2008 schedule
Page last updated May 02, 2008

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Workshops

Introductory Level

Weekend Voice-Over Introduction

Two days packed with start-up information about commercial and narration voice-over. You'll learn about scripts and how to interpret them, microphone technique, working through difficult words, how to take care of your voice, and of course how to work with producers, engineers and other studio professionals. Get a taste of what voice-over is all about with Voice Spot WCS at one of Calgary's top notch studios with facilitating from one of Calgary's most successful voice-over performers.

An 'entry level' workshop designed for those who have little or no experience in commercial voice-over but feel that performing on microphone may be interesting, fun and, more importantly, lucrative. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 12 people to ensure each participant individual attention and quality one on one critique during their individual microphone performances.

All scripts used for microphone performances during class are from actual sessions in addition to some which were created especially for WCS workshops. A broad range of script styles are covered ranging from narration, real person, characterization, etc. You will go through a series of warm-ups, voice care instruction and other aspects of voice-over will be revealed to you.

Participants have 10 minutes to perform a script in the recording studio with a professional engineer as well as a professional voice talent directing each session. At the end of the workshop you will receive your personalized CD containing your full recording session,  including all feedback and/or direction given by the producer/facilitator. Personalized feedback, specific to your performance, will be given immediately after the recording session.

Date(s): June 7-8, 2008

Hours: 9:00 - 5:00

Class Location: Best Western

Facilitator: Jonathan Love

Recording at: Sync Spot

Cost: $300.00+gst

Deposit of $100.00 required for registration.

Intermediate Level

Weekend Intensive Training for Microphone Performance (accelerated)

As with the popular 8 week "Intensive Training for Microphone Performance" workshop this is an 'intermediate level' workshop modified to run within a weekend. Run over one weekend this class makes it the prime solution for folks not residing in the city or those who have other time constraints. A variety of script styles are covered ranging from narration, real person, characterization, and more to ensure that a broad range of voice-over technique is covered.

This is the logical "next step" after the Weekend Voice-Over Introduction workshop... this is when we get more serious.

An 'intermediate level' workshop which has been modified to run over the course of one weekend rather than 8 evenings. This is the perfect class for folks unable to attend evening classes or multiple week long classes due to proximity to the city or other scheduling constraints. A class size of no more than 8 to 10 people ensures individual attention and quality one on one critique. Scripts used during class are from actual studio sessions in addition to some which are created especially for the Voice Spot WCS workshops. This ensures that a variety of script styles are covered ranging from narration, real person, characterization, etc. to ensure that a broad range of voice-over technique is covered.

The opportunity to focus on individual script styles and other key components of the industry are available in this workshop. WCS will pass on inside information about what studio directors and/or producers are looking for. This program culminates with an intense recording session in a professional sound studio. Portions of the recording session are showcased on this website and are distributed to some of the top Calgary studios.

Date(s): April 19 & 20, 2008

Hours: 9:00 - 5:00

Class Location: Best Western Suites Downtown

Facilitator: Paul Boucher

Recording at: Ear Candy

Cost: $425.00+gst

Deposit of $150.00 required for registration.

Intermediate/ADVANCED Level

Voice Spotlight Character Development is a one day microphone intensive day dedicated entirely to character development/animation. The class where you can follow your passion to perform and a great opportunity to let those characters come out and play.
Scripts used during class are from actual studio sessions in addition to some which are created especially for the Voice Spot WCS workshops. Emphasis is stressed on building characters through the use of layering where it all begins with "you".

New to the Voice Spot WCS workshop family Voice Spotlight Character Development is an 'intermediate to advanced level' workshop. The class where you can follow your passion to perform and a great opportunity to let those characters come out and play.

A class size of no more than 12 people ensures individual attention and quality critique. Scripts used during class are from actual studio sessions in addition to some which are created especially for the Voice Spot WCS workshops. Emphasis is stressed on building characters through the use of layering where it all begins with "you".

Voice Spotlight Character Development runs for 6 hours in a classroom environment with microphone access for script performances. In addition to the 6 hour class individual recording sessions are booked at one of Calgary's top recording studios* for an intense 15 to 20 minute session with direction from an engineer from that studio.

Class Dates: TBA, Hours: 6 hours

Class Location: TBA, Facilitator: Jonathan Love

Recording Date: TBA, Start Time: TBA

Recording at: TBA, Engineering: TBA

Cost: $250.00+gst

Deposit of $100.00 required for registration.

* Different studios are booked from workshop to workshop. Check schedule for actual studio booked for your class.

Voice Spotlight Narration is another microphone intensive voice-over work focusing on narration. Where storytelling and pacing are emphasized regardless if the piece is corporate, documentary or instructional. This class offers a great opportunity to tell a story and have everyone listening, no matter who your audience may be.

A class size of no more than 10 people ensures individual attention and quality critique. Scripts used during class are from actual studio sessions in addition to some which are created especially for the Voice Spot WCS workshops. The use of a variety of scripts allows for multiple narration styles to be performed in addition to recognizing the importance of analyzing the script correctly and knowing who your audience is.

