FOR ALL THE VIEWERS READING, PLEASE KINDLY INTRODUCE YOURSELF.
Helloooo! My name is Melinda Yerzy. I’m a private voice and piano coach who stumbled into the world of voice acting five years ago and fell head over heels for it! Besides being a performer and teacher, I’m a plant nerd, a coffee junkie, and a health geek.
PLEASE TALK ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.
I’ve wanted to be an actor ever since I was a kid, and I was lucky enough to have a family that supported that dream. My mom spent an entire summer driving me into San Francisco on the weekends, a two-hour drive each way, just so I could take acting classes. But besides being a theatre major for one semester in college, that was basically my only experience in acting, despite the fact that I loved it so much.
It wasn’t until much later in life that I realized what truly held me back from pursuing acting: a lack of self-confidence, for many reasons, but one of the biggest being the lack of Asian/Filipino representation in mainstream media (more on that later). So instead of pursuing acting, I followed another passion I had music. I decided to become a music teacher, since that was a “steadier” career path… even though it was during the 2008 recession and the first thing being cut from schools were the arts. During my final year of college, I came to the tough realization that public school teaching wasn’t the right fit for me for a number of reasons. (Huge shout-out to schoolteachers. They’re absolute heroes who don’t get nearly enough recognition or compensation for all that they do!) So, I went the private studio route instead.
I’ve been teaching on and off for over a decade and love every minute of it. I’ve learned so much from my students and watched many of them grow into amazing musicians. But after a while, I started to feel like something was missing. I felt lost, not really knowing what life meant to me. I had this feeling, like I was meant to do something else but couldn’t put my finger on it and it was mentally a struggle dealing with depression and anxiety. Becoming a mother only amplified those feelings. I poured all my energy into taking care of everyone else, anticipating everyone’s needs, being everything for everyone. And while I genuinely love being a mom and wife, I realized that I had never really figured out who I was.
Fast forward to 2020. A combination of events that happened all at once seemed to lead me toward voiceover. The pandemic shut down the world, my brother gifted me my first mic for Christmas and suggested I try content creation since I couldn’t teach in person, and one of my best friends, indie author, B.L. Twitchell, was trying to record her own audiobooks and loathed every minute of it. I had offered to look into how to produce an audiobook for her since I enjoyed acting, and that sent me down a rabbit hole into a world I never knew existed and never knew I could be a part of.
As a mom of three young kids living in a rural farming community, I never thought a career in acting, let alone voice acting, was even remotely possible. But due to the pandemic, the industry has become so much more accessible. Today, I get to coach and work with some of the best in the business, all from the comfort of my home studio. It’s something I never imagined I’d be able to do, and I’m beyond grateful.
if I have an audiobook to prep, I read the entire book first, highlight every character’s dialogue, and assign each one a color. That way, when I’m recording, especially with children’s books, I can quickly switch between characters and keep the performance going without having to think too much about it.
WHAT MADE YOU GET STARTED IN THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY?
So, I’d actually like to start by sharing why I didn’t pursue acting because that’s a huge part of what ultimately led me to voiceover.
I was born and raised in a small farming community that was primarily Caucasian and Hispanic. Most of my childhood, I was the only Asian student in my class. By high school, there were probably five Asian families at my school, if even that. Most of the time, people thought I was Hispanic.
When I was thirteen, one of the ladies from the church I grew up in said something to me that really stuck deep into my subconsciousness. She said, “It’s a great thing that you’re getting into acting because you don’t see many Asians on the big screen.” She meant it as encouragement, but without realizing it, she planted a huge seed of self-doubt. And honestly, she wasn’t wrong. In the ‘90s, there weren’t many Asian actors in Hollywood, especially not Filipino ones, and almost never in leading roles. My 13-year-old inner voice said, “You’re right… there isn’t. Who am I to even try?”
As a kid, I didn’t understand the weight of that comment. I was very lucky to never have faced negativity for being different, despite growing up in a community that lacked diversity. And I didn’t recognize that I had self-esteem issues. I was very shy as a child, and that eventually morphed into being overly friendly, bubbly, optimistic, and outgoing. I know those aren’t bad traits, but in hindsight, they were often a form of overcompensation - me subconsciously trying my hardest to prove to myself that I didn’t care that I didn’t quite fit in.
And looking back now, I realize that comment had stayed with me and I can see how much the lack of representation back then had affected my career choices as a young adult.
