What can the characters of SNL teach you about being a better voice actor?

I think it’s the perfect time to give a little homage to SNL and discuss why it can help you become a better voice actor.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxehB4wkY48

You can learn a lot from watching the characters of SNL, but only if you know what you're looking for.

What can the characters of SNL teach you about being a better voice actor? - 4:54

Hey, and welcome to another edition of The Gift of Gab! I’m your host, Gabby Nistico—voice actress, voiceover coach, author, voiceover wizard, or whatever you want to call me. Today, we’re diving into one of my absolute favorite things: sketch comedy and how it can make you a better voice actor.

The Power of Catchphrases

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You recognize these, right? Probably. These are all iconic catchphrases from Saturday Night Live, which has been on the air for 50 years. I think it’s the perfect time to give a little homage to SNL and discuss why it can help you become a better voice actor.

Catchphrases have been a part of pop culture for as long as sketch comedy has existed. SNL—with its half-century of iconic moments—has become deeply embedded in our culture. For many people, there’s usually a character or a famous line from a sketch that sparks an impromptu performance in their own lives. But it’s not just SNL; we also have Mad TV, In Living Color, and Kids in the Hall, just to name a few. These are all fantastic examples of sketch comedy that have shaped how we think about characters and performances.

Learning from the Legends

And let’s not forget about the amazing SNL alums who went on to create their own production companies, movies, and unforgettable characters. People like Adam Sandler and Mike Myers, to name a couple.

So, how does this relate to voice acting? Well, as a voice actor, catchphrases are incredibly helpful in jumping into a character quickly. They help you establish the character’s voice, their tone, placement, sound, physicality, and so much more. Essentially, catchphrases give you everything you need to build a dynamic character in no time.

Finding Your Character

Here’s how it works: let’s say you want to portray a classic nosy neighbor from New York—someone who has her hands in everyone’s business. A great starting point would be Mike Myers as Linda Richmond from Coffee Talk. You know the character, right? She’s always a little clempt, saying things like, “Talk amongst yourselves. I’ll give you a topic.”

This is a simple and fun way to find your starting point. Does it mean you should rip off Mike Myers’ portrayal exactly? Absolutely not! But it gives you a framework that you can make your own.

Speaking of Mike Myers, how many people have tried a Scottish accent by yelling “Donkey” just like his famous character in Shrek? It's a perfect example of how catchphrases can serve as your jumping-off point. Start with something familiar, like these iconic catchphrases, and then make it your own.

Expanding Your Skills

Whether it’s an accent, a specific character for animation, a voice for a video game, or something else entirely, catchphrases are a great way to kickstart your performance. And as you get better as a voice actor, you’ll create your own catchphrases and characters. These will serve as the foundation for your future performances, helping you get back into character whenever you need to.

The Importance of Practice

Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you experiment with different characters and catchphrases, the more versatile you’ll become. Try recording yourself. Play it back. What works? What doesn’t? This self-reflection is key to growth.

Final Thoughts

Thanks again for watching! If you want more tips like this, check out my other videos. Be sure to like, subscribe, and ring the bell. And, of course, head over to my website if you’re interested in learning more about the classes and techniques I offer.

704-674-8294 / GabrielleNistico.com / gabby@voiceovervixen.com

Gabrielle Nistico, Gabby Nistico, The Voiceover Vixen, The Business First VO Coach, #VoiceoverVixen #VoiceOnFire #BusinessFirstVOCoach Voiceover, Charlotte, North Carolina, voiceover class, SNL, Mike Myers, Sketch Comedy, Saturday Night Live, character building, character work, character acting