Voice acting can sound, from the outside, like a wonderfully playful corner of the acting world. And it is playful. But as Kate Harbour makes clear in this conversation, it is also skilled, demanding, physical, truthful and deeply connected to the actor behind the microphone.
Kate joins Lisa Southam on The Drama Coach podcast to explore what voice acting really involves, especially for teens and young adults who are beginning to take acting more seriously. Known for her voice work in animation, including Bob the Builder, Shaun the Sheep and Octonauts, Kate brings warmth, honesty and a great deal of practical experience to a conversation about craft, confidence and getting started.
Episode overview
The conversation begins with Kate’s own route into voice work. She describes being fascinated by sound from a very young age, mimicking family, friends and voices on television, and learning to treat voices almost like melodies she could hear, absorb and repeat. For young actors who already find themselves playing with accents, characters or sounds, this is a useful reminder that curiosity is often the starting point.
Lisa and Kate also challenge the idea that voice acting is simply “doing cartoons”. Animation is part of Kate’s world, but the wider voice industry includes audiobooks, radio drama, comedy, corporate work, commercials, cinema, interactive voice response, continuity, training videos and more. Some areas are changing because of AI, but Kate returns again and again to what a human actor can bring: warmth, truth, physical experience and genuine connection.
One of the strongest messages in the episode is that voice acting is not an easy shortcut into the industry. In some ways, Kate suggests, it can be harder because the actor has only the voice to communicate the story. There is no camera close-up, costume or facial expression to rely on. The audience still needs to hear character, intention, feeling and truth.
Key themes and takeaways
- Voice acting is acting. Kate is clear that a good voice actor lifts the words off the page and makes them compelling. It is not enough to have a pleasant voice.
- Your own voice matters. Kate encourages actors to understand their natural sound, their life experience and their individual qualities rather than trying to fit into someone else’s idea of what a voice actor should be.
- Confidence can be heard. For Kate, confidence is not about showing off. It comes from practice, listening back, trying things and knowing your own instrument.
- Start simply with equipment. Kate advises young performers not to rush into spending lots of money. A basic USB microphone, a phone recorder and a quiet, softened space can be enough at the beginning.
- The space matters. Pillows, duvets, clothes and soft furnishings can help reduce echo. As actors develop, they may think more seriously about soundproofing, microphones and editing software.
- Read the audition brief carefully. Kate stresses the importance of labelling files correctly, following slate instructions and sending exactly what has been requested.
- Keep learning. Training, listening, improvisation, script reads, feedback and regular practice all help actors stay curious and adaptable.
The physical side of voice work
One of the most interesting parts of the conversation is Kate’s description of voice acting as physical work. Although the audience may only hear the voice, Kate explains that character often begins in the body. For her, thought, movement, breath and sound are connected.
This is especially helpful for young actors who may assume voice acting happens only from the neck up. Kate’s approach suggests the opposite. Even a tiny animated character, a comic voice or, as the conversation jokes, a sheep, still needs an emotional and physical truth behind it. The voice may be playful, but the actor’s connection must be real.
“Nobody has your voice box.”
That simple idea sits at the heart of the episode. Kate reminds listeners that no one else has their exact voice, experience or perspective. For young performers comparing themselves to others, this is both reassuring and practical. Your individuality is not something to hide. It is part of the work.
Auditions, resilience and letting go
Kate also talks honestly about how competitive voice work can be. Some voice artists may do several auditions a day, and it takes resilience to keep going. Her advice is to prepare properly, offer strong alternative reads when asked, put your best take first, and then let the audition go.
Lisa and Kate discuss how important it is for young actors to see auditions as part of a longer professional process. A recall, a good connection or a strong piece of work can still be valuable, even when the job goes to someone else. Often, casting is about fit rather than talent alone.
“Confidence is audible.”
That confidence grows through practice: reading aloud, listening back without cringing, asking trusted people for feedback, daring to fail and staying open to direction. Kate’s advice for taking direction is refreshingly simple: say yes, listen carefully, ask if you are confused, and stay available to the people in the room.
A grounded invitation to explore
This episode is full of practical starting points for anyone curious about voice acting. Read aloud every day. Notice when you are truly engaged. Breathe. Hydrate. Try different resonances. Explore characters through the body. Join readings or workshops when you are ready. Learn the business side too, because working actors are increasingly expected to understand how to present and promote their skills.
Above all, Kate’s message is encouraging without pretending the path is easy. Voice acting takes craft, patience, curiosity and resilience. But for young actors, parents and adult learners who are drawn to sound, story and character, it offers a rich and creative area to explore. Listen to the full conversation and take Kate’s advice with you: keep learning, keep playing, and keep finding the truth in your own voice.