I think many creatives face countless external obstacles, but the hardest battle is often with our own inner voice. The inner gremlins that whisper doubts and talk us out of our dreams. It took me a long time to recognize that, and I’m finally healing from it.
Voiceover has become a huge part of that healing journey. It has opened doors I didn’t even know were in front of me. In voiceover, it doesn’t matter what you look like. It doesn’t matter that I’m Filipino. That I’m thirty-nine. That I don’t look like Hollywood’s standard of beauty. I get to be a space pirate captain with a robotic eye in Storybutton’s children’s audio drama, Treasure Galaxy, and I get to bring a whole cast of animals to life in the upcoming audiobook, Treasure of the North, by Minda Gomez. It’s a form of storytelling that’s unbiased by where you came from, what you look like, or how old you are, and I feel like the opportunities in this medium are endless.
Thanks to incredible coaches like Paulette Lifton and Mimi Maynard from Voice Masters, the insanely supportive voiceover community, and the many friendships I’ve made along the way, I’ve finally found my authentic voice. And through this work, I’ve come to appreciate my Filipino heritage more deeply than ever before.
I often wish I could go back and mentor my thirteen-year-old self, the girl who needed someone to say, “Get out of your own way!” Since I can’t, I’m driven to be the best storyteller I can be in hopes that someone out there hears my story and realizes that they can follow their passion too… even if it feels impossible.
PLEASE SHARE A MOMENT WHERE YOU FELT YOU WANTED TO BE INSPIRED TO BE A PART OF THE VOICE OVER INDUSTRY.
It’s funny… looking back, I didn’t even know what voiceover was, but my absolute favorite thing to do as a kid was to reenact scenes from my favorite Disney movies. One of my fondest memories is playing in the parking lot of our apartment complex with my best friend, blasting The Lion King soundtrack from our little boombox.
We were eight years old, and I can still picture the cassette, a bright jungle green tape. We’d sing every song at the top of our lungs, then pretend to be Simba and Nala, running wild through the apartment grounds, fully immersed in the story.
I didn’t know it then, but if I had to give a moment that inspired me to be a voice actor, that would be it.
PLEASE TALK ABOUT THE CHALLENGES YOU FACE IN THIS INDUSTRY AND HOW YOU OVERCOME THE CHALLENGES.
I honestly believe the biggest challenge is getting out of our own way, at least it was for me. We put so many limiting beliefs on ourselves based on our own unique backgrounds, often without even realizing it. (I’m also really into psychology!) But I truly believe that anything worth doing comes with a process, a journey, something new we have to face every day. And that can be the hardest thing to accept, especially in a world where we’re used to having everything instantly at our fingertips.
What I ask every one of my students, and my own children, when they say something is hard, is this: “Why is this hard?” The answer is usually something like, “Because I’ve never done it before,” or, “ It’s the first or second time I’ve done this.” Then I ask, “how do you make something hard easy?” And they all answer, “Practice.”
Practice does NOT make perfect; practice makes hard things easier. And the more we practice over time, the easier things can get. When you learned to tie your shoes, it wasn’t easy. Now you don’t even think twice about it. When you learned how to speak, it wasn’t easy. Now words flow out of you without needing to sound out every syllable.
This industry is hard, and the challenges look different for each person because we all have our own unique perspective. But that’s what makes this industry the most fun to be a part of!
For me, I got out of my own way, figured out what was hard to me (marketing and branding are the big ones), focused on the skills that were challenging, found mentors that I trust to help guide me, and grew from the experience. Then rinse and repeat, because the learning never stops!
IS THERE ANY PROJECT OR PEOPLE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO WORK WITH OR COLLABORATE WITH?
What I would absolutely love is to be part of a project that highlights Filipino culture. Something like Disney’s Encanto, which beautifully showcased Colombian culture. I dream of being part of an animated film or series that is deeply rooted in Filipino stories, traditions, and heritage.
And if I could collaborate with anyone on a project like that, it would hands-down be Lea Salonga. She’s such a huge inspiration to me. I wish I had known when I was younger that she was the singing voice behind two of my favorite animated characters growing up. I truly believe that if I had seen and recognized that kind of representation earlier on, I might have had the courage to pursue acting from the start.
Of course, the ultimate dream would be to work with teams from Disney, Pixar, DreamWorks, etc., but honestly, I’d love to collaborate with anyone who has a story worth telling. That’s the beautiful thing about being human: every single person carries a story. And when we come together to create something that helps others escape their worries, find comfort in shared experiences, or discover a sense of community where they once felt alone, that’s the best kind of collaboration there is. That’s why I love being an actor.
PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT TYPE OF WORK YOU ARE CURRENTLY FOCUSED ON.
Right now, I primarily work in audiobooks. I’m also wrapping up a mentorship with Penguin Random House this spring, which has been an incredibly insightful opportunity I’m deeply grateful for. In addition to audiobooks, I also train in animation and commercial voiceover, and I’ve done some IVR (Interactive Voice Response) as well.
PLEASE TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU LIKE ABOUT HOLLYWOOD ENTERTAINMENT.
I absolutely love storytelling. I’ve been a storyteller for as long as I can remember. The first time I watched a behind-the-scenes special, I knew I wanted to be an actor. To me, Hollywood represents the grand stage where the world’s best storytellers come together to create something truly magical. That is what I love about Hollywood Entertainment. And someday I hope to be able to work with those storytellers!
WHAT VOICE OVERS DO YOU ADMIRE THE MOST FROM HOLLYWOOD?
There are so many voice actors I admire, but one that stands out is the amazing Jack Angel. Early in my voiceover career, I heard an interview with him, and one of my favorite things he said was, “Life is a game. If you’re not having fun, you’re doing it wrong.”
At that point in my life, before discovering voiceover, I wasn’t having fun. I’m generally a pretty happy, optimistic person, who is usually the supportive, uplifting cheerleader. But before voiceover, I was dealing with several health issues…that’s a whole different story. But I was battling depression because of it, on top of feeling lost and unsure of my purpose. I was definitely on a struggle bus.
When I stumbled into voiceover, that interview was one of the first things I heard. It was life changing. It not only gave me a sneak peek into this amazing community, but it also reminded me of who I was before the health issues, marking the beginning of my introspective healing.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD VOICE ACTOR?
A few things!
- Voice actors are actors first and foremost!
There’s a common myth that having a “beautiful” voice or being able to make funny voices or good impressions is what makes a good voice actor. But in truth, the sound or quality of your voice comes second to the craft of acting. It’s about telling the story, not just sounding cool. - Be empathetic, honest, and open.
Sure, it takes a wild imagination to accept that you’re a space pirate captain with a robotic eye, but to make that character feel real, you must ground it in truth, honor the script, and be open to the world the writers have created. - Understand that voice acting is a business.
Yes, you can totally do voiceover for fun and there are plenty of platforms for that! But if you want to turn it into a career, you’ve got to understand the business side of things, too. - And lastly, have fun and never stop learning!
NOW IN TODAY'S SOCIETY, EVERYTHING IS DONE BY REMOTE WORK. DO YOU ENJOY THIS PROCESS, OR DO YOU PREFER TO SHOW UP AT THE STUDIO?
I truly appreciate the remote aspect of voiceover, especially because of where I live and how much I value time with my family. Being able to work from home has made this career accessible to me in ways I never thought possible.
That said, I absolutely love working with people. Remote live-directed sessions are gold to me! But, if there’s ever an opportunity to be in the studio and I can make it work with my schedule - yes, 100%, I’d be there in a heartbeat. There’s something magical about being in a room with other creatives, feeding off that energy in real-time.
WHAT TYPE OF SPECIALTY IN VOICE OVER WORK DO YOU LIKE TO FOCUS ON, OR DO YOU HAVE SEVERAL TYPES?
I love, love, love animation and I really hope it becomes a regular part of my career. I also enjoy audio dramas. Even without visuals, the performance has to be just as dynamic and expressive, and I love that challenge.
But I have a very special place in my heart for audiobooks. Growing up, I actually really struggled with reading and, quite frankly, hated it. It was hard for me to focus, and later, as an adult, I learned I have ADHD tendencies. I also may have something called Irlen Syndrome — it’s often mistaken for dyslexia, and like dyslexia, it makes reading incredibly difficult.
Back in the early ‘90s, audiobooks weren’t nearly as accessible as they are today. So now, being part of an industry that could have helped me as a child feels like such a full-circle moment. Knowing that I’m creating something that could help kids and adults who struggle like I did — and give them access to stories in a way that works for them — makes this job even more meaningful.
WHAT'S A TYPICAL DAY IN THE LIFE OF A VOICE OVER ACTOR?
