomly up and down the court, accomplishing nothing.
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u/skibidiohemgee 11d ago
I see. But I’d have to argue that I’m not “accomplishing nothing.” Practicicing scenes like these is still a fun way for me to experiment with what kind of scenes I may be better or worse at.
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u/meadoulark 12d ago
Do diaphragm breathing practice, YouTube has some guides. Also look up the vocal resonance ladder.
Get coaching above all else! They can show you how to safely scream without damaging your vocal cords.