Voice acting is one of the most approachable ways to grow as a performer and it’s not just for people who want to do cartoons!

If your student loves storytelling, character work, improvisation, accents, or just making people laugh… voice acting is a great place to start. It builds real performance skills and confidence in a supportive environment that’s fun and low-pressure.

We’re excited to have Niquel Barnett as our instructor for these shows. She’s has proven through our VA camps last year that she is a powerhouse of talent and also a favorite with the campers.

What is a Live Staged Reading?

A Live Staged Reading is a performance where actors bring a script to life live, usually seated “panel-style,” with scripts in hand. Instead of costumes and sets, the focus is on what matters most for voice acting: character, voice, timing, and storytelling.

In this experience, you will:

  • learn the script together

  • build your character’s voice and personality

  • explore accents, styles, and vocal choices

  • practice taking direction and making quick adjustments

It’s very similar to how voice actors work in anime, video games, animation, and audiobooks, creating a full character using voice alone.

Why voice acting (and why now)?

Voice acting has been around for decades and it’s only growing. And right here in North Texas, we’re in a unique place: Dallas is a major hub for voice work, including projects associated with companies like Crunchyroll.

How the performance works

We’ll perform the story live, panel-style, reading the script in real time while fully committing to the characters. The best part? These are fresh, original stories, meaning you’ll be one of the first people to bring a brand-new character to life.

You’ll leave with a recording

After the performance, participants will receive a recording of the staged reading. It’s a great piece to review, learn from, and potentially consider as part of a future reel.

Why voice acting is a great skill (even for on-camera actors)

Voice acting helps students learn:

  • how to make clear character choices

  • how to communicate emotion with intention

  • how to work with scripts quickly

  • how to take direction and adjust fast

  • how to tell a story with their voice alone

And honestly…it’s fun!

Register for Voice Acting Camps & Masterclasses

All current Voice Acting offerings (including camps and masterclasses) can be found and registered for here:

REGISTER HERE:
https://ntpa.asapconnected.com/#CourseGroupID=42302

Tip: Some sessions fill early — if you’re hoping for a specific week/location, grab a spot sooner rather than later.

 

Upcoming Live Staged Reading Opportunities (March 27)

We currently have two Live Staged Readings coming up—both led by Niquel Barnett. These are a great fit for students who love character work, voice acting, and bringing fresh, original stories to life.

Out of Character (Grades 6–12)
A group of rising actors is promised the performance of a lifetime with a new experimental implant that allows them to literally become their characters…until it becomes clear the transformation may not be reversible.
Auditions due: Friday, March 27 (video audition)
Performances: May 21–24 (Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Studios Space)
Learn more / sign up: https://ntpa.org/event/out-of-character-film-studios/

Quiet Hours (Grades 8–12)
Every night at 3:22am time stops for everyone…except Riley. One night, Riley realizes he might not be alone.
Auditions due: Friday, March 27 (video audition)
Performances: June 4–7 (Willow Bend Center of the Arts, Studios Space)
Learn more / sign up: https://ntpa.org/event/quiet-hours-studios/