Let Her Speak
Name
Demetria Bridges
Age
48
Location
Boston
Occupation
Voice & film actor
Education
UMass-Amherst, BS, Hospitality Management
When did you go solo and why?
In 2011, I found myself at a crossroads. Either go back to school and get my masters in education and continue teaching or strike out on my own and feed my creativity. From managing in corporate America to teaching high school, I was unknowingly on a search for a sense of fulfillment that was really my creativity knocking. Teaching high school brought me back in touch with the power of my voice. My students always wanted to hear me read and I began to enjoy giving life to words and characters. I sought out an online voiceover class and the rest is history.
My on-camera acting career ignited when a casting director friend suggested I try out for a non-speaking TV commercial role. I don’t have a theatre background (not even a school play!) and in voiceover, you’re the voice heard, not seen. So I was a little nervous but I took my shot. It was an awesome experience that showed me that the creativity that had been knocking all those years ago wasn’t just speaking to voiceover but to so much more.
Describe a typical day.
There isn’t a typical day for an actor. The only constant is honing your craft. Every day requires practice. Whether it’s going over scripts, working with a coach, or taking a class. Auditions are fun because you get to meet others in the industry and connect with decision makers. There are days where I’m doing more administrative tasks and then there are days where I’m in my studio for hours. I can make a plan to do some social media marketing when out-of-nowhere, a VO gig comes through and the client needs it that day. Nothing is ever predictable. The only non-negotiable is having my coffee!
What’s the best project you’ve ever had?
My first on-camera acting job was for Blue Cross Blue Shield. It was a great introduction into the world of acting that I had never been privy to as a VO artist. The filming took place in the Boston Seaport District and there was everything from wardrobe to catering to makeup to the clients, the advertising agency, the other actors, and the director and his crew. Coming from the VO booth, I felt like I was on the set of The Avengers! I made some impactful and lasting connections that continue to serve me today.
What’s the hardest conversation you’ve ever had with a client?
The hardest conversation I’ve ever had with a client was the best conversation I’ve ever had with a client. Unlike New York or Los Angeles, the Boston market can be challenging for an actor. Many clients in this market aren’t union or agent-friendly, so as soloists you have to know your worth and the value you bring to a project.
I had to firmly, but politely, have a conversation with the client about my rates for voiceover work. Despite quoting my rates in our initial meeting and getting their agreement that my rates were compatible with the market, the rate that was offered for this particular project was so low it was disrespectful. I wasn’t angry, I just stood my ground and didn’t budge. The grand prize for me was becoming more comfortable with financial expectations that didn’t close any doors but opened many more.
“I am so thankful for my corporate management background because it taught me the importance of collaboration and connecting with others.”
Is there a psychology to soloing well?
I am so thankful for my corporate management background because it taught me the importance of collaboration and connecting with others. That led me to joining a coworking space. It really changes up my environment and I love being around other like-minded people who are also soloists.
Another great strategy I’ve learned that motivates and keeps me focused is volunteering my talent. Just being in a studio or production space is all that’s needed to spark ideas and get an energy boost. Or putting myself in a new environment where I have to stretch myself like when I signed up for a three-hour film challenge.
That doesn’t mean anxiety won’t build up and when it does, I go into hands-off mode. I’ll go take a walk, watch an action movie, or try a new recipe — I just got into cooking!
How do you know when to say ‘no’ to a project?
As an artistic soloist, I’ve learned to get comfortable with going outside of the box but I will turn down a project when I know unequivocally that it will make me uncomfortable or violate my integrity. Being an artist is so fluid that even within certain projects you sometimes have to maintain your boundaries of what’s acceptable. That’s where things like your knowledge of contracts and agreements come in. Or maybe it’s having a full understanding of a role and the director’s expectations versus yours.
Your solo life wouldn’t run without these three tools:
MacBook Pro, a microphone, and my coffee.
Best work habit?
I honor my word. If I say I’m going to do it or be there, I will.
Worst work habit?
I have this horrible habit of believing I can figure anything out. I won’t read or I’ll skim over the manual. I won’t stop for directions and I’ll assume things are easier than they look because I don’t want to take the time to concretely understand and I end up winging it. I also hate being told what to do, which also fuels my bad habit.
Who else in your life is a soloist?
My family is filled with soloists. My mom was my first exposure to the solo life when she opened up a daycare when we were kids. I have friends who are soloists in the areas of law, biotech, and retail.
Is your family supportive of your solo life?
Yes, very much so! As an actor you’re hoofing it to try and make it and I have an awesome family that is always ready to lend me their car to go to a shoot or check up on me for finances when gigs go from plenty to scarce.
Who are your mentors?
Morgan Freeman has this amazing ability to always draw listeners in whether it’s audio or film. I love his ability to always speak and act as if he’s telling a story that you want to hear. He definitely inspires me as I want to have that same magic touch.
I was blessed to be mentored by actor (and PBS’ Frontline narrator) Will Lyman. It was great to sit in JP Licks and go over copy with him.
What aspect of running a business have you never warmed up to?
Being my own social media manager and marketer.
What do you do for health insurance?
Thankfully in Massachusetts, there are budget-friendly options for soloists.
What’s the single best piece of advice you’ve received about bookkeeping, pricing, and/or marketing?
Pricing: Know your worth, people will only value what you value about yourself.
Marketing: Know your target audience/market, don’t waste your time and energy doing something that won’t bring you a return on your investment.
Bookkeeping: Never be afraid to know your numbers. Knowing your numbers is empowering.
“As an artistic soloist, I’ve learned to get comfortable with going outside of the box but I will turn down a project when I know unequivocally that it will make me uncomfortable or violate my integrity.”
Where do you do your best work?
I work most efficiently when I’m in a coworking space. Not only am I able to connect with others, but often there are events I can attend. The space spans four locations and I can work at any of them, which is amazing for networking. Also: My coworking space has an espresso machine.
What do you do on your break time?
I love reading. I appreciate different ideologies and perspectives. I also love action films — guns, superheroes, or crime dramas. The more action the better. My favorite thing to do is brunch. I love meeting a friend and languishing over an omelet and coffee or a salad and sangria.
What’s the one thing about your life today that you most treasure that you wouldn’t have if you weren’t soloing?
Freedom. I’m not referring to not having to punch a clock. I’m talking about the freedom of being at the helm of one’s life. Soloing has given me the joy of self-mastery and self-discovery. I am free to bring meaning and purpose to each day. I am free to forge that path. It’s exhilarating!
How do you think about time off?
That’s something I have to seriously work on. Not just making plans, but in putting out the “closed” sign. I know voice actors who vacation with a mini studio setup just in case they get a gig. My goal is to have a routine where I put my feet in warm turquoise waters a few times a year and stop worrying about that next gig.
Ever miss the stability of a staff job?
Never.
What keeps you up at night?
Soloists have to do it all and it can be overwhelming. I’m always wondering how to post constant and relevant content or up my voiceover game to the point where LA begins to call. I’m still new to film acting so classes and coaching are a must. Finding a way to tick all the boxes is hard.
What advice would you give your 22-year-old self?
I would tell her to not jump into any career at all after college. Instead I’d tell her to go back to Spain and spend the next year or two traveling around Europe. Get to know yourself. Learn to be intentional about what truly matters to you and act on it. Don’t shy away from what’s uncomfortable but face it with compassion and self-love whether it’s managing your day, your money, or your relationships. Most importantly, let go of what you think you should be and discover who and what you really want to be. I would tell her to let go and freefall into life.
► For more information, visit Demetria Bridges’ website.
