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Casting Director, Voiceover Coach, Mary Lynn Wissner

We’re thrilled to bring you insights and wisdom from the talented Mary Lynn Wissner, a renowned voice acting coach and casting director. Mary Lynn has a wealth of experience in the industry, making her a valuable resource for those looking to enhance their voice acting skills. Let’s learn more about Mary Lynn's journey and coaching philosophy. 

As both a casting director extraordinaire and a coach with decades of experience, Mary Lynn has a unique perspective to share with aspiring voice actors. 

To understand Mary Lynn's coaching approach, it's essential to explore her background. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Mary Lynn grew up surrounded by the entertainment industry, with her father being a TV producer. Although she started with on-camera commercials in high school and college to support her education, Mary Lynn soon transitioned to voice acting and casting. 

The Early Years 

Mary Lynn's journey into the world of voiceovers began when she worked as an assistant voiceover agent. This experience sparked her love for voice acting and eventually led her to casting. In the early '90s, she founded her company, Voices Voicecasting, and started coaching shortly after. With over 35 years of casting experience and coaching, Mary Lynn's career has been a harmonious blend of different facets of the industry. 

"I started as an assistant voiceover agent, and that's when I fell in love with voiceovers. I felt that this is what I want to do." 

The Coaching Philosophy 

Mary Lynn's coaching philosophy is deeply rooted in her casting experience. She naturally embodies the roles of a nurturer, cheerleader, and supporter. Her coaching style reflects her honesty and organized approach, ensuring that voice actors receive tailored guidance. 

Coaching Commercial Voiceovers 

Mary Lynn specializes in coaching commercial voiceovers, considering them as mini-movies with distinct directions and trends. She emphasizes teaching popular trends in commercial voice acting and tailoring them to individual actors. Mary Lynn provides actors with acting tricks, tips, and hacks to enhance their performance and sound like seasoned professionals. 

The VO Pros and the VO Road Show 

Mary Lynn founded the VO Pros and the VO Road Show to elevate the coaching scene. The VO Road Show brings top-notch coaches to different cities, offering intensive, productive workshops. Mary Lynn highlights the benefits of the small group setting, ensuring participants receive personalized attention. 

"The VO Road Show is a traveling roadshow of top coaches. It's a one-stop-shop for intensive, immersive workshops." 

Commercial Demo Production 

Mary Lynn exclusively focuses on producing commercial demos for individuals she knows well, such as her students. She personally writes the copy, conducts practice sessions, and collaborates with audio production experts Tim Friedlander and Carson Beck for the final recording. This meticulous process ensures that actors are well-prepared for recording day and receive a demo that showcases their strengths. 

"I only do demos for people I know, like my students. I know their strengths and what will highlight them the best." 

Selectivity in Coaching 

Mary Lynn is selective about her students, preferring to work with working professionals in the voiceover industry. While recognizing the value of beginning coaches for newcomers, Mary Lynn's expertise is geared towards those with some voiceover experience or training. 

Mary Lynn Wissner's journey from a child in LA to a renowned voice acting coach and casting director is nothing short of inspiring. Her coaching philosophy, deeply rooted in casting experience, provides voice actors with valuable insights and practical tips. If you're a working pro looking to take your voice acting skills to the next level, Mary Lynn Wissner is undoubtedly a coach worth considering. Check out her website for more information on classes and workshops, and the VO Road Show – your ticket to an enriching voice acting journey!