There are many different kinds of radio and television programming that employ the use of a voice over. While we may associate the disembodied voice of a TV commercial or radio spot with this sort of media production, voice-overs are in fact most common and popular on non-fiction television programs and public radio shows centered around the arts, sciences, and industry. Public and educational-based shows such as those about animals, wildlife, the environment, historical events, biographies, and true-crime stories all employ narrators who guide the viewer or listener through the programming in a way that appears seamless with the video or other auditory montage. In commercials, actors and actresses may or may not have speaking parts; often instead of speaking themselves, another actor serves as the voice of the commercial, introducing the selling points or advertising copy from off-camera. For actors trying to break into show business, voice over work is plentiful and a provides a foot-in-the-door to this industry.

When I was in high school, I really needed some extra cash for things like gas, dating and buying the occasional electronic device or download. At first, I was really worried because I couldn’t make ends meet, but then I decided that I needed a real job.

One of my friends told me that a nearby theater was hiring in the ticket office. After contacting the theater and having a short interview, they offered me a job selling Lion king matinee tickets. They figured that I would be better at the job since I was younger and would have a better relationship with children.

I took the job and did a great job, if I do say so myself. I ended up working at that theater for the entire run of the Lion King and completely through the showing of Alice in Wonderland. During my entire time selling matinee tickets, I managed to save up enough money to buy a really inexpensive car and also a few t-shirts. My mom is so proud.