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Conversations with Steph Lynn Robinson

Today we’d like to introduce you to Steph Lynn Robinson.

Hi Steph Lynn, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
My journey began in the arts with a love for musical theater which I studied in New York City long with dance at the Broadway Dance Center. After college, I had the opportunity to perform at Walt Disney World in Finding Nemo: The Musical, where the head of casting recommended I create a voiceover demo reel. He told me I had the perfect voice for animation – and that’s how my voiceover career took off.

Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to lend my voice to a wide range of projects across television, film, commercials and digital/interactive media. As a voice actor, I quickly learned that it takes more than just great performance and auditioning. You need to wear many hats: recording and editing your own audio, building and maintaining an online presence, creating a professional website, managing social media, and nurturing relationships with clients, producers, casting directors, and agents.

Recognizing the importance of digital media skills, I took the initiative to learn graphic design, audio and video editing, photography, videography, website creation, SEO, and demo production. These skills helped me market myself as a successful voice actor and stand out in a competitive industry.

Soon, other voice actors I worked with began asking for help with these tasks too. That’s when I realized there was a real need in the industry for someone who not only understood marketing and the business of voice acting but also had firsthand experience as a performer themselves. That’s how Keep Dreaming Creative was born. I wanted to offer voiceover talent a comprehensive range of services – from voiceover demo production to private coaching and workshops, to creating a professional online presence – with a focus on supporting those who may not have much technical expertise or a large budget to work with.

Today, Keep Dreaming Creative helps voice actors elevate their careers while ensuring they have all the tools they need to succeed!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My voice has been my greatest asset but it has also been a hindrance at times; one of my biggest struggles (especially when I was starting out) was being taken seriously.

My voice is naturally high-pitched and youthful, which works wonderfully for cartoon voiceover work. But it can also sometimes make it harder to establish my authority and expertise in more technical or business-related conversations.

Earning clients’ trust and respect has sometimes been a bit more effort upfront, but once people experience the quality of my work, they quickly realize I am more than capable. I’ve been fortunate to build long-lasting relationships with wonderful clients all throughout the industry!

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
When it comes to voiceover coaching and directing, the biggest thing I bring to the table is my experience working on both sides of the glass. I have an in-depth understanding of what it’s like to be a voice actor in the booth, creating a character from scratch, as well as experience on the casting and production side. This gives me the ability to bring out the best performance from an actor because I know how they think… and how to make them feel comfortable and confident in the booth, which is sometimes half the battle!

I also have a deep respect for the individuality that each performer brings to the role. That’s the magic of voiceover – it’s something that can’t be over-directed or replicated between performers. I focus on highlighting what each actor brings to the table, adjusting my directing style to bring out the very best of who they are as a talent instead of forcing my own style and interpretation.

Additionally, I understand how to break down a script in a way that many others may not. This skill comes from my experience writing for animated series of my own creation and also projects created by others. I love showing actors how to look for the most interesting choices, rather than relying on the safe and predictable line reads that 95% of actors do.

Much of animation involves both comedy and heart. I aim to bring equal portions of both. The heart comes from having a genuine connection to the character and authentically expressing varying emotions throughout each scene. The comedy comes from exploring the unpredictable, and making bold choices that are spontaneous and a bit off-beat. I truly believe collaboration is key, and that’s where the magic of voice acting really happens!

What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The biggest challenge in the voiceover industry now, and the biggest problem ahead, is the increasing use of AI. This is a challenge nearly every other industry is going to face as well. I’m very happy to support organizations like NAVA (National Association of Voice Actors) in the U.S. and CAVA (Canadian Association of Voice Actors), who are actively addressing these changes and supporting voice actors through this transition.

The one thing that AI will never be able to replicate is the unique handprint of the human soul. There’s something beautiful and supernatural that happens through the art of storytelling that no computer voice can capture. We were created by God, and no matter how hard we try, we can never replicate His divine creation. Our attempts to do so will always fall short.

Voice acting isn’t just about making sounds—it’s about your unique voice, and that voice comes straight from your soul. It’s shaped by your entire lifetime of personal experiences: your triumphs, your tragedies, your heartbreaks, and all the people who’ve influenced you. It’s your worldview, your connection to God, and the spiritual bond with those you have loved and who have loved you. This is the voice—the powerful supernatural human connection in storytelling—that clients will continue to seek out, no matter how advanced AI becomes.

So, while AI might replace more robotic voice work, like IVR and automated systems, the best voice actors will still rise to the top and will continue to be in demand. The authenticity, genuine emotion, and heartfelt connection that only a human voice can provide will always be a valuable commodity!

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