SCAMS are Real and they HURT
Just like the title of this blog, Scams are real and they hurt. I’m tired of being scammed as an actor. You really have to watch out and this is my story: The past couple of weeks, I was lead to believe that I was conversing and auditioning for a real casting director of HBO MAX. Sent a stellar audition and even signed off on a role I was offered with a Zoom meeting all set up for this upcoming week. Now, I did my research and by the way this was from Backstage, I did my research and I was already skeptical from the beginning as I have been burnt from roles and opportunities in the past. It’s kind of like AI - you don’t know what’s real anymore and it hurts. Am I used to this by now and being scammed….yes to the point now where I don’t trust anyone. But I also feel like if I don’t take a chance, I could miss out on my big break. It’s heartbreaking and yes this is a setback. I am very fragile at this point. I try to research as much as I can with companies and making sure they’re legit, but sometimes that’s not enough.
Continuing on with the scam, all was good until the project said that I must be SAG-AFTRA and they had a rep that could help me with that. I was like ok, I get this, not a problem, until their so called rep e-mailed me and it looked legit, except for one thing, the email was sent from a .net and not .org. I had been researching SAG-AFTRA and all of their emails ended in .org so I decided to email them about a possible scam and someone got back to me right away, indeed it was. Next email I got from the fake company said I can pay my dues by PayPal, bank account or bit coin….bit coin…..absolutely not and that was a major red flag in red flag city as I know as well as anything else, dues should only be paid through SAG-AFTRA on their website or via phone. I’m no genius, but I know when it’s game over.
Since then, I have reported the people and emails to SAG-AFTRA as it was the correct thing to do. Not only did they pretend to be from SAG-AFTRA, but also stole the identity of a real casting director from HBO MAX and you should never, ever do that. They stole the identity and photo as well to make it look legit. That’s not right at all. Please do your research on anyone who reaches out to you to do any kind of acting. Also, know that you are not alone if you have ever been scammed. If you have, please comment down below.
I am posting some screenshots of when it all went south and the scam took place as well as the role I was offered. Again, I am heartbroken and would have loved to work on “Hacks” with Jean Smart as she has been an inspiration to me for a long time and is so funny. I really wish this wasn’t a scam. Again, left heartbroken and now less trusting.
And here’s the audition monologue I submitted and got great feedback on, which was probably full of shit, but hey as long as it’s in writing, it counts right!?! I feel as though I did a great job and was happy with the outcome.
Getting Started with Voiceovers With No Money: Use What You Already Have
So, you want to dive into the world of voiceovers, but there’s just one tiny obstacle—you don’t have the budget for fancy gear, professional training, or a studio. Here’s the good news: you don’t need all of that to start. Many successful voice actors began by using what they already had. The key is to start scrappy, get comfortable, and grow as you go.
1. Use the Mic You Already Have
Before rushing to buy a microphone, look around. Do you own a smartphone, gaming headset, or even earbuds with a built-in mic? These may not be industry standard, but they’re good enough to start practicing and recording small projects. Most modern phones have surprisingly clear recording capabilities. Apps like Voice Memos (iOS) or RecForge (Android) are perfect for testing your voice, practicing scripts, or even auditioning for beginner-friendly jobs.
2. Your House Is Your Studio
Forget expensive sound booths. A closet full of clothes makes an excellent recording space—the fabric absorbs echo and background noise. Don’t have a closet? Throw a blanket over a table and stick your head under. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective. The goal is to reduce reflections and outside noise, not to look professional while doing it.
3. Free Software Is Your Friend
You don’t need Pro Tools or Adobe Audition. Audacity is free, user-friendly, and powerful enough for recording, editing, and cleaning up your audio. If you’re on a phone, apps like BandLab or GarageBand (iOS) can help you cut and polish audio without spending a cent.
4. Practice With What You Find Online
There are tons of free voiceover scripts online—from commercials to audiobooks. Read them out loud and record yourself. Play it back, cringe (it’s normal), and then practice again. The more you listen, the more you’ll improve. You’ll start to notice pacing, breathing, and energy levels.
5. Build a Free Demo Starter
You don’t need a professional demo right away. Instead, create a “practice reel” by recording short clips of different styles—an ad read, a narration, maybe a character voice. This won’t be your forever demo, but it’s a way to show potential clients or collaborators what you can do.
6. Find Free Opportunities
Look for no-budget indie projects, student films, or small podcasts that need voices. These opportunities often don’t require professional setups, and they’ll give you practice, credits, and confidence. Sites like Casting Call Club or even Reddit voice acting communities are full of open calls for beginners.
7. Learn From Free Resources
YouTube is a treasure trove of tips on mic technique, vocal warm-ups, and editing basics. Podcasts and blogs (like this one!) also share behind-the-scenes wisdom from working VOs. Take advantage of the free training that’s already out there.
8. Remember: Starting Small Is Still Starting
The industry can feel intimidating when you see people with $2,000 mics and full studios. But every pro began somewhere. Using what you already have isn’t a disadvantage—it’s how you prove to yourself that you’re resourceful, adaptable, and willing to work.
Bottom line: Don’t wait for perfect conditions to start. Record today, with whatever you have. Every take makes you better, and every bit of practice gets you closer to your first paid gig.
Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Dearly Departed
Tonight is opening night for Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Dearly Departed written by the amazing Jacky Fazio!
You have received an invitation to a dinner party from a dear friend, but there’s one problem. The address on the invitation is a house that is known to be vacant. And haunted. Will you take the chance and attend, or will you always be curious about what might have happened?
Grab your tickets now and see an amazing cast! I am so honored to be a part of this production and am there for the 6th, 7th and 13th! Show runs throughout the month of October. Please check the events schedule for all dates and time. Show runs twice night starting at 7PM!!
Up Coming Shows
September 23rd - The Enchanted Forest at the Sparta NJ Renaissance Festival
September 24th - The Enchanted Forest at the Sparta NJ Renaissance Festival
September 30th - FanCon at the Vineland Public Library 11pm-4pm
October 6th - Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Dearly Departed in Cape May 7PM & 8:30PM
October 7th - Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Dearly Departed in Cape May 7PM & 8:30PM
October 13th - Phantoms of the Physick Estate: The Dearly Departed in Cape May 7PM & 8:30PM
Turnpike Comedy Festival - TBA
