Eric Marlon Bishop, Reginald Kenneth Dwight, Katheryn Elizabeth Hudson, Norma Jean Mortenson, Declan Patrick Macmanus…
Who would Jamie Foxx, Elton John, Katy Perry, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Costello be if they hadn’t changed their names?
Looking at the phenomenal careers of these artists, it’s easy to conclude that their sexy stage names had something to do with it.
But what about you? Would a new name breath life into your voice over career? Is a hefty, unpronounceable moniker a liability or can it actually work in your favor and help you to stand out in the crowd?
I explore the issue of stage names in depth in this week’s Inside Voice Over video training blog plus I’ll reveal a secret about my own name I rarely speak about in public.
Watch It Here Now
After you watch the video, I want to know your thoughts. Was this helpful? Write to me in the comments box. I want to learn what’s on your mind so I can support you and share your best practices.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments box. I want to read about what’s on your mind so I can support you and share your best practices.
To your voice over success,
Susan Berkley,
Founder, The Great Voice Company
Changing your name is a personal thing. I have a performance name as well.
Hope it’s served you well, Andrea- Susan
Hello Ms. Berkley,
Thank you for this information. I often think about how entertainers feel the need to change their names and where does the name derived from. But it seems like the ones that have changed their names have met their success, into their craft. once again thank you for this interesting topic.
You’ve got a nice easy to remember name, Dionne. Thanks for writing!- Susan
Good Morning Susan…
You must have been reading my mind!! The “thought” DID cross my mind!!
As always, I enjoy your weekly insight, and will look forward to the next one… & to seeing you again soon.
All the Best,
Lloyd… “Dreibelbis”… 🙂
Yes, Lloyd. The German names are the tough ones! Great meeting you at Bootcamp. Susan
Susan, very interesting subject! I didn’t change my name (Stephen Schedra) but I did make my business name and my domain Stephen Michael’s Voice. I did this so that the domain would be easy to remember and repeat. Even after years in professional life, folks who knew me would still mis-spell my name. New friends would inevitably mispronounce it (Shredder, Shray-der, Skuh-heedra, etc) and mis-spell it. As always though, you get to the heart of it. if you give your customers good value, they know who you are.
My best to you, and have a great vacation!
Stephen
Love that, Stephen- if you give your customers good value, they will appreciate who you are. Thanks for writing- Susan
Interesting idea. But after 25 years I’ll stick with my given name. Ignatz Chokelovitz.
Old joke:
A Guy goes into court – tells the judge he wants to change his name.
Judge says “What’s your current name?”
Man replies, “Harvey Lipshitz.”
Judge: Geez, I can certainly see why you’d want to change it. No problem at all. What do you want to change it to?
Man: “Barry Lipshitz.
Bada bing!
Thanks for the old joke, Frank. Corny but funny!- Susan
Hi Susan…great information as usual….I don’t think I need to change my name…My birth name is Ernest C. Hodge…when I was on the radio as a personality…I called myself Ernie C…after I became more popular..I would sometimes just call myself Ernie..(I was the only Ernie on the radio in town….So I never changed my name..but I realize some people may have too. Thanks as always for the info.
Ernie
You’ve got a great name, Ernie! Thanks for writing- Susan
I have a performance name, But great advice
Love the unusual spelling of your first name. Very memorable…Susan
Susan,
I think its a great idea. I have certainly entertained the thought of having a stage name (not legal) to put out there. Thank you for the video Susan!
“Elwood Lorenzo”
How romantic! Thanks for writing Elwood 🙂 Susan
Hi Susan,
As always interesting topics here.
Currently thinking about that subject in that a candidate for president shares the same first, middle initial, and a similar last name to mine. It was interesting and humorous at times when people would make a connection.
Lately, it is not as much fun.
Oh Donald J.. I can only imagine. This too shall pass. If it’s any consolation my niece’s name is Isis. –Susan
When I married my current husband, he kept saying, “Your name isn’t McMillon anymore!” My answer, “McMillon is what pays the bills!” I’ve had this name longer than I’ve had him. LOL So, I guess he’s ok for now, as long as no one calls him Mr. McMillon.
I’ve been in the business since 1973 where I began in radio. I couldn’t imagine starting over as someone else at this stage.