David S Dear
Actor
The Silt Verses (2021-)
Role
“Sid Wright”
Bio
“I am a voice actor and voice-over artist, bringing nearly 30 years of theater experience to the microphone. My voice has often been described as ‘smooth’ and ‘buttery’, offering deep warm tones that are like a spa for the ears.
In all actuality I consider myself a ‘storyteller’. In addition to using my voice to audio dramas and audiobook narration I am also a creator, producer, and writer of audio dramas, notably the sci-fi adventure A Ninth World Journal and the audio comedy podcast Deconstructive Criticism.
When I’m not recording and/or writing I can be found cooking, reading, playing games of all sorts, learning to code, and spending time with my family.”
“…have them hear what they would be seeing .”
How did you become aware of the show?
“I saw a casting call for the show and I auditioned for the role I was cast in (Sid Wright) - as well as another role in the show - but Sid felt a good fit.”
What was your aim in getting involved?
“The story seemed seriously compelling! I’m drawn to auditioning and participating in shows that have an interesting story and/or concept, and this certainly had one. It became even more interesting as the season continued on…”
What was the biggest challenge?
“The biggest challenge for me was being located in the US. That made it difficult for me to participate in sessions with the other cast members..”
What would be your dream project?
“Just one? Well, I would love to be a primary character in a few seasons of a show. Something that would allow me to explore a character deeply throughout a story line.
I would also like to be part of a Writers’ Room for a spell, sharing mind space in developing the story for a series - then to be part of the writing team for the episodes.”
How did you land the role? Any tips for a strong audio reel (or virtual audition)?
“I submitted an audition based on a casting call I saw for the show.
For both a strong audio reel and a virtual audition, show your versatility and uniqueness! Let the casting directors see what you can uniquely bring to the role..”
How does acting for audio compare to other media, for you? Any skills or techniques you’d recommend learning?
“Acting for audio demands having your voice convey what your body would otherwise do on stage or in film. Since the audience can’t see you, you have to have them hear what they would be seeing. It helps to actually go through those actions within the confines of your recording space …but learning to do so without compromising the recorded audio.”
If your character was an occasional or guest part, how did you characterise them quickly and memorably? Or: if they’re a member of the regular cast, how do you keep them fresh to play?
“For occasional or guest parts - I don’t treat them as throwaway. They serve a critical function to the scene or story or episode.
I look for what that episode or story is about and find how the character I’m playing supports the story. I treat all the guest parts as critical without overselling it or chewing the scenery.
For recurring characters, I trust the writer(s) to provide the character with growth throughout the show, and they hardly ever fail. If I can give my all to portraying the character as honestly and genuinely as possible, a writer will (hopefully) be compelled to write in opportunities of growth and evolution of the character.
Sometimes a writer may have a short run in mind for a character, and if they do, that’s okay. I’ll still bring that honesty as best as I can for the time I get to play with them.”