In the history of the Elder Scrolls modding community there have been many great attempts to create a voice actors guild. Voice actors are one commodity the community is not short on. Most modders have done it for their own mods and many newcomers are willing to learn the trade. It is one of the more exciting facets of modding, is relatively easy to learn, and can be fun for everyone involved!

What is the Voice Actors Project?
The Voice Actors Project is a forum based club for voice actors in the Elder Scrolls community. It is designed to organize voice acting talent, teach voice actors the tricks of the trade, and to archive voice talent in one place so that modders can find the actors they need for their projects. The project also gives voice actors a chance to chat together about the issues they face in this theatrical modding pursuit.

Who can join the Voice Actors Project?
Anyone can join! The Voice Actors Project is an open club for voice actors with varying levels of experience and skill. Even if you have never voice acted before you are welcome to join up to begin learning and sharing.

What do I need to join?
It is necessary to have a functional microphone. Headset mics are not recommended for voice acting; opt instead for a handheld or deskmounted style. Noise canceling qualities are preferred, but not required to make a good recording.

How do I join?
All you need to do to join is visit the http://www.invision.tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/forum/39-the-voice-actors-project/, tell them you would like to join and you will be added to the group! It's that simple.

The VAP is still going strong and accepting new members regardless of experience.
If you are a modder in need of voice talent, visit our http://www.invision.tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/forum/28-the-archive/ and http://www.invision.tesalliance.org/forums/index.php?/forum/30-the-project-forum/.
:foodndrink:

I wish I could help...but my voice is very bad sounding! I had "a little" brain damage 26 years ago, and now my voice is VERY quiet! I can not raise my voice much at all!

Regardless, sign up and try. I've been masquerading as one for many months now.

Very cool idea, I'm bookmarking the VAP forum you indicated!

Greenwarden from The Voice Actor's Project, very kindly did some amazing voice acting for Pell's Gate, which now has me thinking about adding more. You have some really good voice actors there.

Thanks Shezrie! :foodndrink: If you need another female voice for Pell's Gate, just let me know. I'd be honored.

Aw shucks. Thank you, Shezrie.

And while I'm here, I'll just say that we can always use new voices- male, female, youthful, advlt, sultry, innocent...whatever your experience level. Come by and give it a try- don't let your pesky inner critic get in the way. It's a lot of fun!

Time for a nudge up. :foodndrink: There are always projects in need of voice actors, several in fact including the upcoming http://www.gamesas.com/bgsforums/index.php?showtopic=1070806&hl which is in it's final phase. DarkRider is screening VA's now. You don't need to have experience to be a VA, just a microphone, a recording program and the drive to learn and enjoy yourself.

hrm... I used to be fairly active with voice acting back in my Morrowind days. Mayhap the time has come for me to get back into it...?

A former Morrowind VA? Sounds great! :nod:

A sample of my past work - http://planetelderscrolls.gamespy.com/View.php?view=Mods.Detail&id=1589. At the time, I had heard people complaining about the Breton voices being too "squeaky". I attempted to correct that. Granted, this *was* almost five years ago. My voice has... matured a bit since then. Pity the rest of me hasn't really matured. :hubbahubba:

I was also heavily involved in the "Glory Road" mod by Kathryn and Tommy Khajiit. The vast majority of voice work done in that mod was me. In various incarnations. I've also worked with (in order that my computer lists their separate folders) Adanorcil, Blackanima, Janx, Kalikut, Princess Stomper, Qarl, and a host of others.

...Yeah, I miss doing this voice work. I think I'll take on a few jobs and have some fun.

...soon as I shake this cold, that is.

Oh please do! We'd love to have you in the VAP! :goodjob:

I'm a little confused about the software needed to record voice files. The TES Alliance site states that Audacity is recommended, but IIRC that can't save voice files with the right format for Oblivion. What's the scoop?

It's true Audacity can't export MP3s for use in Oblivion, but it can export and save completely usable wav files which can be easily converted to MP3s if needed using a secondary program like Switch. Usually VAs are only asked to submit wav files to modders anyway as they are needed for creating lip files. We recommend Audacity because it's a powerful tool and a freeware program so available to everyone, and of course VAs are welcome to use any program they like if they have access or experience with something else.

In the VAP we provide tutorials for our VAs in using Audacity and Switch for Oblivion ready MP3 conversion as well as lip creation to aid modders.