Big 5 Roster Opportunity & $25K Political VO Workshop
Feb 27, 2026 10:35 pm
Hi everyone,
This is a friendly reminder that I will be unavailable from March 7th through March 23rd. If you’d like to meet before that break, please be sure to book a session as soon as possible. I have opened up Friday sessions to allow more students an opportunity to catch up before the break.
You can book your private VO coaching session below. If you have any questions regarding availability, please email me for clarification.
🎙️McMillan Roster Invitation
For those of you who attended the Workshop with Jeff Mack, please don’t forget to send him a thank-you note and request access to Bard (the Macmillan roster platform). Taking that step promptly helps keep your momentum going and keeps you on their radar. It is not easy to get a roster invitation from one of the Big 5! Do not let this opportunity slip away!
To support you further, I’m offering a special-rate, three-session online course focused on audiobook roster preparation. This series is designed to help you get fully roster-ready — from polishing your submission materials to strengthening your overall presentation and strategy.
🎙 Upcoming Workshops & Events
Political Voice Over Workshop with Hanne Rickert & Aya Maruyama
As we head into the 2026 midterm cycle, the demand for authentic, impactful voice talent is hitting an all-time high. Ad spend for this cycle is projected to exceed $10 billion, making it one of the most expensive and competitive media landscapes in history.
For voice actors, this isn't just "another genre"—it’s a high-stakes, high-reward market that requires a very specific set of skills.
Why Political VO?
Political campaigns move fast, and they pay accordingly. Unlike standard commercial work, political spots often come with rapid-turnaround premiums and significant usage fees. Here is a look at what talent can earn in this space:
- Major Markets (TV/Digital): A single 30-second prime-time spot can range from $2,000 to $8,000+, depending on the market and buy.
- National Campaigns: High-impact national spots can reach $15,000 to $25,000 for the right talent.
- Hyper-Local Spots: Even small-scale regional radio or digital ads typically start between $200 and $800 per spot.
- The "Urgency" Factor: Because campaigns often need scripts recorded and delivered within hours, session fees are frequently higher than standard non-broadcast rates.
Beyond the training, this session offers a unique professional touchpoint. We will be joined by a Casting Director who is currently and actively looking to expand their roster for the upcoming season. While attendance does not guarantee representation or a booking, it is a rare opportunity to read live and showcase your range. This is your chance to get your voice heard by an industry decision-maker who is seeking fresh, versatile talent capable of handling the high-intensity demands of 2026 campaign cycles.
If you’re looking to expand into political voiceover or strengthen your booking strategy in this space, this is a fantastic opportunity. Aya brings deep industry insight and practical booking knowledge to this niche.
Best,
Hanne
