Positive Thinkers UNITE!

Penny's Story:

In college I studied journalism and theater arts. My dream was a career in the theater. I was also a trained classical pianist and had aspirations of going on tour. But, alas, it was my heart that turned me from that direction. I fell in love and put homemaking and motherhood ahead of those dreams. Mind you, I have never regretted it!  I have been married to the same great guy for 43 years – have two amazing sons, two equally amazing daughters-in-law and four beautiful grandkids! But as one does, as I grew older I often wondered what "could have been."

As my kids got older, I went back into the work force as a secretary and then later as a paralegal. It was good, steady money, it was safe and I was very good at it. But for the most part, I hated it! For a creative person, that kind of repetitive work is just a slow, lingering death. Please don't misunderstand and think I don't admire those who work as secretaries or paralegals - I certainly do! It just wasn't where I was supposed to be. But because it was “safe,” I continued working and justifying to myself that I was doing the responsible thing.

I went to my very first voice over class at the ripe old age of 47. In fact, I went kicking and screaming! I didn't want to go and a friend practically had to shove me through the door! Mostly it was because I was afraid of looking foolish or failing. I am so glad I did it anyway! I left that first 3-hour class (taught by James Alburger) KNOWING that voice acting was what I was supposed to be doing with the rest of my life. I can't explain it, I just KNEW. This short introductory class literally changed the direction of my life! It seemed I had been asking God for so many years what my "real" purpose was in life and that night I got my answer.

Then, the "voices" started talking to me. . . "You're too old! What's wrong with you? This isn't the type of career you start when you're almost 50 years old! You idiot! You’re going to look ridiculous in class. Everyone there will be younger and more talented than you!” And on and on and on and on. It was a continuous flow of negative thoughts. Like most people, those voices in my head were VERY loud and for almost a year, I let them win. My family would ask, “Are you ever going to take those voice classes, mom?” And I would reply, “Oh, yes – definitely. I’m definitely going to take them. . .someday!” One day, my youngest son asked me that question and when I replied with, “Someday . . .” he said, “Mom, admit it – if you weren’t scared to do it, you would have already done it!”

Out of the mouths of babes…… Well, he was 22 at the time, but still......

Anyway, I called Jim that day and signed up for classes. And it was hard to make that call. My "voices" were extremely loud! But because of my son, I finally had the courage to tell them to shut up! I finally found the courage to follow my dreams. One of the things that got me "off my duff" was this thought - In 10 years I will be 57. Do I want to look back in 10 years and say, “Darn, I wish I’d done that!” Or do I want to look back and see all I have accomplished in the last 10 years doing what I love? It was pretty much a no-brainer in my book. But imagine my very conservative husband's face when I announced I was quitting a good paying job with benefits to work as an actor! Fortunately, after 29 years of marriage, he understood me pretty well. But I'm sure at the time he thought I'd lost my mind! Now he can't tell enough people what I do and he brags about me and my accomplishments constantly --- I really love that!

That was 16 years ago this year (2013). Today I work full-time as a busy voice actor, director, copywriter and producer. I have written my first book. I am the Executive Producer of the only Voiceover Convention in the world – VOICE (VoiceOver International Creative Experience) and I have hundreds of students who I now call dear friends! I have traveled all over the world and met some incredible people while teaching. My days are filled with excitement and anticipation - something I never experienced as a secretary! It's something new every day. New projects, new scripts, new techniques, new teachers and best of all - new people! And I work with the nicest guy on the planet - my first teacher and now my partner and best friend, James Alburger.

Yes, the last 16 years have been absolutely wonderful and I believe I’m only getting started. My goal for the next 16 years? It's the same it has always been. . .

I want to help as many people as I possibly can to realize their dreams!

When 10 more years have passed, I know I will again look back and be excited about what's been accomplished!

So, for any of you out there who think you’re too old (or any other excuse you're currently using) to pursue your voice acting career, please don't let your age be an obstacle. Age is only a number. I know I don't feel (or act) like I'm 62 but that's what the calendar says. Actually, I'm darn proud of being my age and to be doing what I'm doing. Sadly, I've seen too many people hold themselves back from accomplishing their dreams because of what other people might think. You just have to say, "Ah, to heck with them!” If you have a dream (and it is truly your heart’s desire) the ONLY person who can stop you --- is you.

You only have one life. Choose to enjoy it doing something you love!

Will you share YOUR story with us?

My best wishes to you all!

Penny