2026 Master Classes

Caught Up In God's Grand Story - kenny Sargent

Finding Your Calling as a Kingdom Storyteller - Is God calling you to be a Kingdom storyteller? Kenny and his son, Nate, from Sargent Family Productions, share stories from God's Grand Story and how He still calls His people to partner with Him as co-creators. This includes the tale of how God supernaturally called Kenny into a life as a Kingdom storyteller. They also introduce the new project from Sargent Family Productions: Phibby: A Time-traveling Tale of One Reason Why Not which will be used in the Mentoring/Workshop Sessions. 

faster, sadder, more dragon: working with all types of directors, direction, and the occasional booth fires - Daniel cross & chloe elmore

Voice acting is not just about acting, or your voice, it is about taking direction! Join Chloe Elmore and Daniel Cross as they take you into the booth to discuss how to navigate the world of different types of directors, respond effectively to said direction, and what to do when you are directing yourself! Most importantly, you wont just hear them talk about it…you will get to dive in, take and give direction, and do some scene work along the way! The best way to learn, is to do!!!

Becoming a Profitable Studio: Making audio dramas and your money back - colton grellier

Having a story idea is doable. Recording the audio is doable. Post-production is crazy. Because the first steps to audio dramas themselves are a small part of the whole thing, it's easier to be successful as a studio than making an audio drama that pays all your bills.

Next level script writing - darby kern

Part scriptwriting training, part encouragement and part intervention. Using examples from classic (and some not classic) movies, audio dramas or plays, combining them with over twenty-five years of scriptwriting experience and ten years as an improv comic, you will learn what you need to take your scripts to the next level. For beginners and experienced writers! Darby Kern is a multiple award-winning film and audio drama producer. His credits include Left Behind, Heirloom Audios The Extraordinary Adventures of G.A. Henty, Kids Corner, Abide, the Bayou Noir series from NewBirth Audio Production, and The Jake Muller Adventures.

SOUND editing pov, part 1: the objectives - sam lee

There is a story to be told and you’ve been tasked to edit the sound. But what exactly are you trying to accomplish? How it is different from cutting sound to picture? How does everyone else’s work (e.g., voice actors, composer, director, writer, etc.) impact the sound editor? How do you analyze the script? Each production will seek to showcase its own story with all kinds of themes, in different styles, and towards various audience demographics. This class will provide a basic rundown of the universal objectives to editing sound for an audio drama, and how good sound design and soundscape-building can take your production from sounding like a glorified audiobook to an actual audio drama. Led by Sam Lee, lead sound designer for The Encounter: Season Five.

acting and auditioning for audio drama - The Techniques and Tools to give you the edge in auditions and in the studio - john fornof

What if we could show you how to make decent to very good income doing something you love (acting) in a whole new and fun way. The Audiobook industry has been growing by at least 10% per year over the last decade—now at $11 billion! Audio Drama (also known as dramatized or scripted podcasts) is one of the fastest-growing segments. Think Old Time Radio Dramas done with modern tech. Don’t miss this opportunity to find your niche and expand your skills in this thriving industry. It’s all about acting with your voice--and offers you a number of advantages over film and television.  

the modern composer - jared depasquale

What does it look like to compose in today’s entertainment landscape? Jared will discuss the skills needed for a composer’s seamless blend of traditional musicianship and today’s technology through the lens of his recent Jake Muller: Engineered score.

the -ize have it - katie leigh

Things you need to know to bring out your best performance.

sound editing pov, part 2: the process - sam lee

You now understand what you’re aiming for. So… how do you make it happen? Where do you get your sound effects? How do you stay organized? Where should you keep your files? What DAW should you use? What plugins should you use or get, if any? How do you collaborate with other relevant members (e.g., director, composer, sound editors)? What about sound design? While the process itself can differ across all editors and their respective productions, this class will stay grounded on how to go about it practically and realistically. Led by Sam Lee, lead sound designer for The Encounter: Season Five.

finding your voice - kera o’bryon

Someone's told you you should "Do Voices"...now, let's help you find that sweet spot!

