In today’s episode, you’ll meet Great Voice student Cris Cassell and E. Curtis Johnson.

Cris Cassell, a trained actor, director, and acting teacher whose career has taken her from theater stages to the classroom at the Academy of Art University. Already working in e-learning and preparing an audiobook demo, Cris shares why voiceover appeals to her as a performer who loves creating entire worlds with nothing but her voice.

Curtis Johnson, a retired broadcaster whose voice has been heard on the radio for nearly five decades. After a successful career in rock, country, Top 40, and adult contemporary radio, Curtis has turned his attention to audiobooks, commercials, and voiceover work.

Listen as Susan coaches Cris through a commercial script. They explore the concepts of urgency and high stakes, using visualization and physical movement to bring more energy, authenticity, and emotional commitment to the read. Working on an e-learning script with E., Susan helps him move beyond the familiar “announcer voice” by creating a specific scenario and a real person to talk to. The result is a warmer, more conversational read that feels less like a presentation and more like a genuine interaction. 

Chapters

Hosted - Susan Berkley

Producer - Salena Metreger 

Music by Darrin Fossella 

Show Opener by Tanya Wade

This episode is sponsored by Full Compass and Less Annoying CRM.