TANYA RICH — No Shortcuts
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Tanya Rich
Tanya is one of the UK’s most established and versatile female voiceover artists, with a career spanning over 40 years. She has voiced for hundreds of clients across the UK, Europe, the U.S., Australia, and the UAE.
While her signature style is a natural, non-heightened RP (Received Pronunciation), Tanya effortlessly switches to her native West Midlands accent when needed. Her vocal range covers everything from children to 40-somethings, with characters including fairies, witches, mothers, and mistresses.
A true pioneer in the field, Tanya was the first female voice used for IVR (on-hold messaging) in the UK in 1996, and remains one of Britain’s most in-demand IVR voices today. Her extensive portfolio includes TV and radio commercials, video games, apps, corporate explainers, e-learning content, and audio dramas—both comedic and dramatic. Her voice can even be heard in the lift at the BT Tower, on a major train line, and in a talking water cooler.
Tanya is also a seasoned jingle singer and performs as both the boss and alto of vocal trio The Bellefleurs.
She records from her fully equipped Studio Bricks XXL booth using Source Connect Pro, Cleanfeed, Zoom, Skype, Session Link, and more—all powered by a stable ethernet connection. Tanya is also happy to travel for in-studio sessions anywhere in the world.
TANYA RICH — No Shortcuts
Voice Acting Unplugged: An Insight into the World of Voiceover with Tanya Rich
Welcome to another enlightening episode of the Voice Acting Unplugged podcast, where your hosts, Margaret Ashley and Anthony Rudd, delve deep into the fascinating world of voice acting. In this episode, they are joined by the legendary Tanya Rich, a British voiceover artist and coach with over three decades of experience in the industry. Through an engaging conversation, Tanya shares her incredible journey and offers invaluable advice for aspiring voiceover artists.
Introduction: MeetTanya Rich
Margaret kicks off the conversation with an introduction to Tanya Rich, who has built an impressive career as a voiceover artist and coach. Anthony adds that Tanya is not just any voiceover artist, but a mentor who has shaped the careers of many aspiring actors, lecturers, broadcasters, and businesspeople.
From Punk to Voiceover: Tanya’s Unique Journey
Tanya’s story is both unique and inspiring. She recounts her early days as the first female punk in Staffordshire, managing the pioneering punk band Discharge, and eventually finding her way into the voiceover industry. Despite the unconventional transition, her punk attitude of resilience and persuasiveness propelled her forward. She shares her experiences of breaking into a male-dominated industry, facing skeptics, and proving them wrong with her undeniable talent.
Lessons from the Past: How the Industry Has Changed
Tanya reflects on the changes she has observed in the voiceover industry over the years. Gone are the days when talent was assessed in high-pressure studio sessions with tight deadlines. With technology advancements, such as ISDN and home studios, the industry has evolved, yet Tanya emphasizes the importance of retaining professionalism and skill.
Pitfalls for Newcomers: Critical Advice from a Seasoned Pro
A common pitfall for newcomers, Tanya explains, is underestimating the difficulty of voiceover work. Many are misled by the perceived simplicity of the profession or fall prey to substandard coaches. She stresses the importance of understanding the nuances of voice acting, being well-prepared for sessions, and approaching the craft with dedication and professionalism.
Crafting a Showreel: Quality Over Quantity
Anthony probes Tanya about the creation of voice reels. Tanya underscores the importance of authenticity and skill, as opposed to relying solely on a polished reel produced by someone else. She cautions new talents about the allure of shortcuts and advocates for thorough, honest training.
The Dynamics of Coaching: Tanya’s Approach
Coaching is at the heart of Tanya’s work. She expresses her commitment to her students, teaching them the fundamentals of breath control, nuance, and the art of the read. Her approach is firm yet supportive, ensuring her students are genuinely prepared for the industry challenges.
Conclusion: Opportunities and Resources with Tanya Rich
As the conversation draws to a close, Tanya provides insights into the resources available through Rich Craft, her coaching website. She invites interested individuals to explore the services offered, emphasizing mentorship, and practical training.
Margaret and Anthony thank Tanya for her time and insights, wrapping the episode with an invitation to listeners. They encourage subscribing to the podcast, leaving reviews, and tuning in for more inspiring stories from the voiceover world.
Cheerio from all of us here at _Voice Acting Unplugged_! We hope you enjoy this episode and share it with fellow voiceover enthusiasts. Stay tuned for more engaging discussions and expert advice.
Join Margaret & Anthony next time on Voice Acting Unplugged.