[Voice acting](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/voice-acting-guide) is the art of recording voice-over performances to provide narration or the voice for a character. Voice acting can be found in media including animated films, video games, audiobooks, and radio advertisements, as well as during voice-over portions of live action movies. 

In 2012, voice actor [Nancy Cartwright](https://www.masterclass.com/classes/nancy-cartwright-teaches-voice-acting) received an honorary doctorate of <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communications","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communications</a> degree from Ohio University. Appropriately, she delivered that year’s commencement address, laying out six keys to success. Nancy's advice can help you lay the groundwork of your career and accomplish your goals as you work toward becoming a successful voice actor.

1. __Do what you love__. Nancy didn’t take acting or voice lessons at Ohio University. But that didn’t prevent her from chasing a career in voice acting. She did commercial voice-over jobs for the Dayton-based radio station WING straight out of high school, kept educating herself, and didn’t second guess herself or her abilities.
2. __Surround yourself with people who love you__. The concept of “self-made” is often misleading. Nancy isn’t shy about acknowledging the help and support she received—from people who pointed her in the right direction, made introductions on her behalf, or took a chance by giving her voice-over work opportunities. And she never fails to mention her mentor, pioneering voice actor Daws Butler. 
3. __Hitch your wagon to a winner__. Butler was instrumental in teaching Nancy the craft and business of voice acting. While it might be difficult to get a legend on your side, she still recommends interning. Find someone experienced—a person who excels at what you’re aspiring to do. Be passionate, and make yourself useful to them; they’ll almost certainly share what they know with you.
4. __Be a professional__. Having purpose is key, no matter your chosen field. Nancy is adamant that, whatever you do, you should do it with intention and a goal. Throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. Don’t dabble. Treat this as your life’s work, not a hobby.
5. __Trust your instincts__. When Nancy auditioned for Matt Groening, creator of *The Simpsons*, she was going out for the role of Lisa. But looking over the character descriptions, Nancy connected more with Bart, described as “a devious, school-hating underachiever, but proud of it.” She felt inspired, and instantly she knew what she wanted to do with the character. So she asked to read for Bart instead and landed the role on the spot. The rest is TV history. 
6. __You are responsible for the condition you are in__. Nancy believes art and artists can change the world. She recommends that you decide exactly what you want to accomplish, find your outlet, and use your platform. Aspire to create hope, and strive to inspire those around you.

All you need is a [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com) and our exclusive video lessons from Nancy Cartwright, the Emmy-winning voice actor responsible for bringing beloved animated characters—like Bart Simpson and Chuckie Finster—to life. With Nancy’s help, you’ll be ready to use your voice as an instrument in all kinds of weird and wonderful ways. 
If you're an aspiring voice actor hoping to make it in professional voice acting, you won’t find a greater voice talent to inspire you than Nancy Cartwright. As the voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy (literally) breathed life into one the most memorable characters in entertainment history, and she’s also responsible for an array of other iconic characters. Consider Nancy’s voice acting tips as you grow into your own voice acting career.

If you're an aspiring voice actor hoping to make it in professional voice acting, you won’t find a greater voice talent to inspire you than Nancy Cartwright. As the voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy (literally) breathed life into one the most memorable characters in entertainment history, and she’s also responsible for an array of other iconic characters. Consider Nancy’s voice acting tips as you grow into your own voice acting career.


Voice Actor Nancy Cartwright’s 6 Tips for Success

<a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/voice-acting-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/voice-acting-guide","linkCopy":"Voice acting","category":null}'>Voice acting</a> is the art of recording voice-over performances to provide narration or the voice for a character. Voice acting can be found in media including animated films, video games, audiobooks, and radio advertisements, as well as during voice-over portions of live action movies.

What Is Voice Acting?

In 2012, voice actor <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/classes/nancy-cartwright-teaches-voice-acting' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/classes/nancy-cartwright-teaches-voice-acting","linkCopy":"Nancy Cartwright","category":null}'>Nancy Cartwright</a> received an honorary doctorate of <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communications","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communications</a> degree from Ohio University. Appropriately, she delivered that year’s commencement address, laying out six keys to success. Nancy&#39;s advice can help you lay the groundwork of your career and accomplish your goals as you work toward becoming a successful voice actor.<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Do what you love. Nancy didn’t take acting or voice lessons at Ohio University. But that didn’t prevent her from chasing a career in voice acting. She did commercial voice-over jobs for the Dayton-based radio station WING straight out of high school, kept educating herself, and didn’t second guess herself or her abilities. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Surround yourself with people who love you. The concept of “self-made” is often misleading. Nancy isn’t shy about acknowledging the help and support she received—from people who pointed her in the right direction, made introductions on her behalf, or took a chance by giving her voice-over work opportunities. And she never fails to mention her mentor, pioneering voice actor Daws Butler. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Hitch your wagon to a winner. Butler was instrumental in teaching Nancy the craft and business of voice acting. While it might be difficult to get a legend on your side, she still recommends interning. Find someone experienced—a person who excels at what you’re aspiring to do. Be passionate, and make yourself useful to them; they’ll almost certainly share what they know with you. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Be a professional. Having purpose is key, no matter your chosen field. Nancy is adamant that, whatever you do, you should do it with intention and a goal. Throw yourself into it wholeheartedly. Don’t dabble. Treat this as your life’s work, not a hobby. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 5. Trust your instincts. When Nancy auditioned for Matt Groening, creator of The Simpsons, she was going out for the role of Lisa. But looking over the character descriptions, Nancy connected more with Bart, described as “a devious, school-hating underachiever, but proud of it.” She felt inspired, and instantly she knew what she wanted to do with the character. So she asked to read for Bart instead and landed the role on the spot. The rest is TV history. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 6. You are responsible for the condition you are in. Nancy believes art and artists can change the world. She recommends that you decide exactly what you want to accomplish, find your outlet, and use your platform. Aspire to create hope, and strive to inspire those around you. </li></ol>

Nancy Cartwright’s 6 Tips for Voice Acting Success

All you need is a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a> and our exclusive video lessons from Nancy Cartwright, the Emmy-winning voice actor responsible for bringing beloved animated characters—like Bart Simpson and Chuckie Finster—to life. With Nancy’s help, you’ll be ready to use your voice as an instrument in all kinds of weird and wonderful ways.

Ready to Get the Voices in Your Head Out Into the World?

If you&#39;re an aspiring voice actor hoping to make it in professional voice acting, you won’t find a greater voice talent to inspire you than Nancy Cartwright. As the voice of Bart Simpson, Nancy (literally) breathed life into one the most memorable characters in entertainment history, and she’s also responsible for an array of other iconic characters. Consider Nancy’s voice acting tips as you grow into your own voice acting career.