Today we’d like to introduce you to Lena Hill.
Hi Lena, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I began my career in musical theatre over 20 years ago hoping to dance and sing my way into the hearts of millions. September 11th thwarted my broadway aspirations and I turned my attention to on-camera in Los Angeles. Working in commercials and theatre productions kept the lights on in my homes and I was fulfilled as a rank and file actor. I’d worked in voice-over in Los Angeles but as an auxiliary, not a primary focus. Almost eight years ago, my family and I relocated to Austin, Texas. I quickly realized my union status would hinder me from working in the areas I was most familiar. I took an acting class and met a full-time voice actor who mentored me. I was lucky enough to begin working full-time right away in my remote home studio. Soon after, I was asked to teach classes at schools and studios in town. I utilized my years of vocal training, obsession with pedagogy and psychology and degree in acting to create an approach that students can use as a framework as they tackle their creative expression. I’ve since moved back to Los Angeles and teaching is now a passion. I love my voice-over work but I love my students even more.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The career road in the arts is never a smooth. A skill one must learn early on is the ability to pivot. The first obstacle I faced right out of college was a decision to move to New York and work towards being a broadway performer. A month into the move, September 11th occurred and instead of auditioning to be on the stage, I was calling ticket holders for broadway shows to inform them the show has permanently closed. While the grandiosity of the tragedy of that day has thankfully never recurred, smaller bumps, potholes, craters and storms have required detours and time in the shop. There have been moments of ease and beautiful vistas for sure and always forward movement.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Ha! These questions made me laugh. What do I ‘not’ do. I am a studio owner, voice talent, actor, singer, voice coach, author and producer. I specialize in voice-over that is authentic, relatable and engaging in all genres from corporate videos, national commercials to video games. In voice over I’m best known as Lefty in the world-famous games Five Nights at Freddy’s. I am obsessed with teaching in groups or privately. I’ve developed an approach to voice-over that is based in traditional acting methods but using somatic body and breath to inform a student’s work. My students learn how to trust their instincts and their unique styles. What sets me apart from others and what I’m most proud of is my curiosity to my students and clients and work ethic. I’ve built a business from negative nothing and created an approach to voice-over from years of experience and trial and error. I love the artistic community and wrote a workbook and planner to help engage artists to create and keep their journey despite setbacks on the road towards it.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
The person who deserves all the credit is my daughter, Margaret. When she was born, I made a vow to be a better version of myself every single day. She’s now 14 years old and my biggest supporter, cheerleader, advocate, helper and advice-giver. She’s worked as my assistant as is the best company a boss could have.
Pricing:
- $100 per hour coaching
- $150 per hour voice over
- $0 half hour consult
Contact Info:
- Website: www.lenahill.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/lena.gwendolyn
- Other: @lenahillva – tiktok
Image Credits
Rob Mainord Photography
