Puppeteer Voice Actor Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the entertainment industry, the role of puppeteer voice actors has gained unique prominence.

As performance art evolves, there is a growing demand for talented individuals who can breathe life into puppet characters, enhancing the magic of storytelling.

But let’s delve a bit deeper: What’s truly expected from a puppeteer voice actor?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the core of this role,
• A casting director crafting the ideal candidate profile,
• Or simply fascinated by the art of puppetry and voice acting,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a tailor-made puppeteer voice actor job description template, designed for easy posting on job boards or casting websites.

Let’s dive right in.

Puppeteer Voice Actor Duties and Responsibilities

Puppeteer Voice Actors have a unique and highly specialized job that combines elements of both puppetry and voice acting.

They create and bring characters to life using puppets and their own voice talents to provide entertainment in various mediums like TV shows, movies, and live performances.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Interpreting scripts and developing unique voices and personalities for each puppet character
• Operating puppets in a way that convincingly portrays the character’s emotions and actions
• Collaborating with writers, directors, and other performers to create engaging and entertaining performances
• Recording voiceovers in a professional studio, ensuring high audio quality
• Rehearsing lines and puppet movements to perfect performances before recording or going live
• Maintaining and repairing puppets as needed
• Performing live in front of audiences at theaters, festivals, and other venues
• Auditioning for new roles and projects
• Studying and learning about different forms of puppetry, acting techniques, and voice work to continually improve skills

 

Puppeteer Voice Actor Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a talented Puppeteer Voice Actor to join our creative team.

In this role, you will be responsible for manipulating puppets for performances, creating unique and engaging voices for each character, and collaborating with writers and directors on script interpretation.

Our ideal candidate has experience as a puppeteer, a strong range of vocal talents, and the ability to bring characters to life through voice and movement.

The successful Puppeteer Voice Actor will have exceptional performance skills, the ability to interpret scripts, and a passion for entertaining audiences of all ages.

 

Responsibilities

• Manipulate puppets for performances in accordance with the director’s vision
• Create unique voices for each puppet character
• Collaborate with writers and directors on script interpretation
• Participate in rehearsals and perform adjustments as needed
• Maintain puppets and equipment, ensuring they are in good condition for performances
• Attend workshops and training sessions to improve puppeteering and voice acting skills
• Work with costume designers and makeup artists to bring characters to life
• Perform other duties as assigned

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a puppeteer and/or voice actor
• Strong range of vocal talents
• Ability to interpret scripts and bring characters to life
• Exceptional performance and improvisation skills
• Attention to detail and the ability to take direction well
• Experience with various puppet types and puppeteering techniques
• Physical stamina and dexterity for puppet manipulation
• High school diploma or equivalent; bachelor’s degree in performing arts or related field is a plus

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Puppeteer Voice Actor
• Work Environment: Studio, rehearsal spaces, and various performance venues. Evening and weekend work often required.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director.
• Salary: Compensation is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: Variable based on experience and engagement
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Contract, Part-time, or Full-time depending on production needs
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity in our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume, a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience, and a demo reel showcasing your puppeteering and voice acting talents to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Puppeteer Voice Actor Do?

A Puppeteer Voice Actor typically works in the entertainment industry, often for television shows, movies, theater productions, or digital content platforms.

They may also work as freelancers and take on individual projects.

A Puppeteer Voice Actor is responsible for bringing puppet characters to life through movement and voice.

They manipulate the puppet’s movements to match the voice and emotions of the character.

This involves careful coordination of hand and arm movements, and sometimes full body movements, to achieve realistic and engaging performances.

The voice acting aspect of the role involves providing the voice for the puppet character.

This includes creating unique voices, accents, and speech patterns that suit the character’s personality and role in the story.

The Puppeteer Voice Actor also needs to be able to deliver lines convincingly, express emotions through their voice, and adjust their performance based on the director’s feedback.

In addition to their performance roles, Puppeteer Voice Actors often participate in rehearsals and script readings.

They may also collaborate with scriptwriters, directors, and other actors to ensure a cohesive and engaging performance.

Furthermore, some Puppeteer Voice Actors may also contribute to the design and maintenance of the puppets they operate, ensuring that the puppets are in good condition and function properly during performances.

 

Puppeteer Voice Actor Qualifications and Skills

A competent Puppeteer Voice Actor should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Articulation skills and the ability to produce clear, distinct and precise voices for a variety of puppet characters.
• High level of creativity to develop unique character voices and to express different emotions through voice modulation.
• Sound understanding of puppetry techniques, including manipulation and design of puppets, to provide suitable voices that match the puppets’ characters.
• Excellent storytelling skills to bring stories to life through the puppet characters.
• Strong improvisation skills to adapt voices according to the demands of the script or live performance.
• Ability to work collaboratively with other puppeteers, voice actors, directors, and production crew.
• Good physical stamina to endure long hours of voice recording or live performances.
• Strong listener with the ability to understand and implement feedback from directors and production crew.
• Experience in audio recording and editing software for post-production voice modifications.

