If your child loves cartoons, storytelling, or mimicking their favourite characters with funny voices, they may be a natural at voice acting! But where do you begin? And how do you turn an interest into an exciting and creative career path? In this guide, we’ll explore how to become a voice actor UK, especially focusing on young, aspiring performers who are just getting started on their journey. What Is Voice Acting? Voice acting – also simply known as ‘audio’ – is the art of performing, using only the voice. Unlike stage or screen acting, the audience doesn’t see the performer; they only hear them. This means voice actors must rely on tone, emotion, and vocal clarity to bring characters and scripts to life. Voice acting is a versatile skill that’s used in animation, dubbing, adverts, video games, audiobooks, podcasts, and movies. How to Become a Voice Actor in the UK Step 1: Performing Arts Training One of the best ways to build a solid foundation is to take drama classes or attend a performing arts school. Young talent will benefit hugely from workshops, camps, and professional training. These help develop key skills like breath control, projection, timing, and emotional expression. If you are wondering how to become a voice actor in the UK, starting early, with acting basics, is key. Step 2: Practice Reading Aloud If your child is showing interest in voice acting, encourage them to read aloud regularly. From books and comic strips to poems or monologues, reading out loud helps them explore different tones, characters, and emotions. Tip: Try recording their readings so they can listen back and improve their delivery. Practising voice acting at home is an easy and effective way to get started. Encourage them to play around with accents, sound effects, and timing. The main thing is to have fun and get used to performing with the voice alone. Step 3: Get Comfortable with a Microphone Knowing how to use a microphone properly is a big part of voice acting. Invest in a basic USB mic and free recording software (like Audacity), which will help your child get used to performing in a home setup. It also means they can start recording sample clips, which is great for when they’re ready to build a demo reel. Step 4: Voice Acting Courses and Workshops Across the UK, there are plenty of short courses and weekend workshops designed for children and teenagers who want to explore voice acting. These sessions give young performers a chance to try out professional scripts, practice mic technique, and even create sample recordings. It’s a great way to build early confidence and skills. While not specifically focused on voice acting, Our Italia Conti Associate Schools offers exceptional Saturday acting classes for students aged 3–18+. These playful and creative sessions build a strong foundation in performance, helping young people develop self-confidence, communication, and stagecraft, essential skills for any future voice actor. For students aged 18+, voice work becomes more central in our BA (Hons) Acting course, where training includes voice acting techniques alongside full actor training. And for those who want to pass on their knowledge, our MA/MFA in Teaching and Coaching the Speaking prepares students to become expert voice coaches, supporting the next generation of performers. Lights, Mic, Action Learning how to become a voice actor in the UK is all about passion, persistence, and practice. With the right training, opportunities, and support, from early acting classes through to specialist higher education, young talent can build towards an exciting future in voice performance, and maybe even one day coach others to find their voice too.