WELCOME TO AVA
Welcome to AVA:
Autistic Voiceover Artists
We're so glad you're here!
Here at AVA, our mission is to empower autistic adults in the voiceover industry, redefine the creative community, and inspire positive change in the way society perceives and embraces neurodiversity.
Please join us! Together, we can make voices heard, dreams realized, and a more inclusive world for all.
- Live classes led by voiceover professionals
- Elevate your artistry with specialty workshops
- Access voiceover video courses 24/7
- A subscription program designed to work for you
Wintershyre Podcast Sneak Peek
At AVA our artists are collaborating each month in character creation, music selection, and plot development. With every episode, they are learning through auditioning, rehearsing, and participating in remote recording under live direction — gaining real-world skills, creative ownership, and paid experience.
Experience Live Classes
UPCOMING MAY FREE CLASSES ON ZOOM
Learn the fundamentals of voiceover.
Explore the many genres, and discover the art of voicing for video games, animation, commercials, audiobooks, e-learning, and more! For those with voiceover experience, expand your knowledge, hone your skills, and broaden your network.
THURS - 5/7 7 PM EST - VOICEOVER 101
(How to Get Started)
If you’ve always wanted to get into Voiceover, this class includes must know information like - what skills you need, equipment (and cost), information about the industry, the power of new technology, working globally from anywhere, and the many areas of voiceover!
SAT - 5/23 1 PM EST - BYOS! (Bring Your Own Script) OPEN MIC WORKSHOP WITH INSTRUCTOR FEEDBACK
Bring your own script! Any genre of your choice! (Animation, Commercial, Audiobook, etc) Please make sure scripts are close to one minute in length. In this session we blend Free and Membership students to provide a well rounded audience of like minded supportive talents!\
MAY 'MEMBERS ONLY' CLASSES ON ZOOM
MON 5/4 7PM ET - WINTERSHYRE PROJECT WORKSHOP
This project workshop is an opportunity for you to collaborate on a Fantasy Audio Drama Podcast (Wintershyre). Join in on script discussions, character choices, script practice, auditions, and recording performance…or you are welcome to come and experience without participating if you prefe
WEDS 5/6 1PM ET - AUDIOBOOK TECHNIQUE
How do you deliver a convincing audiobook performance? How is it more different than other genres of voice over? Come practice a passage from books that we provide or bring your own!
MON 5/11 5PM ET - BOLD CHOICES IN ANIMATION
So you’re given a script and a character. What makes an audition really pop? Big Bold Choices. Come practice taking your biggest swing with characters that are given to you.
TUES 5/12 2PM ET - MICRO-COMMERCIALS
Timing is everything! Learn to work on :10, :15, and :30 second tight commercial reads with punch and clarity.
MON 5/18 7PM ET - WINTERSHYRE PROJECT WORKSHOP
This project workshop is an opportunity for you to collaborate on a Fantasy Audio Drama Podcast (Wintershyre). Join in on script discussions, character choices, script practice, auditions, and recording performance. You are welcome to come and experience without participating if you prefer.
SAT 5/23 1PM ET - BYOS WORKSHOP Bring your own script! Any genre of your choice! (Animation, Commercial, Audiobook, etc) Please make sure scripts are close to one minute in length. In this session we blend Free and Membership students to provide a well-rounded audience of like-minded supportive talents!
TUES 5/26 2PM ET - CHARACTER BACK STORY WORKSHOP Use your imagination, along with clues in the script, to help build the history (or back story) for a character to create a more believable and multi-dimensional performance.
THURS 5/28 1PM ET -DO YOUR WORST!
Practice doing some bad VO…on purpose. There are HUGE benefits from “taking a mulligan,” doing a throw-away take (or three), or even doing something badly SO THAT it takes you somewhere NEW. Let loose a little and see what new things you’re capable of in this experimental class.
Expand Your Knowledge
The AVA video library provides voiceover-based courses that cover topics like auditioning, creating believable characters, setting up your recording space, and lots more!
Explore techniques that enhance your performance and boost your confidence.
Connect with Members
Our thriving AVA community is a safe space for members to connect, ask questions, share successes, and discuss voiceover interests.
Join a network of like-minded individuals who are passionate about unleashing their voiceover potential.
Autism Support
We at AVA are committed to empowering autistic adults.
Our courses developed specifically for autistic individuals help expand your work capacity, unleash your potential, and reduce performance anxiety.
Discover new ways to excel in the voiceover industry with confidence and authenticity.
Autism-Friendly Courses
Unlock Your Voiceover Artist Within
At AVA, we are dedicated to empowering autistic adults in the world of voiceover. Our programs are designed to identify and nurture your unique voice talents, providing you with the skills and confidence to succeed.
We celebrate the vivid imaginations, the unmatched attention to detail, and the deep emotional connections that enrich every voice.
As you navigate the challenges that arise, AVA stands as a beacon of support and understanding.
We embrace differences and turn obstacles into steppingstones. Every hurdle is a chance to grow, to be inspired, to succeed.
Elevate Your Voiceover Skills
With Specialty Workshops
Experience captivating performance-based interactive workshops with classes such as Acting for Non-Actors, Must Knows for Video Games, Auditioning Tips & Tricks, and Exploring the Art of Dialogue. Dive into these workshops and unlock your creativity.
For advanced members with higher aspirations, AVA offers private voiceover coaching, life/success coaching for autistic adults, private audio and tech coaching, and demo production services.
Elevate your skills with personalized guidance and support.
A Commitment to Inclusion in the Voiceover World
AVA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your donation can make a significant impact, allowing us to provide essential resources,
training, and support to autistic individuals pursuing their passion in the voiceover industry.
AVA Founding Team & Board Members
Heidi S. Hackney MS, PCC, Co-Founder
Certified Autism Coach, ICF Accredited Life Coach, Masters in Human Development
Robin Brooke SAG-AFTRA, AEA, Co-Founder
Professional Voiceover Talent of 20+ Years. Established VO Instructor and Coach. AVA Program Director.
Dez Bryant-Senes, Board Treasurer
Neurodivergent (AuDHD), queer, woo-woo rebel. Budding barista breaking into voiceover acting, a seasoned small business finance pro.
Emily Gerhardstein, Board Member
Co-founder of an adaptive apparel startup and industry leader in merchandising, product development, and strategic partnerships.
Clarissa Pinheiro, Board Member
Attorney and Advocate for adults with autism navigating employment and relationships.
Dana P. Rowe PCC, CPCC, Board Member
Composer, Author, Voiceover Artist, and Executive Coach with decades of experience in the entertainment industry.
Gail Singer-Chang Psy.D., MA, MS, PPS, Board Chair
Autism advocate, educator, and retired medical school leader with a background in psychology and a passion for inclusive community building.
Jacqueline Coursey MS, PCC, Advisory Board
Certified Autism Coach, Autism Advocate, and founder of her own coaching company.
AVA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
Your donation can make a significant impact, allowing us to provide essential resources,
training, and support to autistic individuals pursuing their passion in the voiceover industry.
Educational Partners
We recognize the different options used within the industry when referring to voiceover (voice-over, VO) and have incorporated all within our website.