Cartoon Voice Actor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of animated entertainment, the spotlight on cartoon voice actors has never been brighter.

Creativity and imagination continue to evolve, and with each evolution, the demand for skilled voices that can bring our animated worlds to life increases.

But let’s delve deeper: What’s really expected from a cartoon voice actor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A casting director outlining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the world of voice acting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable cartoon voice actor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or casting sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Cartoon Voice Actor Duties and Responsibilities

Cartoon Voice Actors lend their voices to animated characters in cartoons, films, commercials, video games, and other forms of media.

They are primarily responsible for bringing animated characters to life using their vocal skills.

The duties and responsibilities of a Cartoon Voice Actor include:

• Read and interpret scripts to bring characters to life
• Use different vocal techniques to create voices and speech patterns for various characters
• Collaborate with directors and producers to understand the desired vocal performance
• Participate in rehearsals and voice-over sessions
• Perform post-production voice work such as dubbing and voiceovers
• Maintain vocal health and quality through proper exercises and practices
• Attend auditions and casting calls
• Research roles to understand character’s backstory, personality, and the storyline to deliver a convincing performance
• Make necessary adjustments to performance based on feedback
• Sync voice with mouth movements of characters during post-production

 

Cartoon Voice Actor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic Cartoon Voice Actor to bring our animated characters to life.

The ideal candidate will have a dynamic voice range and exceptional acting skills.

As a Cartoon Voice Actor, you will be required to manipulate your vocal chords to speak in unique voices and tones to give a distinct personality to each character.

You should also have good reading skills to interpret scripts.

 

Responsibilities

• Read, interpret, and deliver scripts as the character portrayed
• Create different voices, speech patterns, and accents for characters
• Work closely with directors, producers, and other actors to create a cohesive and engaging performance
• Perform voice-overs for characters and provide narration
• Modify the pacing, pitch, or tone of your voice as directed
• Attend auditions and call backs
• Collaborate with audio engineers in post-production to enhance the performance if required
• Maintain good vocal health

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a voice actor or related role
• Ability to create a range of unique and engaging character voices
• Excellent reading and comprehension skills
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to take direction and adapt to changes in script
• Demonstrable portfolio of past voice-over work
• Training in acting, voice, and speech is a plus

 

Benefits

• Flexible working hours
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Opportunities for career advancement
• Professional development assistance

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Cartoon Voice Actor
• Work Environment: Studio setting. Some remote work may be possible.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Animation Director.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Depends on the project and role.
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Contractual or Full-time depending on project requirements
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a demo reel showcasing your vocal range and versatility, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Cartoon Voice Actor Do?

Cartoon Voice Actors are specialized performers who lend their voices to animated characters in cartoons, films, television shows, video games, and commercials.

Their primary responsibility is to deliver lines and perform dialogue in a way that brings their animated character to life, often using a variety of accents, emotions, and vocal tones.

Voice Actors are required to convey an array of emotions only through their voice, this includes happiness, sadness, anger, fear, and more.

This demands a high level of versatility and creativity from them.

They work closely with directors and producers to understand the character’s personality, background, and story in order to portray them convincingly.

In addition to recording dialogue, Cartoon Voice Actors often make sounds effects or noises that their characters might make, such as laughing, crying, or even singing.

They also participate in promotional events, interviews, and sometimes even in recording soundtracks for their characters.

Cartoon Voice Actors may work in a recording studio, or from their own home studio, depending on the requirements of the project.

 

Cartoon Voice Actor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Cartoon Voice Actor should have the skills and qualifications to adapt their voice to bring animated characters to life, including:

• Vocal skills and versatility to create a variety of distinct voices, accents, and speech patterns that suit different characters.
• Acting skills to express a wide range of emotions through voice alone, creating a believable performance that resonates with the audience.
• Excellent reading skills to interpret and deliver scripts effectively, adding the right inflection, pace, and tone.
• Improv skills to enhance the character portrayal and adjust the performance during recording sessions as directed.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with directors, sound engineers, and other actors.
• Physical stamina and vocal health to maintain voice quality over long recording sessions and avoid strain or injury.
• Ability to take direction and adjust performances based on feedback from directors or producers.
• Professionalism and reliability to meet deadlines, attend scheduled recording sessions, and maintain a positive work ethic.

 

Cartoon Voice Actor Experience Requirements

Cartoon Voice Actors often start their careers with a background in drama, theatre or performing arts, where they gain fundamental acting skills and learn to use their voice as a tool.

This can be through formal education or through community theater and school performances.

Many voice actors also have experience in radio, commercials, or live performances where they have honed their skill to modulate their voice according to the character’s emotions and actions.

Taking voice lessons or coaching can be an important part of building the required expertise.

