BERNE — An introductory class on voice acting will be held May 21 at the Berne-Knox-Westerlo High School.

Voice Coaches, based in Schenectady, specializes in one-on-one voice training for voice actors. Voice Coaches has clients from coast to coast and also caters to national TV networks, said founder and producer David Bourgeois.

The voice-acting industry, which was once predominantly male, is now about half male and half female, he said. The average age of individuals pursuing the field is 44, he said. Most of the work is narrative, said Bourgeois, adding that radio commercials make up less than 10-percent of the industry.

Voice actors now have more opportunities than before, which include: work in web development, voice mail, new television shows, and audio books, he said.
"The field is absolutely huge," Bourgeois said.

On the May 21, members of the class will learn about the pros and cons of the industry, as well as available work opportunities in and around the Capital District, Bourgeois said. They will also learn how to pursue work in the voice-acting field and have an opportunity to do a brief recording at the end of the class, he said. Voice Coaches does not do broadcast training, Bourgeois said.

Some of Voice Coaches’ professional clients include the Discovery Channel, HDTV, and the Women’s Entertainment Network.

The community education class will be held at the high school from 6:30 to 9 p.m. To register, call 872-1293. Cost for the class is $20. For more information about Voice Coaches, visit www.voicecoaches.com.