directing audio drama - john fornof

Put John's experience to work for you and your next audio drama. After directing for 25 years, including people like Sean Astin, Anthony Daniels, and John Rhys- Davies, John will share the secrets of how draw out the best in your actors. You'll learn the very first thing you should do in a recording (after coffee), how to establish a safe "play space" for your actors, and how to draw out the best performance. Bonus: How to direct a celebrity actor.

writing great and engaging audio dramas - elizabeth hansen

Because audio dramas don’t have visuals to support the story, writing audio dramas requires specific skills and techniques to get across what the writer intends.  This class will discuss and teach those skills and techniques, as well as what elements MAKE a good story.

calling the cue - jared depasquale

In what might be the most important aspect of music for audio drama, Jared discusses how both the script and the actor’s delivery inform where music begins and ends as well as the musical shape of a cue.  

creating your character and unleashing your silliness - chris anthony

Helping you be fearless and bold when choosing your characters.

story is everything - phil lollar

Join Phil and explore the potential of good story structure and how the writer lays the foundation for a powerful story.

breaking down the audition script - jonathan bullock

This interactive workshop explores how professional voice actors analyze scripts to create stronger, more authentic audition performances. Selected participants will receive short audition sides, explain their interpretation of the scene and character, and perform an initial read live. After each performance, the instructor will provide redirection and highlight key elements of script analysis that may have been missed, including subtext, emotional context, relationship dynamics, tone shifts, and scene objectives. Participants will then perform a second read applying the adjustments in real time. Audience members will gain insight into audition technique, live direction workflow, and how script analysis can elevate a performance.

directing remote actors - elizabeth hansen

How can you get a great performance from an actor if they’re doing it remotely, or even trickier, sending you tracks recorded without you, the director, present.  Which is best?  How do you keep control and consistency?  We’ll discuss that in this class.

whose voice is it anyway?: ai vs human - daniel cross & chloe elmore

In this age of technology, AI is an ever present challenge to the voice over space. But how do you deal with this as a voice actor and what resources are available to you? More importantly, how do you stand out? Join Chloe Elmore and Daniel Cross as they discuss the realities of AI in the VO space, and how you can best compete with it. At the end of the day, AI lacks on important thing….YOU! Part informational, part participatory, this class will also provide opportunities for you to get on your feet, do some improvisation, tell your story, and connect with the best counter to AI that ever will exist…YOU!

give me three takes - katie leigh

How to make varied delivery choices.

the business of voice acting - kera o’bryon

How does a voice over actor navigate the industry, from auditioning to performing the gig?

improvisation with puppets - chris anthony

People are less self-conscious when using puppets while talking. How can we use this technique to help you trust your instincts more, listen more actively, commit to choice, stay present and free, and build emotional flexibility? Come explore! 

Fearless! Find Your Voice, Find Your Character - daniel cross

Join Daniel Cross for an immersive voice acting class focused on authenticity, creativity, and stepping beyond fear. The goal of this class is to help you unlock your voice and step beyond your fears into successful, authentic voice acting! This class is designed for aspiring and experienced actors alike who want to strengthen their performance skills in a supportive, energetic environment. Through character-building exercises, vocal preparation techniques, script and scene work, improvisation, and practical industry tips, students will learn how to connect emotionally to material and bring characters to life with confidence. Step THROUGH your fears, and give it a try!

auditioning for video games - jonathan bullock

Ever wondered what it takes to voice characters in today's biggest video games? Join Jonathan David Bullock for a fast-paced look at the world of video games. Drawing from 15 years in the industry and recent work on Dynasty Warriors: OriginsPunishing: Gray Raven, and Code Vein 2, Jonathan will share the techniques and industry insights to give you a start in auditioning for videogames and WHERE to start! Whether you're brand new or already recording auditions, you'll leave with practical tools you can start using right away.

the weave: ways to communicate biblical truths in story - phil lollar

In a world which needs more of God’s truth woven into the culture’s stories, what are some ways to do it in order to maintain good theology and quality art?