A classically trained actress at Boston University and LAMDA (London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts), Erin Bennett has worked extensively in theater and television but is one of the most sought-after voiceover actresses in the audiobook industry. Not many people can boast they’ve narrated over 130 books but Erin has done that incredibly well for Audible, Macmillan and others.
How did you start your career as actress?
ERIN: I was an actress from an early age in love with plays, Shakespeare and musicals like CABARET and INTO THE WOODS. I received a classical theatre education at Boston University, spent time at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Arts (LAMDA) and then suddenly had to make a living as an actress. After a year in New York I made my way to Los Angeles and I've been here ever since.
When did you realize that voice acting was going to be an important part in your career?
ERIN: Some part of me always knew and I trained first in theater. In LA I adapted to film and television: on-camera commercials, regional theater, taught musical theatre to kids, worked as a reader at auditions. And as everyone knows, it's a business filled with ups and downs.
How did your first audiobook come into fruition?
ERIN: I was recording a radio play for the BBC in an LA studio. A producer in the next room heard my voice and said to the studio manager he wanted to talk to me. That producer cast me immediately in my first audiobook!
How was that audiobook experience?
ERIN: I'd never done anything in voiceover that long form but was happy to do it. The first day was rough! I felt as if my body had been beaten up. The stamina required to voice the audiobook reminded me of doing outdoor Shakespeare (no microphones) and using your entire body and voice [in your role]. The next day was a little easier.
Another world and infinite career possibilities opened up to you.
ERIN: Yes and I was so happy to find myself using my vocal instrument in a new format where the audience is wearing earphones instead of sitting in the audience or standing behind a camera. There were so many times in my career as an actress where I hadn’t been at "the right place at the right time," but I certainly was on that day at the studio!
Going back to your LAMDA and Boston University days, what important training and education then helps you deal with the long hours and demands of you Voiceover work?
ERIN: In school we did a lot of Linklater-based voice and speech work because it’s so easy to get into the habit of 'cutting off' your voice at the neck since the microphone aids so much in a confined space. The training I received keeps me in my body so I'm not getting into my head too much or cutting off from my center. I'm also a singer, so lip buzzes, sirens, moving up and down through the different vocal registers are part of my routine.
Do you have any favorite audiobooks you've narrated?
ERIN: I love stories which challenge everything I 'think' I know. For instance, I didn't think I was a fan of the horror genre. I was fortunate to narrate Paul Tremblay's Disappearance at Devil's Rock (HarperAudio) and I realized that a great story is never limited to genre. His narrative was engrossing and I felt myself completely immersed in the psychological states of the characters. Time slipped by in the studio without my noticing! Another favorite of mine is The Matchmaker by Elin Hilderbrand (Hachette Audio) for which I won an Earphone Award! This book takes the "beach read" to soaring heights – big stakes, loves, conflicts, and resolutions. I love [Elin’s] characters!
That's wonderful! What are your next projects?
ERIN: I've just finished an audiobook of literary fiction for Macmillan titled The Guineveres by Sarah Domet. Every day I'm auditioning for commercials and I'm in the middle of a six-week Animation class. Soon I plan to take a break and "enjoy the silence".
Good for you, you need the break after working so many different projects. So what advice would you give a high school student who wants to pursue acting/voiceover work?
ERIN: To have reasonable expectations as well as lots of optimism. It's a highly competitive, rejection-filled industry with a lot of unemployment, disappointment, waiting, and it's extremely unpredictable. I was trained in the theater and unless you work consistently on Broadway, film and TV or in commercials you're going to have to work in other industries. It's never too late to start thinking about what you can do to support yourself while pursuing acting and VO.
Great advice! What other training or experience besides Drama classes should they focus on before going to college?
ERIN: Drama classes are only a part of your life as an actor – but the main part is Life itself! Living your life, exploring, learning, falling in love, trying new experiences, observing the world because all these parts of the puzzle deserve your attention. And travel. It's much cheaper to travel when you're still a young, unattached student without too many financial responsibilities. Study abroad if you can! Try to pursue opportunities or classes that interest you. Any job, sports, community activities, websites, blogs, shows. Just do it!
To future drama students and actors – best of luck to all of you!
Follow Erin Bennett on social media:
Twitter: @theerinbennett
For a list of the audiobooks Erin narrated for Audible:
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