At Global Voice Acting Academy (GVAA), Brian Sommer is recognized as a leading coach specializing in character voice acting. With a career that spans over two decades, Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and practical experience to his students. He offers coaching that delves deeply into the art of creating dynamic, memorable characters for video games, animation, and beyond. Whether it’s developing a range of voices for intricate characters or understanding the emotional depth needed to bring a role to life, Brian guides his students with the expertise that only years of industry experience can provide.

Brian often says, “It all started at Disneyland.” His love for voice acting can be traced back to a childhood visit to the iconic theme park, where he encountered the now-extinct attraction Adventure Thru Inner Space. The narration of that ride, performed by the legendary voice actor Paul Frees, left a lasting impression on young Brian. The dramatic intensity of Frees’ performance ignited a passion in Brian that would shape the rest of his life.

Unlike most children who were glued to their TVs, Brian found himself captivated by the art of voice acting from an early age. He spent countless hours listening to rebroadcasts of old radio dramas on a local station, immersing himself in the performances of the Golden Age of Radio. Talents like Paul Frees, Daws Butler, June Foray, Thurl Ravenscroft, Paul Winchell, Eleanor Audley, and Mel Blanc became his inspirations. These voice actors brought stories to life with nothing but their voices, painting vivid pictures in the minds of their listeners. Brian was hooked.

Determined to follow his passion, Brian enrolled at the prestigious Voicetrax voice acting academy in San Francisco. Under the guidance of accomplished voice actor and Voicetrax founder Samantha Paris, Brian honed his craft and developed the skills necessary to become a professional voice actor. His dedication and talent quickly paid off when he was signed by the STARS agency in San Francisco. From that moment on, Brian has been living his dream, bringing characters to life in countless projects.

Brian’s vocal versatility has allowed him to voice a wide range of characters, from sinister villains to lighthearted comic relief. He has lent his voice to over 200 video game titles, including Diablo III, The Walking Dead, League of Legends, Sam and Max, Tales of Monkey Island, The Wolf Among Us, and Skylanders. Despite his love for all the roles he plays, Brian has a particular fondness for voicing villains. “The bad guys always have the best lines, and you can get away with so much playing the characters with no morals,” he says. His ability to embody these complex characters has made him a sought-after talent in the voice acting industry.

Today, Brian shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with aspiring voice actors as an instructor at Global Voice Acting Academy (GVAA). His journey from a young boy captivated by radio dramas to a professional voice actor with a successful career is a testament to his passion and dedication to the craft. At GVAA, Brian enjoys mentoring and molding the newest generation of voice actors, helping them navigate the challenges of the industry and discover their own unique voices, especially in the realm of character work.

While many actors branch out into on-camera work or stage performances, Brian has always remained true to his roots in voice acting. “I am a voice guy,” he says. “The acting craft has many different disciplines. Voice over has always been my focus. It has special challenges all its own. After all, what does a raised eyebrow SOUND like?” Brian’s unwavering commitment to voice acting has allowed him to master the nuances of the craft, making him an invaluable resource for students at GVAA.

As Brian continues to build on his already impressive career, he remains honored to contribute his talents to some of the best projects in the industry. His work has not only entertained audiences but has also inspired many to pursue careers in voice acting. Through his character coaching at GVAA, Brian is helping to ensure that the art of voice acting will continue to thrive for generations to come. For those lucky enough to learn from him, Brian’s passion, expertise, and love for the craft are nothing short of inspiring.