Bristol Academy of Voice Acting (BRAVA)

Courses offered

BRAVA provides a range of personalised online courses in the business and art of voiceover. If you're a complete beginner who has always been interested in finding out more about the world of voice acting, or even if you've been voicing for a while but need guidance and support, then BRAVA is for you.

Courses include:

• Intro to VO – 10 Week Course
• Corporate, Commercial, Narration Intensives
• Intro to Characters
• Creating Characters – 4 Week Course
• Audiobooks
• Podcasting
• Performance Techniques
• Home Studio
• Marketing
• Vocal Health
• VO & Shakespeare
• Presentation Skills
• Demo Production

Aims

BRAVA was founded by experienced voice actor and communications specialist, Melissa Thom. Joining her is a highly experienced team of actors, educators and producers from the UK and US. All learning is personalised and accessed online via Zoom, meaning you can learn wherever you are at your own pace.

The Academy also works closely with drama schools, including Bristol Old Vic, or performing arts and media organisations who wish to offer their students high quality training in the commercial world of voiceovers.

BRAVA's aim is to introduce beginner students to the VO landscape, develop performance techniques, cut demos and importantly, equip them with the business and marketing skills needed to cut it as a successful VO, both in the US and UK. Training is offered as personalised 1-1 or group sessions and covers a wide range of topics. BRAVA also works with experienced actors and VOs who wish to develop specific areas in VO, including marketing, business or understanding global markets, such as Europe and the US.

Fees, bursaries, and other finance information

Fees range from £75 per hour to £150 per hour, depending on individual training needs. All content is bespoke and caters to individual requirements. Audition fees are £30.

Applications

Students who are committed to training are invited to apply via audition, via BRAVA's website. Auditioning in this way enables the BRAVA team to spend some time listening to raw vocal quality and ability, and to put together personalised training recommendations. Students do not need any specialist equipment to record, and BRAVA guides applicants through the simple process. The school only works with students 17 years old and above.

Melissa Thom's expertise

Thom's experience in the industry of voice acting is invaluable as the founder and director of BRAVA. With over 20 years' experience as a voice actor, Melissa counts Rockstar Games' GTAV, The Elder Scrolls Online, Amazon, Facebook, Google, Unicef and numerous global production companies, advertising agencies and start-ups as her clients. This fusion in the art and business of VO is what underpins all BRAVA offerings.

Melissa cut her teeth on local radio in the late ‘90s and went on to launch her award-winning podcasting platform, AudioEnable & Radio in Schools across 33 Heart stations in partnership with Global – the UK's largest commercial radio group. She has a BA in English Literature and went on to gain a Masters in Marketing Communications, after which she worked as head of communications for various agencies and start-ups. She studied acting at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and ACT, San Francisco.

Melissa spent 2 years working as a VO in California and still regularly works in the US market today. She is now based in the UK and continues to work as a full time VO, as well as heading up BRAVA from their Bristol studios.

Testimonials

‘Out of all the training I have had as an actor, BRAVA has benefited me the most when it comes to understanding the commercial and marketing side of being a performer.

‘Melissa and BRAVA have taught me about areas of VO that I didn't know existed before starting the course. Within a month of training, I was in touch with a radio company and was hosting my own show within 5 weeks. Without the guidance and recommendations from a well-connected and knowledgeable teacher, I simply wouldn't have had that opportunity.

‘I have discovered where my strengths lie within VO, giving me an opportunity to not only specialise in a niche, but also put more work into the areas that come less naturally. Being well rounded within such a broad and diverse industry is key and BRAVA offers guidance in every single nook and cranny.’

– Jasper Meehan, actor & BRAVA student

‘I haven't felt so inspired by anything for years. I feel very excited and optimistic that [Thom has] launched the Academy, especially at this time. We really need such vital sparks to ignite our creativity and give direction.’

– Kate Southgate, BRAVA Student

‘Melissa is an inspiring teacher with a huge range of highly relevant expertise. She works regularly with our MFA Professional Voice Studies students and provides them with the tools they need to develop their work further.’

– Carol Fairlamb, head of voice at Bristol Old Vic Theatre

For more information visit www.brava.uk.com or email info@brava.uk.com