Authentic Auditions
- Anne Ganguzza
- Jul 15
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 10
with Kelly Moscinski
BOSSes, are you ready to nail those voiceover auditions? In this episode of the VO Boss podcast, Anne Ganguzza talks with special guest Kelly Moscinski, owner and head of casting at The VoiceCaster. Kelly, who oversees thousands of auditions, reveals what truly stands out to casting directors and how you can stop being predictable to book more jobs. Get ready to transform your approach to commercial auditions with invaluable insights straight from the source!
In this episode of the VO BOSS Podcast, Anne Ganguzza sits down with casting powerhouse Kelly Moscinski of The VoiceCaster, who shares what makes voice talent shine—and what turns casting directors off. Discover how to break out of predictable reads and deliver performances that book the job. Don’t miss these expert strategies to level up your auditions!
Chapter Summaries
From Theater to The VoiceCaster: A Journey of Intuition
(00:44) Kelly shares her unconventional path from pre-med and theater to becoming the owner of the oldest voiceover casting house in the country. She discusses how following her intuition led her to The VoiceCaster and the surprising offer to take over the business.
Connection Beats Perfection Every Time
(11:58) Kelly elaborates on her philosophy: "Connection beats perfection every time." She explains why authenticity and a strong connection to the script are far more important than flawless articulation, even revealing a recent cast where a "slurred word" was overlooked for genuine human connection.
The Power of Point of View in Auditions
(16:42) Dive deep into the importance of having a clear point of view in your commercial auditions. Kelly explains how being the "expert" or the "real-life user" of a product can make your read unique and memorable, standing out from the "melody" everyone else plays.
Three to Five Seconds: The Audition Reality
(20:16) Discover the shocking truth about how little time casting directors spend on each audition. Kelly reveals that most auditions get just three to five seconds of listening time, emphasizing why your opening lines are absolutely critical and must showcase personality and bold choices.
Common Audition Mistakes & How to Avoid Them
(25:07) Learn the top two mistakes voice actors make in their auditions: incorrect file labeling and trying to be someone you're not. Kelly stresses the importance of following instructions and being your authentic self, as clients often don't even know exactly what they want until they hear it.
Navigating Conflicting Specs and Copy
(28:05) Kelly offers practical advice for voice actors when audition specs contradict the script's copywriting (e.g., "conversational" for an "announcer-y" script). She suggests recording instinctual takes first and using subtext to find your authentic voice within challenging copy.
A Glimpse into the Casting Room:
(30:44) Get excited for Kelly's upcoming VO Boss workshop on commercial auditioning. She previews an exclusive exercise where attendees will hear three to five-second clips of real auditions, including those that booked, to truly understand what makes a read stand out.
Top 10 Takeaways
Lead with Boldness:
The first 3-5 seconds are crucial; lead with your riskiest, most personality-driven take to grab attention.
Connection Over Perfection:
Clients want "humanness" and authentic connection to the script, not flawless articulation. Embrace imperfections if they serve the story.
Know Your Point of View:
Decide if you're the expert or the real-life user of the product, and let that perspective drive your read.
Storytelling is Key:
Every commercial has a story. Understand the "pre-life" and the underlying narrative to create a compelling audition.
Follow Instructions Meticulously:
Incorrect file labeling is an immediate dismissal. Pay attention to every detail in the casting specs.
Be Authentically YOU:
Don't try to guess what the client wants. Your unique self is what truly stands out and gets booked.
Navigate Conflicting Specs with Subtext:
When specs contradict the copy, focus on subtext and the acting elements to find a nuanced read.
Record Multiple Takes Strategically:
If your instinctual read is different from the specs, include it as a second or third take rather than fighting your intuition.
Listen from the Casting Side:
Understand the volume of auditions casting directors review to grasp why distinct, purposeful reads are essential.
Show Your Passion:
Let your determination, passion, and love for the industry shine through in everything you do; it will set you apart.
Referenced in this Episode
Direct links to things we brought up ++
Attend the Masterclass in Authentic Auditions with Kelly>>
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More from Anne Ganguzza
She's a powerhouse voice talent, producer, and host. Book time with Anne to get your voiceover career in gear or focus on a specific genre. Catch her each week on VO BOSS or register for an event on VOPeeps.com >>
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