Voice Spotlight Narration runs for 6 hours in a classroom environment with microphone access for script performances. In addition to the 6 hour class individual recording sessions are booked at one of Calgary's top recording studios* for an intense 15 to 20 minute session with direction from an engineer from that studio.

Class Date: TBA Hours: 6 hours

Class Location: TBA

Facilitator: Paul Boucher

Recording Date(s): TBA Start Time: TBA

Recording at: TBA, Engineering: TBA

Cost: $250.00+gst

Deposit of $100.00 required for registration.

* Different studios are booked from workshop to workshop. Check schedule for actual studio booked for your class.

Voice Spotlight Commercial is a focus on commercial microphone voice-over work. How to make the most of the 15 or 30 second spot you have to perform. Making it believable - a short performance that "you" get behind. Learn to quickly determine your target audience and how to perform the script not read the script.
 

The final member of the Voice Spotlight family is Commercial. An 'intermediate to advanced level' workshop. The class where you are directed to bringing 15 or 30 second spots to life, taking the spot from merely being a read to a great performance instead. Script interpretation and analysis are covered to ensure you "get it" when you voice the spot no matter how big or small it may be.

A class size of no more than 12 people ensures individual attention and quality critique. Scripts used during class are from actual studio sessions in addition to some which are created especially for the Voice Spot WCS workshops. Emphasis is stressed on remaining "you", understanding the script and who your audience is, bringing emotion and truth to your performance.

Voice Spotlight Commercial runs for 6 hours in a classroom environment with microphone access for script performances. In addition to the 6 hour class individual recording sessions are booked at one of Calgary's top recording studios* for an intense 15 to 20 minute session with direction from the studio's engineer.

Class Date: TBA Hours: 6 hours

Class Location: TBA, Facilitator: TBA

Recording Date: TBA Start Time: TBA

Recording at: TBA Engineering: TBA

Cost: $250.00+gst

Deposit of $100.00 required for registration.

* Different studios are booked from workshop to workshop. Check schedule for actual studio booked for your class.

WCS Voice Gym – specifically for voice-over talent or those who have taken a WCS voice workshop and want more microphone time with scripts of your choosing or those supplied by Voice Spot WCS and sometimes the studio. As the name of the class implies this is a gym with the intention of keeping you in top voicing form. Get all direction from the engineer at the controls in the studio.

This Gym will be held at a professional studio in Calgary with that engineer coaching you through the script material. The focus of this class is to fine tune performances, eliminate material which may not work for a performer, help to discover the range that each person has, and in many cases help to nail down material that might be suitable for an upcoming demo.

The class will accommodate between 4 and 6 participants and run for 2 to 3 hours. This is not a teaching class but rather coaching for microphone performance only. Audio is captured to CD for pickup later. In some cases the CDs can be taken home same day.

Date: May 3, 2008

Hours: 10:00 am - 12:00 (or 1:00pm)

Location: Sync Spot

Director/Engineer: Steve Allen

Cost: $125.00+gst (alumni), $150.00+gst (non-alumni)

Payment in full required in advance for registration.

Business & Marketing for Performers*

The workshop geared for performers trying to get ahead in the industry who want some business tips or need some direction. Designed to help talent market themselves and make themselves more marketable for their agents (if applicable). Information in this class may also help answer the questions of what exactly an agent can do, should do and is expected to do for you.

NEW special feature focusing on the realities of the "Home Studio".

Dedicated to performers trying to get ahead in the industry who want some business tips or need some direction. This workshop is designed to help talent market themselves and make themselves more marketable for their agents (if applicable). Information in this class may also help answer the questions of what exactly an agent can do, should do and is expected to do for you.

The WCS Marketing & Business for Performers workshop benefits from the cumulative successes of both Dan Willmott and Paul Boucher – two performers who together have over 50 years of experience between them.

If you've done some professional development in a WCS workshop or elsewhere this workshop is the answer to:

• What next?

• Where to go?

• What you need to get going?

• What to charge? What are the fees based on?

• How to market yourself?

• How much business & how much show?

• Do I need an agent? When should I get an agent?

• How do I get clients outside my community?

• How much technology do I need to have/know to run my business (home studio)?

• What is ACTRA?

Discover how to find your own image, turn yourself into a product successfully and how not to under sell your product (your talent). There are also tips on how to extend your visual acting and performance skills into the voice arena.

A new addition to the class is a special feature focusing on the realities of the "Home Studio" for voice-over. What are the options out there if you do not have a home studio? How easy/hard is it to set up and how professional can you really be using a "home studio"?

Want to be treated and paid more professionally?
The solution is to start marketing yourself more professionally.
Let us help you find the way.

Date: TBA

Hours: 10:00 - 3:30

Location: TBA

Facilitator: Paul Boucher

Cost: $250.00+gst

Deposit of $100.00 required for registration.