Ha! Well, for me, my day usually kicks off as a full-on sprint, trying to get the kids out the door and to school on time! Once all the mom duties are handled, I start my own morning routine: walk the dog, take a moment to meditate, review my to-do list, and aim to be in my booth/office by 9 a.m.
What happens next totally depends on the day. If I have a project, I’m either prepping, recording, or editing. If not, I work on admin until it’s time to pick up the kiddos, and then I’m off to the races until their bedtime, enjoy some down time with my hubby and finish up with a nighttime routine of reading, skincare, and meditating.
To be more specific, if I have an audiobook to prep, I read the entire book first, highlight every character’s dialogue, and assign each one a color. That way, when I’m recording, especially with children’s books, I can quickly switch between characters and keep the performance going without having to think too much about it.
For other types of VO work, like animation or commercial, the prep looks a bit different since I wouldn’t be voicing all the characters. It’s a lot of mental preparation on world and character building.
When I don’t have a project to work on, then it’s admin fun time! Most creatives dread the business side of this industry, but I totally enjoy it. It’s my chance to connect with people, build relationships, balance the books, and track what is working and not working in my career. I love what I do, and it’s one of the best jobs in the world, but I also like to see that I am actually making an income too! 😉
I also make a point to care for my health every day, both mentally and physically. After years of dealing with health challenges, I now work closely with a functional medicine practitioner who’s helped me uncover the root causes of it all. That journey is a whole story in itself, but it’s a huge part of why my daily routine includes time for healing and self-care.
WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR ANYONE THAT IS INTERESTED IN VOICE OVER WORK?
The first thing I always recommend is to get into an acting class, especially if you’ve never taken any before. Voice acting is acting first and foremost. The people who build lifelong careers in this industry are constantly training, not just in voiceover technique but in their craft of acting as well.
The second recommendation is to learn the business side. Voiceover can be an incredibly fun hobby and if that’s your goal, amazing! But if you want to build a career out of it, you need to treat it like a business. That means learning how to market yourself, manage finances, network, and set goals. It’s a completely different skillset from performing, but it is 100% learnable!
YOU ARE CURRENTLY ACTIVE AS A VOICE OVER. WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR 2025? WHAT CAN WE EXPECT FROM YOU FOR 2025?
As I wrap up my mentorship with Penguin Random House, I’m hoping to start collaborating with more publishers in the audiobook world. I’m also excited to dive back into animation training and start networking more with animation creators and indie animation studios. Last year, I focused on strengthening my acting craft overall and had put my voiceover training on the back burner, so that’s something I am looking forward to.
I also hope to branch out into the on-camera world. That’s something that has been on my heart for a while. I’m a good mix of planner and go-with-the-flow, so while I definitely have my goals, I also love seeing where life takes me. As long as I get to tell powerful, meaningful stories... I’m in!
CAN YOU SHARE ANY EXCITING PROJECTS THAT YOU ARE CURRENTLY WORKING ON NOW?
Right now, I’m working on launching an online voice studio for people looking to improve their singing or speaking voice. I’m currently in the creation phase and hope to have a prototype ready for beta testing by the end of the year. It’s been an exciting project close to my heart!
As I mentioned earlier, I’m also planning to step into the on-camera world and have been putting together all my marketing materials for that. It’s been a fun, new adventure, and I’m loving the process.
As far as voiceover goes, I’m currently recording the 4th book in the Martinez Kids Adventures series. It’s a fantastic middle-grade series that follows three young siblings learning family values while exploring new worlds through virtual reality. It’s such a fun and meaningful read for all ages! I’m also working on the 3rd and 4th books in Lesley Barklay’s Bible Adventurers series, another great middle-grade series about a brother and sister who travel back in time to witness the life of Jesus—starting with the very first Christmas!
And coming soon: I just recorded a few episodes for a children’s audio drama with Storybutton, a wonderful platform known for its screen free, family friendly content.
Lots of audiobooks and audio adventures on the way!
IF SOMEONE WANTS TO HIRE YOU FOR ANY VOICE OVER WORK, CAN YOU PLEASE LIST YOUR WEBSITE AND HOW PEOPLE CAN REACH YOU?
You can find all of my demos, contact information, and social media links at melindayerzy.com. Whether you’re looking for help with voicing an animation, audiobook, commercial, or anything in between, feel free to reach out. I’d be happy to connect!
ANY LAST MESSAGE YOU'D LIKE TO SAY TO ALL THE READERS?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my story. I absolutely love storytelling, and it’s not often I get to share my own, so this means a lot
