How to Know If You’re Ready to Record Your First Voiceover Demo
- Keep Dreaming Creative
- Jul 25
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Here’s the truth most producers won’t tell you. Many voice actors are not really ready when they record their first voiceover demo. However, in order to get real-world experience, you will need at the very least a starter demo so send to clients and submit in online casting.
Your Voiceover Demo Should Be Constantly Changing
Your demo should never be this one-time, carved-in-stone project. It’s not a graduation certificate, it’s more like a playlist—it should grow with you. As your voice, skills, and confidence evolve, so should your demo. Keep what’s working. Replace what’s not. What booked you two years ago might feel a little stale now—and that’s normal. The goal is to always have a collection of spots that reflect who you are right now and what you’re actually capable of delivering under pressure.
Starter Demos? Yes.
Demos before you're ready to book work? Nope.
At Keep Dreaming Creative, we’re totally on board with starter demos. In fact, we encourage them when the timing’s right. But we’re never going to produce a demo for someone who can’t yet hold their own in a session.
Because while a well-produced demo can sound impressive… if you can’t recreate that energy, emotion, or delivery in front of a real client or casting director? It’s not doing you any favors.
Here's the test:
If someone says,
“Hey, I loved that grounded, textured read in your hiking boot spot—can you give me that same vibe with this new script?”
…you should be able to hit that tone and emotional space without second-guessing yourself. One or two takes, no panic, no overthinking. That’s how you know you’re ready.
Why Most Self-Produced Demos Fall Flat
Casting directors and agents have great ears. They can spot a Frankensteined demo in seconds. You know the ones—where every read sounds vaguely the same, the rhythm never changes, and the actor clearly had someone stitching together 37 takes to fake one good performance.
It might sound clean. But it doesn’t sound real. And real is what gets you hired.
So When Are You Ready?
Here's what we look for when deciding if someone’s demo-ready:
✓ You’ve got 2–3 strong reads that feel like second nature
✓ You’ve done at least a few auditions or small jobs (online platforms, local clients, etc.)
✓ You can take new copy and replicate the style or vibe of your previous work without needing coaching or hand-holding
✗ You're still working on basic mic technique
✗ All your reads start to sound the same
✗ You can’t yet hit the same emotional notes without a lot of outside help
But Don’t Let That Discourage You
You don’t have to be perfect. You just need a solid foundation.
That’s why we produce demos for voice actors who are just beginning to get out there, even though their skills may not be refined enough to get agency representation just yet.
A starter demo gives you:
Something to put on your website or social media
The ability to audition on casting sites
A tool for direct marketing to clients
A taste of how it feels to prep, perform, and deliver in a focused, high-level session
And when you're ready for your next-level demo—the one designed to land agents and major clients—we’ll build that too.
Your Demo Should Always Be Evolving
Your demo isn't set in stone. It's something you'll update, refine, and reshape as your work grows. Kind of like pruning a tree: trim what’s no longer serving you, and make room for stronger, healthier growth. We recommend swapping in your best new reads over time and retiring anything that no longer reflects your current voice or skill set.
That way, your demo always shows you at your best—right now.
Still Not Sure If You’re Ready?
Let’s figure it out together. We offer free assessments—no pressure, no commitment.
We’ll send you a couple short scripts, you’ll send back your reads, and we’ll give you honest feedback. If we think you’re good to go, we’ll walk you through next steps. If not, we’ll tell you exactly what to work on so you can get there.
