We recently connected with Jennifer Silverman and have shared our conversation below.
Jennifer, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I always knew I wanted to pursue something in the arts, ever since I was a little girl. I used to be a part of a Children’s Talent Agency and go on ‘ go-sees’ with my mom. However, back then, I was so bored and annoyed, because what kid wants to be schlepped all the way into the city to wait in a room and twiddle my thumbs? I did have a shot at being in a Disney movie, but one of the children ruined the tape and had to re-cast. Then, there was a commercial I swore I had landed. Then, the agent asked me ‘do you like this product?’ but, naive little Jen, looking the agent dead in the eye, I said ‘BLECH’. End of modeling/go-sees.
So, I know that on Broadway, you have to be a ‘Triple Threat’, but me, being the ‘graceful snowflake’ that I am, I’m more of a ….Double threat. I can act, and I can sing. I then was asked to help a friend with their Media Studies Thesis which involved VO – and I thought – why have I not done this before or thought about it!? I’ve always loved anime since I was little, and was always animated, myself.
Being a cosplayer, I was at a convention back in 2018, and saw a picture of one of my favorite characters, Yugi Mouto. I asked the woman at the kiosk what this was all about, and it was to be evaluated at Edge Studios with the one and only Dan Green! Naturally, at first I thought it was a hoax, but lo and behold, a few months later, I was evaluated and worked towards my DEMO and the rest was history!
I have done Community Theater since 2011, and was a Theater Major at Queens College. The common misconception of Voice Acting is that people think it’s more of the ‘voice’ and less of the ‘acting’, but the acting is a HUGE factor. It ALWAYS helps to have some sort of acting skill under your belt be it Shakespeare, Contemporary, Improv, etc. Especially now that most Commercials are a ‘conversational’ read, and animation is more of a ‘natural, authentic’ read.
Sure, part of me wishes had I known then what I know now, who knows where I’d be? But, everything happens for a reason, and I’ve come full circle. However, I do wish I never said “BLECH” on that Welch’s grape juice commercial, so I’m aiming to redeem myself there, LOL.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
So as stated previously, I always knew I wanted to pursue something in the performing arts. But when I began to train under Dan, it was love at first… Voice? It just felt natural to me, getting to play pretend and not worry about what I look like, what happened that day, etc. Everything is just left behind. 2020 my life changed forever. I lost both my Mother and Uncle to Covid-19 that March/April 10 days apart from one another. It only made my passion stronger, not only for them, but for myself as well. They would never want me to dwell, and would always tell me to pursue my dreams. So, I just keep going no matter what. As an avid Yugioh fan, I also took classes under another Role Model–Darren Dunstan. Cue 2021, my first big role, on Yugioh Sevens. The two things I really wanted to achieve when I turned 30 – get my driver’s license, and be on Yugioh. Ya girl did both in the same week!
I also really began having a knack for boy voices, which helped me land the role of Sora Perse on Duel Links. I also owe that to a friend of mine who told me to watch Yugioh Arc V!
While making genuine connections with the who you know, where you are, and right place, right time is always great, and I’m a firm believer in, I also find having fun and just taking classes to hone your craft is the best way to go about it. It also helps to have a strong support system, which I’m forever grateful for.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
I hope to coach someday, as I love taking what I learn and paying it forward. Knowing that I can put a smile on someone’s face, or help inspire them, the way my role models inspire me means so much to me.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Knowing that my resilience is what helps keep me going, and that we are not alone in this giant ocean of talents. Knowing we can help one another, while still being successful in or paths is a breath of fresh air.
Contact Info:
- Website: JenSilVO.com
- Instagram: JenSilv_VO
- Linkedin: Jen Silverman
- Twitter: JSilv_VO
- Other: TikTok: HarpieQueen18
Image Credits
CyeleneArts