Finding Time to Practice Voice Acting (Even with Kids Around!)

Voice acting is a craft that thrives on consistent practice—but let’s be honest, carving out time in a busy day can feel impossible. Whether you’re working full-time, wrangling toddlers, or just trying to stay afloat in your schedule, it’s easy to let voice practice fall to the bottom of the list.

The good news? You don’t need hours in a soundproof booth to sharpen your skills. In fact, there are plenty of unexpected ways and places to get in quick, meaningful practice. Here are five places most people wouldn’t think to use for voice work—and some specific tips for voice actors who are also parents.

5 Unexpected Places to Practice Voice Acting

1. In the Car (Especially in Traffic)

Your commute or errand run can double as vocal workout time. Practice tongue twisters, read road signs dramatically, or do character voices for the GPS. No audience? Perfect. Belt out that fantasy narration like you're auditioning for the next big audiobook.

“In 500 feet… your destiny awaits… to TURN LEFT.”

2. While Cleaning or Doing Dishes

These repetitive chores are a great chance to engage your vocal muscles. Try delivering mock commercials about your cleaning products, or narrate your actions like you’re hosting a cooking show. Practicing varied tone, pacing, and energy keeps you sharp while your hands are busy.

3. In Line at the Store (Silently!)

Use this time for internal vocal play. Mentally read product labels or signs in different characters' voices. Challenge yourself to switch tones quickly: a pirate, then a luxury brand announcer, then a nervous mouse. You can whisper if you're brave—or just enjoy the secret practice in your head.

4. On Walks or at the Gym

Walking is great for breath control practice and projection. Recite monologues, poems, or even just practice vocal warm-ups like lip trills or humming. If you're lifting or running, narrate your own workout in movie-trailer style for a fun way to stay in character.

“One VO artist... against the odds... conquering cardio with only her voice.”

5. While Watching TV or Playing Games (Muted)

Mute the show and create your own voice-over. Dubbing a cartoon or video game with your own voices is fantastic for spontaneity, timing, and character range. Bonus: this builds improv skills and strengthens your comfort syncing speech to visual cues.

For Parents: Finding 15-Minute Practice Moments with Kids

Raising kids while pursuing voice acting is no joke—but it can be done with a little creativity. Here are ways to sneak in vocal work without needing to hide in a closet (though no judgment if you do).

1. Bath Time Story Theater

Use bath time to entertain with character voices or create silly adventures with the rubber duckies. It’s storytelling, it’s engaging, and it counts as VO practice. Win-win.

2. Bedtime Stories = Cold Reads

Storytime is a perfect chance to practice cold reading and emotional delivery. Try giving each character a unique voice, or practice reading clearly and slowly for children’s content. They’ll love it—and so will your skills.

3. Nap Time = Quick Warm-Up

If your little one naps or gets some screen time, use that window for quick drills. Set a 15-minute timer and run through a script, record a short audition, or practice your diction. No perfection needed—just consistency.

4. Play "Silly Voice" Games

Let your kids be part of the fun! Ask them to challenge you: “Read this in a dragon voice!” or “Do a robot!” It’s play for them and improvisation training for you.

5. Practice While Cooking

Meal prep? Perfect time to warm up your voice or record practice takes on your phone. Talk through your recipe in your best announcer voice or record mock auditions hands-free while you stir.

The Takeaway

Voice acting isn’t just a job—it’s a muscle. And like any muscle, it thrives on frequent, low-pressure reps. You don’t always need a booth, perfect quiet, or hours of solitude. What you do need is creativity, commitment, and a willingness to use whatever time you have—however small it may seem.

So go ahead. Talk to your shampoo bottle like it’s a high-stakes product ad. Narrate your drive like a noir detective. Be the hero your dinner ingredients deserve.

Your voice is your instrument. Practice doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to happen.