A minimum of 1 to 3 years of experience in voice acting, including work in commercials, video games, or dubbing, may be required for entry-level roles in cartoon voice acting.

This gives the actor a solid foundation in voice work and a comprehension of the industry’s demands.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have a diverse portfolio, displaying their flexibility and talent in bringing different characters to life.

These professionals might have experience in major productions, showcasing their ability to handle high-pressure situations and meet production deadlines.

Those with more than 5 years of experience often have significant roles in well-known cartoons or animations under their belt.

They may also have experience in directing or producing, and are often ready to take on larger roles, such as lead characters or even voice director positions.

 

Cartoon Voice Actor Education and Training Requirements

Cartoon Voice Actors typically have a bachelor’s degree in acting, drama, or a related field.

They receive specialized training in voice modulation, accent training, and character sketching as part of their coursework.

Voice actors should have a strong background in performing arts and a versatile voice that can adapt to various characters and situations.

They should also have good reading skills to understand and interpret scripts.

Further specialization can be obtained through workshops or short-term courses focusing on voice acting for cartoons.

Some voice actors may also take classes in singing as this can often be a requirement for certain roles in animated musicals.

Certification programs offered by institutions such as the Voice Acting Academy can also be beneficial.

These programs provide training on microphone techniques, voice control, script interpretation, and audio production.

To stay competitive in the industry, many voice actors continue their education and training throughout their careers.

This ongoing training allows them to expand their skills and adapt to new trends and technologies in animation and broadcasting.

Practical experience, such as performing in plays, radio, or auditions, is equally important.

Many voice actors start their career in theater and gradually move to voice acting for cartoons.

Moreover, knowledge of multiple languages or accents can be an added advantage in this field, broadening the range of roles a voice actor can take on.

No specific license is required to work as a Cartoon Voice Actor; however, membership in professional bodies like the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA) can lend credibility and provide additional opportunities.

 

Cartoon Voice Actor Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Cartoon Voice Actor is around $40,000 (USD) per year.

However, this can vary greatly depending on the actor’s experience, the popularity of the show, the studio producing the cartoon, and even the geographical location.

Highly successful voice actors working in popular productions can earn significantly more.

 

Cartoon Voice Actor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a cartoon voice actor need?

A cartoon voice actor needs excellent vocal skills to portray different characters convincingly.

They should be able to manipulate their voice to suit a variety of characters, accents, and emotions.

Along with this, strong reading and comprehension skills are necessary to read and interpret scripts effectively.

They should also have good timing and delivery to bring the character to life.

 

Do cartoon voice actors need a degree?

Cartoon voice actors do not necessarily need a degree, but training in acting, voice modulation, and speech can be beneficial.

Some voice actors have degrees in theatre, drama, or voice, but many gain their skills through workshops or classes specific to voice acting.

Regardless of education, experience and demonstrated talent are key in this industry.

 

What should you look for in a cartoon voice actor’s resume?

A cartoon voice actor’s resume should showcase their range of vocal abilities and the diversity of characters they have voiced.

Look for experience in voice acting, including any relevant training or workshops.

Check for any roles in animation, video games, radio, or other relevant areas.

Testimonials or references from previous work can also provide insight into their professionalism and reliability.

 

What qualities make a good cartoon voice actor?

A good cartoon voice actor is creative and versatile in their vocal characterizations.

They should have strong listening skills to understand director’s notes and feedback, and adaptability to make necessary changes to their performance.

They should also possess a strong work ethic, as voice acting can require long hours in the recording studio.

A passion for the craft and a willingness to continuously learn and improve are also signs of a good cartoon voice actor.

 

Is it difficult to hire cartoon voice actors?

Hiring cartoon voice actors can be challenging due to the specific requirements of each role.

The voice actor must not only have a voice that fits the character but also the acting ability to convey the character’s emotions and personality.

It’s recommended to conduct auditions or ask for voice samples to ensure the actor’s voice is suitable for the character.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve pulled back the veil on the real-world of a cartoon voice actor.

Surprised?

It’s not just about silly voices or funny accents.

It’s about bringing animated characters to life, one voiceover at a time.

With our handy cartoon voice actor job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to step into the spotlight.

But why stop there?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next step towards precision-tailored listings and perfecting your voice acting portfolio.

Remember:

Every voiceover is a part of a greater narrative.

Let’s tell those stories. Together.

How to Become a Cartoon Voice Actor (Complete Guide)

Out of the Box Occupations: The Weirdest Jobs in the Market

Unveiled: Surprisingly Simple Jobs with Big Paychecks

The Agony Aisle: The Most Hated Jobs in the Career World

Stress-Free Success: Jobs Where Relaxation Meets Reward