*Does not qualify for discounted alumni pricing in WCS voice-over workshops

ADVANCED Level

The Master's Class – the 'advanced level' workshop definitely not intended for the inexperienced. This workshop is for  those who have been or are currently working in a microphone related industry. Perhaps you are getting the auditions but not necessarily the gig or maybe you want to get work in a different area than you are currently getting most of your voice work in. The recording sessions are scheduled for after the weekend with Dan to ensure that you receive the most coaching possible while he is in town.

This class is ideal for those who want to be the best that they can be at their craft. Dan Willmott is the consummate performer and he can help you to be the best you can be too. Discover the barrier or wall that is holding you back from your best performances. This weekend will help to broaden your talent and tune up on weak spots.

Areas that will be covered will include:

• how to become an "Artist"

• how to sound more natural

• how to be better prepared to perform

• how to perform commercials more effectively

• how to broaden performance abilities

• how to become a unique personality

• how to breathe

• learn the secrets to get you through "the problems"

Participants to this class will supply the following*:

1. a brief demo of your work (the sample doesn’t have to be professionally produced but should give an idea of where you are audibly and a bit about your style according to the scripts used for the sample).
   An mp3 sample forwarded to info@voicespotwcs.com (CD sample is also acceptable). Best spot "takes" from the Intensive Training for Microphone Performance class are sufficient.

2. a brief note or outline of what it is you want to work on (what you are looking to improve or bad habits that you may be trying to eliminate (if you know what they are), etc.).

The class size is limited to 8 participants to ensure quality one-on-one critique. The advanced class is a definite "must take" for fine tuning and skill honing for voice-over professionals,  and/or for folks who want an advanced level challenge to help reinforce, stretch and develop their skills further.

The class runs for 2 full days over the course of a weekend. Recording will take separately with one-on-one direction from the engineer of the scheduled studio. The opportunity to focus on individual script styles and other key components of the industry are available in this workshop.

*Audio is for Dan's ears only and will not be shared with others.

Date(s): TBA

Hours: TBA

Class Location: TBA

Facilitator: Dan Willmott

Recording Date(s): TBA

Recording Location: TBA

Cost: $450.00+gst

Deposit of $150.00 required for registration.

Commercial VO Demo

Three sessions designed specifically for WCS alumni to craft a quality demo CD with the assistance and expertise of both a professional voice-over talent and one of Calgary's top producer/engineers. Categorized as an "advanced" level class this one should be taken when one is ready to cut a demo. The small class size for this workshop ensures that you receive quality time working on your demo choices and delivery styles.

Designed specifically for WCS alumni to craft a quality demo CD. Categorized as an "advanced" level class this one should only be taken when one is certain that they are ready to cut a demo. The small class size for this workshop ensures that you receive quality time working on your demo choices and delivery styles.  It also maintains the group atmosphere of encouragement and flow of fresh new ideas. Professional voice artists taking this class will need either an Intensive Training for Microphone Performance or Weekend VO Advanced to participate in this class.

The workshop is comprised of 4 sessions, each laid out in such a way that both the facilitator and Glenn  will be able to familiarize themselves and ascertain a positive direction for you.  Through a step by step process you work with the professionals to ensure that your demo is unique. You will work closely with Glenn at the Rainmakers' studios on your recording and post production.  At the end of this workshop you will walk away with a quality demo CD that you can be proud of.

Date(s): TBA

Hours: TBA

Location: TBA

Facilitator(s): TBA

Cost: $625.00+gst

Deposit of $150.00 required for registration.

*Fourth session is booked privately with studio engineer.

This workshop will NOT be covering narration scripts at all since narration and commercial demos should always be separate from one another (the same applies to character voices and/or singing demos).

GROUP RATES

Voice Spot WCS has group rates available for most of its' workshops. The WCS Voice Gyms and Commercial VO Demo workshops are not eligible for these group discounts.

To take advantage of these group rates contact Daina with details.

Specialized Classes

Specialized classes are available from Voice Spot WCS. Classes can be catered to accommodate an experience level of a group or to target a very specific need in voice-over.

For more information about how a Specialized Class can be prepared for your group's needs please contact Daina.
 

How to register

Deposit is required for class registration.

For telephone registration VISA, MasterCard or American Express are accepted.

Call 403.277-6767 for information on cheque and/or money order deposits.

If applicable - "Early Bird Specials" require that full payment (including GST) be paid by the deadline date specified for applicable classes. For prompt money order or cheque payments please contact the Voice Spot WCS office for more information.

Refunds & Withdrawals

Refunds:

A full refund is given only when a class is cancelled by Voice Spot WCS.

Withdrawals:

To withdraw from a class, please contact 403.277-6767.

An administration fee of $25 will be levied for all withdrawals submitted more than 5 business days prior to the class beginning.

Deposits are non-refundable if withdrawal notification is less than 5 business days before class is scheduled to begin.

Insufficient Funds (NSF) cheques:

A $20 charge will be applied on NSF cheques received by Voice Spot WCS.