I recently had the opportunity to exclusively interview Charlie Albers to learn five random facts about herself and what goals she hopes to accomplish this year. Check out my interview with Charlie below:
Loryn: What inspired you to become a voice actor?
Charlie: I did not have a traditional route into acting. I studied acting at college, but then at University I majored in Food Science and Psychology. Whilst at Uni I was working for a big Charity and was asked to voice radio commercials for events they were running. I was lucky to interview Mariella Frostrup & Davina McCall who were presenting.
Then after graduation, I worked at BBC Audiobooks where they recorded my voice for the phone systems and many years later I was the "Voice of God" at various corporate business conferences introducing all the speakers and awards nominees, etc. It wasn't until I moved stateside from the UK that I really started to hone in on this as a career. To be honest I never considered that what I was doing could BE a career... I was just having fun.
Loryn: What is a goal you hope to accomplish this year?
Charlie: Well most of my goals so far have been met; So now, I think the icing on the cake would be to have my voice in a video game. We are a big gaming family and that to me is my biggest dream. That and to voice in show narration for TV, oh and to voice a few commercials, aaaaand maybe be a series regular on TV :) (Yes I have big goals...)
Loryn: How would your 10-year-old self react to what you do now?
Charlie: Oh my gosh. My 10-year-old self would be freaking OUT! I was honestly such a dork.
My nose was always in a book so I guess it figures that I am doing what I do now!
I was into theatre acting and ballet, always a bit of a performer. But underneath I was pretty shy ... happy to be in the corner reading my lines.
Loryn: How has the pandemic changed you?
Charlie: It has changed me as a working mother. I had not envisioned the devastating impact this pandemic would have on my kids' mental health. We have had to deal with kids being home and not socializing or in school and the depression and anxiety they face because of this is immense. Kids need peers and when your kid tells you they are lonely and on the edge, it is possibly the worst thing you can imagine. Now I take time to be present for them, managing my work, my business, my agents, my clients, and most importantly my family.
It has made me more rounded as a person, I am doing lots of self-care with my family and it has made me a better voice actor because my headspace is healthy and harmonious.
I would say that now, I never ever take anything for granted... life can change in a heartbeat.
I will also say it has taught me not to suffer fools gladly. We have all suffered in many different ways, we have all been affected, I make sure I am an open door for family and friends because we need to help each other, but I know not everyone is the same...
Loryn: What is something people would be surprised to learn about you?
Charlie: I think most people are surprised to hear that I am a trained scientist. When I say I studied Food Science and Psychology and I trained as a chef they are surprised.
But I love to cook, to fill up family and friends with good food is the best feeling - it is a wonderful stress reliever to be pottering around the kitchen, reading recipe books, planning, cooking with music on and a glass of wine in hand. And bonus if the kids eat it!
Be sure to stay updated with Charlie Albers by checking out her website: https://www.charlieemmelinealbers.com/. Also, be sure to follow her. on her social media platforms below:
YT: Charlie Emmeline Albers
IG: charlie.emmeline.albers
TW: @CharlieEAlbers