With the high volume of Voice Over programs bouncing around the internet, Seattle is fortunate to have a local business that provides top notch instruction on this subject. From Acting to Accents to Business Acumen - Shana, Gin, and their team of expert instructors provide hands-on training that can never be matched by the online community. Seattle Voice Institute (SVI) provides coaching that is up to the minute based on the industry standards, because these instructors are immersed in the industry. Each question is answered with the gravitas of personal experience, not merely a list of best practices. SVI's instructors are deeply rooted in the Voice Over community - locally, nationally, and internationally. With instruction that in comprehensive, interactive, and highly entertaining, the SVI team has propelled me forward in my Voice Over quest, trimming years from my learning curve by maneuvering me around common pitfalls and potential mistakes. This is possible only because these instructors have already witnessed (or experienced) these obstacles themselves. Each instructor is also a student - receiving additional coaching from experts in the field so that they can continue to bring the best curriculum to SVI students. SVI won't hold your hand or push you through your instruction - it's up to you to drive your own education, but the instructors generously provide you with support and guidance each step of the way. And, as corny as it may sound, they actually care about their students at SVI, and that's a commodity that becoming harder to find in today's Continuing Education programs. read more

Shana and Gin have set up something truly unique in the Seattle Voice Institute. There's a sense of community and trustworthiness that is a standout in this industry of 'Get Rich Quick' schemes and endless workshops filled with brittle content. With Gin's deep well of dialect knowledge and oh-so-friendly coaching mic-side manner, I've a level of confidence in my burgeoning career that would be notably bereft without her. And Shana? She can just fill you full of supremely useful tips, next steps, and skip-overs that might have otherwise taken a judicial precinct's load of trial and error. Not to say that there isn't value in self discovery, because ain't that the truth? However, these two ladies have built an institution that feels more akin to a favorite coffee shop or your local "Cheers", rather than simply a dollar for value exchange business. The panache, community interdependence, and inclusivity to be found at Seattle Voice Institute is something I want to be a part of. I think you might, too. read more

Seattle Voice Academy (Institute?) was a fantastic experience in learning VO. I took the VO1 and VO2 workshops, 6 weeks each, and I was ecstatic to show up each week. The instructors I had were all excellent (Shana Pennington-Baird, Bradetta Vines, Michael Blum). All three brought so much joy, energy, and expertise to the classes. They're incredibly knowledgeable, and the classes were organized and broken down to really capture and dive into the different kinds of VO work out there, as well as the skill sets required to be a working VO artist in the industry. I enjoyed these classes immensely and found the instructors to be a reward to work with. I would love to take more classes there; I could take a whole series from Michael Blum alone! His energy and clear love of the work, his immediately engaging personality, and his nuanced understanding of the craft make him an excellent instructor, and makes each student in the room eager to jump behind the mic! Keep up the good work, SVA! read more

Shana and Gin are AMAZING!! It is wonderful to get a view of the Voice Over industry from people who are currently working in it. The industry is changing so much, so quickly, that anyone who has been "out of the game" for any length of time, can only teach/advise from hearsay. It's not the same. The community they have created is one of tremendous companionship and harmony. I can't say enough great things about them and their studio. But don't take my word for it. They offer FREE phone consultations. Call and talk to them directly. They're awesome! And yes, this is the same review I posted on Google+. I'm not a bot. I'm just lazy. read more

For me the pandemic has been great! All these gifted people and excellent courses available online! I started into exploring this wonderful world of voice over through SVA and the breadth of expertise and encouragement has been incredibly helpful. The new mentorship program is truly unique. I have started in the audiobook realm and am getting specialized coaching in medical narration. None of this journey could have gone as smoothly without SVA. Highly recommended! Melinda Cumming VO read more

I took the Intro to VO class and it was everything I'd hoped for and more. We were recording in the studio from day one and working with real scripts. I came away with a good understanding of the VO world and knew what needed to happen next to continue the journey. Shana was an excellent coach and I look forward to working with her in private sessions. Her energy was high and her knowledge is deep. She is all about the greater good for both students and the industry. read more

I've taken private coaching, group workshops, and recording sessions at Seattle Voice Institute, and I highly recommend all three. Shana and Gin take the overwhelming business of VoiceOver and put it into simple, step-by-step turns, no matter where you are on your journey. Take a class to learn a new niche, or take private coaching so they can assess and guide where you are, and where you should go from here. read more

This studio is an invaluable part of my voice over career. Shana is an amazing coach with advice and guidance backed up by experience and a wealth of knowledge. She works effectively and efficiently so I never feel like I'm wasting time or money. Their prices are reasonable for the market and I've been thrilled with my ability to secure work after coaching sessions (and workshops!) . I love this studio! read more

Gin and Shannon have a smart no nonsense approach to their courses. The classes are informative and provide real world experience and realistic expectations for anyone taking their classes. Gin's teaching on voice health and relaxation exercises have personally been some of the most helpful every day tips for preparation. Their private coaching is great for anyone looking for one on one training. read more

I really enjoyed the class that I have taken at Seattle Voice Institute. Gin makes learning a new dialect both fun and interesting. She is very helpful and insightful on ways to overcome hurdles when learning. Both Shana and Gin are very good at what they do and very welcoming. I will definitely be going back for more dialect coaching and other classes that they offer. read more

SHANA IS THE BEST in the NORTHWEST! Shana is an amazing coach with advice and guidance backed up by experience and a wealth of knowledge. She works effectively and efficiently. Their prices are reasonable for the market and I've been thrilled with my progress. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a voice coach. read more

SVI has been an amazing resource while learning how to become a better audiobook narrator. They have such a generous and helpful attitude toward their students, and I've always felt incredibly comfortable and welcome there. The information they have to share is up-to-date and just what I needed to improve. read more

I absolutely love SVI and I especially love having my voice lessons with Ms. Pennington! She is very kind and funny but has an abundance of knowledge that she shares, always giving great information and tips. I highly recommend SVI to anyone interested in learning more about the Arts! Theron- Renton, WA read more

I've taken two classes already at the Seattle Voice Institute and learned a tremendous amount of valuable information.. Gin and Shana are talented, experienced & expert instructors and I highly recommend their services to anyone serious about a voice over career. read more

I really like working with Shana. She really knows the ins and outs of the Voice Over business and is very professional. Besides that, she's really easy to work with and gives great direction. I look forward to working with her and the Seattle Voice Institute read more

Seattle Voice Institute continues to be an amazing source of professional education and audio. Their studios are beautiful toned, their teachers knowledgeable and their engineers so freaking energized to get the best possible performance for your project. read more

Shana is really great. I do a lot of public speaking in my job and I started working with Shana to improve my presentation skills for both live and online presentations. I have enjoyed working with her and I would highly recommend her. Thanks, Shana! read more

I had a great time in the Beginning VO Workshop! Samara was a fantastic instructor, and I definitely felt educated and empowered to take on this brand new (for me) industry. Looking forward to setting up coaching and other workshops with SVI! read more

This is a great place to learn the business of voice over and voice over techniques. Gin and Shana are the best. They really care that you succeed. Anyone thinking of doing Voice over. This is the place. They make it fun. read more