Wednesday 21st April 2021
Celebrated International voice actor, Melissa Thom, has today launched Bristol Academy of Voice Acting (BRAVA), working alongside some of the most prestigious names in the industry to offer personalised online training in the art and business of voiceover.
With over 20 years’ experience as a voice actor, Melissa counts Amazon, Facebook, Google and Rockstar Games’ Grand Theft Auto V among her global clients. She began her career in local radio in the late 90’s and went on to launch her award-winning podcasting platform, Radio in Schools, across 33 Heart stations in 2005, in partnership with Global - the UK’s largest commercial radio group.
BRAVA is specifically aimed at individuals who want to add voice acting to their skillset, or performing arts organisations who wish to offer their students training in the commercial world of voiceovers. Commenting on the launch of BRAVA, Founder & Director, Melissa Thom, said:
“Lockdown has been a difficult time for many, but the voiceover industry has adapted quickly and remains strong. The explosive growth of online gaming during the pandemic and projected healthy recovery and growth of the UK ad market by the end of this year means there is an imminent demand for highly trained voice actors.
"Although I have coached VO privately for a while, it has become clear that there is a significant demand for training and now felt like the right time to bring together the very best experts I’ve worked with over my 25 year career to create BRAVA. We’re looking forward to helping students learn about the voiceover industry and supporting them to add this growing artform to their skillset.”
Melissa has taught voiceover, radio and presentation for a wide range of education providers, including Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and Ravensbourne University, and produced a number of educational digital learning resources and media study aids. Carol Fairlamb, Head of Voice at Bristol Old Vic Theatre school said:
“Melissa is an inspiring teacher with a huge range of highly relevant expertise. She works regularly with our MFA Professional Voice Studies students and provides them with the tools they need to develop their work further”.
Joining Melissa at BRAVA is a team of acting and voice experts from the UK and US, including voice actor & communications specialist, Elaine Clark, from San Francisco and experienced audio engineer, Euan McAleece from Brighton. Bristol based coaches include Shakespeare actor, Chris Donnelly, vocal health coach, Gary Owston and singing teacher, Pam Rudge. Specialist guest coaches will also work with the school throughout the year.
At Bristol Academy of Voice Acting (BRAVA) all learning takes place online, meaning students can learn at their own pace, wherever they are. Training is offered as personalised 1-1’s or group sessions and covers a wide range of topics, including Getting Started in VO, Corporate, Commercial and Narration, Characters, Audiobooks, Performance Techniques, Home Studio, Marketing, Vocal Health, VO & Shakespeare and Presentation Skills.