You gotta loosen up and play in voiceover - How?? - With HATS!

Rediscovering Playtime — Why Every Actor Needs to Play

Sometimes it's just a simple little thing that can help you get out of a voiceover rut. Let's talk about hats.

How Hats Help Me Play-3:31

Hey guys! It’s Gabby — welcome to another edition of The Gift of Gab.

Today, I want to talk about playtime. When was the last time you just… played? When was the last time you let yourself be free, be silly, and just be a kid again?

Been a minute? Yeah, I thought so.

Well, I’ve got a few hats that might help — literally.

How Hats Help Me Play

So first of all, I’m a hat girl. I love hats. I have a huge collection of them, and each one has its own unique vibe and personality.

If I need to get into character — to really free myself up and let loose creatively — my hat collection is one of the fastest and easiest tools I use.

Every hat brings out a different version of me. When I put one on, it’s almost like slipping into a new character. It helps me shake off inhibitions and play.

If you’re an actor who’s struggling to break free or express yourself more creatively, give it a try. Seriously — it works.

Let’s Explore Some Hats

Alright, let’s play a little.

🎩 [Puts on hat]“Yeah man, craft beers are my life. Anytime I can get together with my friends, hang out at the microbrewery… I mean, life doesn’t get any better than that, does it?”

Here’s another one — remember that character Aubrey Plaza used to play on Parks and Rec? The damsel in distress? Yeah, I love that energy.

🕵️‍♀️ [Switches hats]“Today, we doth go to the Renaissance Festival! We shall drink mead and eat turkey legs!”

See? Instantly, a whole new world.

Channeling Your Inner Jennifer Garner (and Other Inspirations)

One of my favorite things is watching Jennifer Garner in her garden. She’s just so adorable with her baskets full of vegetables — so pure and playful.

Honestly, all I want to do is sit in a peach orchard and throw peach pits at people. It just sounds like so much fun!

(Laughter) Okay, maybe not the bugs though. I hate bugs. The outdoors can be so… outdoorsy.

Be a Smooth Criminal (and Other Lessons in Play)

Sometimes, you just gotta be a smooth criminal.Other times, a damsel in distress. Or a farmer. Or a beer snob.

That’s the point — play. Experiment. Be ridiculous.

Yes, I’m being goofy. Yes, I’m being silly. And yes, I’m being absolutely ridiculous.

But that’s the fun. That’s what this is all about.

Why Play Matters in Voice Acting

Half the battle in this industry — especially in voice acting — is being willing to play.

To take chances. To make bold, weird, messy choices.To let your creativity run wild.

Props, accessories, hats — whatever helps you free yourself up, use it.The goal isn’t perfection. It’s exploration.

So, give yourself permission to play. You’ll be amazed at how much it opens up your craft.

Join the Playtime Revolution

I’m so glad you’re here for it. It’s an adventure. It’s fun. And honestly? The world needs more of you — more creative, playful, uninhibited artists.

We need more playpals!

Thanks so much for watching and reading. Check out my website for more acting tips and tricks, and don’t forget to visit my YouTube channel for more episodes of The Gift of Gab.

See you next time!

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, performance, voiceacting, play, explore, hats, fashion