FAQ

BRAVA was launched by Melissa Thom in 2021 as Bristol Academy of Voice Acting. We are now just known as BRAVA.

BRAVA specialises in voiceover and high performance voice, speech and communication coaching and consulting. We work with anyone 21 years old and over.

BRAVA provides a range of personalised training options and consulting in voiceover, speech and communication. If you’re an actor who has always been interested in finding out more about the world of voice acting, or you are in the corporate world and would like to improve your communication skillset, then BRAVA is for you.

There are a range of ways to train. Our core VO offering is bespoke 1-1 classes, including our 10 week STAGE 1: NARRATION INTENSIVE, which is the access point for all beginners. For corporate coaching, all sessions are bespoke, dependent on your needs.

We also offer VO Masterclasses to support our core training, some of which are detailed below:

Courses include:

• Intro to Characters • Creating Characters – 6 Week Course • Audiobooks - 4 Week Course • Podcasting • Performance Techniques • Home Studio • Marketing • Vocal Health • VO & Shakespeare • Presentation Skills § Demo Production

Click here to subscribe to the BRAVA mailing list: https://www.brava.uk.com/subscribe. We send out a monthly newsletters and eblasts, with details of upcoming classes, news and information.

Yes, you can click here on our News Page to keep up to date on our news and announcements.

All of our master coaches are experts in their field. Melissa Thom, the founder of BRAVA, has over 25 years' industry experience across a range of sectors in the UK and US. Elaine Clark, our Head of Characters, has over 40 years’ experience as a voice actor, coach and producer in the US.

Our Bristol based teachers have all extensive experience training actors at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, as well as performing at many well-known venues across teh UK and US, many for over 30 years.

We also run regular Masterclasses to support our core training, ranging from characters, vocal heath and VO & Shakespeare to singing, audiobooks and more.

Currently, all BRAVA sessions are offered via Zoom.

We ask that you apply to work with us via our website here: https://www.brava.uk.com/apply

We will then arrange a short telephone call for us to have a chat about your interest, goals and aims and for you to find out a bit more about how we work.

After our initial telephone call, if you would then like to audition, we will send you two scripts to record. There is no specialist equipment needed (you can record on your smartphone). Auditioning in this way enables us to spend some time listening to raw vocal quality and ability, and to put together personalised training recommendations.

We offer regular Masterclasses to complement the core BRAVA training, some of which are detailed below.

All our Masterclasses can be booked at our Eventbrite page here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/brava-bristol-academy-of-voice-acting-33754518153

Yes, the minimum age we work with is 17 years old.

No. Although BRAVA specialises in training drama students but we also work with many people who have no formal acting training. We teach everything you need to know about working as a successful VO.

Yes, of course. If your class if full, please email info@brava.uk.com to be put onto the waiting list in the event that someone should cancel and a spot should free up.

The most important aspect for clients when booking talent is that you have the performance and technical skills to deliver every time. This is an outcome of high quality training, coaching and mentoring and there is currently no degree level qualification for voice acting. Here at BRAVA, we award certificates of course completion, as well as online badges that you can add to your marketing materials. All our coaches have been teaching for over 20 years in their various fields and have extensive experience in the industry so you can be sure of the very highest quality when training with us.

Everyone is different. Together with a good coach, you will decide when the best time is for you to cut your demo. Do not rush this process. It can take anything from one to two years for beginners to cut their first demo.

We offer a demo production service here at BRAVA for narration, commercial and character demos. For more information, please email info@brava.uk.com

There is no shortcut to becoming a highly skilled, experienced voice actor. You will need to put time and commitment into training and be realistic about your budgets. Take your time, do the learning and the rest will come.

Fees range from £75 per hour to £150 per hour (+ VAT), depending on individual training needs. All content is bespoke and caters to individual requirements. Audition fees are £40 + VAT.

Please see our Cancellation Policy here:

https://www.brava.uk.com/cancellation-policy

Want to see what students think about working with us? Have a look at our Testimonials on our website here.

If you have any further queries or questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us a line at info@brava.uk.com