Guest Experts Inside: Non Fiction Narration with Jeff Mack + Political VO with Aya Maruyama

Feb 02, 2026 11:09 pm

We've had a phenomenal start to the year! Our Portfolio Prep Series Headshot session with Tasha Gorel is already sold out, and we’re thrilled to announce two major upcoming Voiceover Workshops: the Non-Fiction Narrator Workshop on February 18 featuring Jeff Mack of MacMillan Publishing, and the Political Voiceover Workshop on March 4th with casting expert Aya Maruyama.


I am also proud to celebrate the success of three of my students—Ryan Johnson, Pierre Farmer, and Kris Remo—who have earned a spot on the Audio Bee Narrator roster for 2026. Congratulations to each of you!


Beyond VO, I will be presenting a Meisner Acting Technique workshop at the BoomTown Film Festival later this month. Locally, I'm looking for a small group of 6 actors who would be interesated in a free class to learn how to show up authentically in your performances, so please email me to reserve your spot if interested.


As I look forward to my workshops this year, I want to know: is there something you would really like to learn more about? It is my intention to present you opportunities to learn, work, and grow in the art of voiceover. This year you can expect the portfolio prep series, more sessions with audiobook casting directors, anime/videogame casting, and a workshop on how to book on voices123. It's going to be an exciting year at Hanne Rickert Voiceover, stay tuned!


AUDIOBOOK WORKSHOP SERIES

Non Fiction Narrator Workshop.February 18:


In this workshop you will learn more about the casting and production of non fiction audiobooks from the casting director and producer. You will also have the opportunity to narrate a non fiction excerpt (2 minutes or less) and receive immediate feedback and notes. Lastly, you will have the opportunity for Q & A.

Our guest casting director will be Jeff Mack of MacMillan Publishing.


Jeff Mack is a seasoned Director and Producer with over 15 years of experience across the full spectrum of professional audio production. A graduate of the University of Colorado Denver with a degree in Music Industry Studies and an emphasis in Recording Technology, he began his career as a recording engineer before expanding into producing and directing original audio programs and audiobooks. Known for his steady, supportive presence in sessions, he works closely with authors, artists, and performers to help authentic performances shine. Based in Boulder, Colorado, Jeff lives with his wife and two daughters, whose love and support ground his work with clarity, care, and purpose.


image


Register Here!



PORTFOLIO PREP SERIES

Tasha Gorel Headshot Session is now Sold OUT!

February 22:

A personalized headshot experience with the incredible Tasha Gorel, known for her dynamic, actor-forward photography that captures both personality professionalism. The perfect chance to update your portfolio with high-quality images guided by a top-tier photographer.


image



Voiceover Workshop Series

Political Voiceover Workshop March 4th: with Aya Maruyama, Political Casting Director

In this workshop you will learn what it takes to be a successful voice actor in the political commercials genre. You will have the opportunity to select a commercial from the political scripts provided to perform and receive live feedback. Bring your most burning politcal commercial questions for our Q & A session. Limited Spots Available.


Aya Maruyama is a VO business manager and casting consultant who specializes in political voiceover. 


After starting her career in the music industry at CAA Nashville, she transitioned into the voiceover industry during COVID. There, she spent the next four and a half years building a casting department for a talent management company and established a strong reputation in the political space.

She’s become a trusted resource for talent and political organizations seeking guidance on political reads and VO casting, and has shared her expertise on several stages, including Marc Scott’s VOpreneur Podcast, One Voice Conference, VO Atlanta, WoVO, GVAA, and Gravy for the Brain.


Through her company, AYA eMpowered, she now partners with select voice actors to handle the business side of their careers— rate negotiations, contracts, marketing, career strategy and more. She is also a co-founder of Voice Over For The Planet, where she heads up their casting department, including a dedicated political arm.


Aya is honored and excited to be a part of Hanne Rickert Voiceover Workshop to lead a workout for those looking to fine-tune their skills in political VO!


You don't want to miss it this opportunity!


image


Register HERE


Comments