About the instructor

Hey there! I am Shana (pronounced as if it has a "w" -- rhymes with Ghana), the director and head coach at the Seattle Voice Academy. I spend lots of time in my personal padded room... not recording, but editing. Yup, once I get the opportunity to audition and/or do the gig, I then spend more time than I did recording... editing.

I have a BFA in theatre from Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri and over 25 years of performing experience all over the country and Seattle. When I had my kid (who is now nine) I did not want to do eight shows a week any more in the big theatre venues. I found out, through a beginner class, that I could work from home and do AUDIOBOOKS, which felt like performing, just in my own home, on my own time. Great career for parents who need flexibility. My voiceover career has included corporate narration, indie video games, hours of eLearning, audiobooks, on-hold messages, fitness apps, live award shows, recorded award shows, commercials and promo. It's never boring.

I have recorded in the following locations:

  • My home studio (which is silent, comfortable and heaven).
  • SVA studios (also very quiet with great mics).
  • Bathroom in Reykjavik airport (lower level)-- no echo, floor to ceiling walls... and yea, it was weird.
  • Hospital x-ray room in Cork University Hospital in Ireland (there might have been a sign saying no admittance...it was 10pm).
  • Hospital room at Virginia Mason in downtown Seattle
  • Flat in Paris (at 4am -- those cobblestones will get you).
  • Castle in Prague (under two comforters since the echo was intense).
  • Flat in Cannes, France. I did my editing on the balcony overlooking the Mediterranean.
  • On the Isle of Skye in Scotland while the midges tried to break through the glass and eat me.
  • House on a cliff near Dublin overlooking the Irish Sea.
  • In hotel rooms using a "pillow fort". Luggage rack and six pillows. One on top, three behind, one on either side.


For editing I use: Audition, Audacity (occasionally), Twisted Wave (travel only) and OcenAudio (punch and roll recording). Yup. I use four different DAWS and they all have their own purpose. I only pay for two. Adobe Audition (monthly) and Twisted Wave ($10 app). I'll get more into that during the class.


What else? Yes, muppets live in my brain. I have a German Shepherd. I love hiking, backpacking, Science Fiction and Star Wars.


Let's start learning!



Complete and Continue