 

Puppeteer Voice Actor Experience Requirements

Starting a career as a Puppeteer Voice Actor typically begins with a background in theatre, performing arts, or vocal training.

This enables potential Puppeteer Voice Actors to gain experience in character interpretation, voice projection, and puppet manipulation.

Entry-level candidates may have 1 to 2 years of experience, often obtained through school or community theatre productions, or performing arts courses.

They may also gain experience from internships or part-time roles in puppet theatre companies or animation studios.

Candidates with 3 to 5 years of experience are likely to have developed their voice acting skills and puppeteering techniques.

They may have worked in roles such as a theatre actor, voice artist, or children’s performer, and could have experience in radio, television, or film.

Those with more than 5 years of experience are often seasoned performers, having honed their skills in both puppet manipulation and voice acting.

They may have experience in leading puppet shows, directing theatre productions, or even teaching puppetry and voice acting workshops.

Such candidates could be ready for roles that require leadership, such as lead puppeteer or director of a puppet theatre company.

 

Puppeteer Voice Actor Education and Training Requirements

Puppeteer Voice Actors require training in various disciplines.

Many enter the field with a bachelor’s degree in theatre, animation, drama, or a related field.

In terms of acting, they need to have a good understanding of acting principles and theatre.

Taking acting classes or studying drama can help them develop their skills.

Voice coaching is also beneficial as it helps in modulation, accent, and delivery of lines.

Puppeteering requires a unique set of skills.

Learning from experienced puppeteers or attending workshops and courses can provide the necessary training in puppet manipulation and design.

Knowledge of animation and understanding of how movements translate to the puppet is crucial.

Some puppeteer voice actors might also take courses in visual arts, sculpture, or animation to develop these skills.

There are no specific licensing requirements for puppeteer voice actors.

However, becoming a member of a recognized Puppetry Guild or Association can enhance credibility.

Continual learning and practice is essential as the field is highly competitive and requires versatility and creativity.

So, participating in local theatre or community programs and gaining practical experience can be beneficial.

While not mandatory, obtaining a certification in voice acting or puppetry can be advantageous for those looking to specialize and gain a competitive edge.

 

Puppeteer Voice Actor Salary Expectations

A Puppeteer Voice Actor can expect to earn an average salary of $40,000 (USD) per year.

However, the salary can vary greatly based on the individual’s experience, the complexity of the role, and the budget of the production company.

Other factors that can affect the salary include the geographical location and whether the puppeteer voice actor is working in a freelance capacity or employed on a full-time basis.

 

Puppeteer Voice Actor Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Puppeteer Voice Actor need?

A Puppeteer Voice Actor needs creativity, hand-eye coordination, and acting skills.

They should have a strong ability to manipulate puppets convincingly and bring them to life for the audience.

They also need excellent voice acting abilities, allowing them to create unique and distinctive voices for each character.

They should also possess the ability to improvise and adapt during live performances.

 

Do Puppeteer Voice Actors need any specific education?

While Puppeteer Voice Actors don’t necessarily need a specific degree, many have backgrounds in theatre, drama, or performing arts.

Additionally, many have taken courses or workshops in puppetry, voice acting, and character creation.

Above all, practical experience in puppeteering and voice acting is most beneficial.

 

What should you look for in a Puppeteer Voice Actor resume?

A Puppeteer Voice Actor’s resume should highlight their experience with puppetry and voice acting, including specific productions they’ve worked on.

Any specialized training in these areas should also be included.

Additionally, they may have experience in other relevant areas like scriptwriting, animation, or children’s entertainment.

 

What qualities make a good Puppeteer Voice Actor?

A good Puppeteer Voice Actor is imaginative, creative, and dedicated to bringing characters to life.

They have a strong understanding of character development and storytelling, and they can seamlessly blend their voice acting with their puppetry skills.

Persistence and patience are also important as it takes time to master the art of puppet manipulation and voice acting.

 

Is it difficult to hire Puppeteer Voice Actors?

The pool of Puppeteer Voice Actors is relatively small, which can make it challenging to find the perfect candidate for a specific role.

It requires a unique blend of skills, including voice acting, puppet manipulation, and character development.

However, with a clear job description and a strong network within the performing arts community, finding a talented Puppeteer Voice Actor can be a rewarding process.

 

Conclusion

And there you have it.

Today, we’ve lifted the marionette’s mask to reveal what it truly means to be a puppeteer voice actor.

Surprise, surprise?

It’s not just about manipulating puppets.

It’s about breathing life into characters, one voice modulation at a time.

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

But why end the show here?

Take a bow and then delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your encore to creating precision-crafted listings or fine-tuning your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every voice, every action, contributes to the overall performance.

Let’s create the magic of theater. Together.

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