Rising Stars: Meet Sharon Edel

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sharon Edel.

Hi Sharon, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started like most voice actors. Throughout the years, people would tell me “You have a nice voice, you should do something with that!” I truly discovered my passion for voice-over while pursuing my career in higher education. As an educator, I explored how the power of voice and performance engaged my students. After my family moved to Nashville, I found more opportunities to connect with a community filled with artists who continue to inspire me.

I sought out local voice actors to coach me on the industry. This also included helping me set up my very first recording studio in a walk-in closet. Voice-over is a gadget-loving industry so I love working with (and upgrading) my equipment. I also work with multiple coaches to hone my performance skills.

Completed projects include audiobooks, explainer videos, corporate training, and a few guest spots in animated films. My latest client is a young comic book creator who is creating his animated sci-fi series. First and foremost, I’m an educator and scholar. Thus, I’m a natural storyteller. Most of my clients find me on online casting sites, but I have been cast directly from social media as well.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Early struggles for me were the vast learning curve of the voice-over industry. It’s not just reading scripts in front of a microphone. You have to perform with a capital “P.” It’s called voice acting for a reason! So, my first major struggle was learning the proper microphone technique. My first recordings were well below the industry standard. I would not make it past agency auditions because my sound was awful at first!

Besides improving my performance, I had to figure out my equipment and room treatment. Fortunately, I found great coaches to help me get started. The good news about being a voice actor in the Nashville area is that you are surrounded by creative artists including audio experts.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As an African American woman, I am passionate about promoting diversity and representation in the industry. As a former college educator, I prioritize projects from emerging creatives. I am known for creating interesting character voices for any type of project that needs a human touch.

For example, adding authentic characters to a video about training clinicians about patient care. I am most proud of my current project with a young creator. I’m portraying a strong goddess character with a big personality. What sets me apart is my collaborative nature. I thrive on working closely with clients. This spans from text messages to live-directed sessions.

What would you say has been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
That voice acting is only as isolating as you make it. Networking is key. Join professional organizations and find good coaches.

The industry is filled with amazing folks that love to help. I work alone most of the time, but I know tech help and inspiration are a call away. I cannot say how much I benefited from working in the Nashville area.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sharonedel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sharonedel_vo/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-edel-ph-d-0480249/
• SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/LdSwW 

Image Credits
Peter Vagt