Today we’d like to introduce you to Brenna Castor.
Hi Brenna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I was raised in a very small town in Western, KS(Leoti), but I always dreamed of acting. My parents really supported this and my mom always signed me up for acting classes and camps all around the state, anything she could find. I ultimately got a degree in theatre(BFA) from Emporia State University. I didn’t really do anything professionally with it, aside from choreography, but I was always on stage, acting at nearby community theatres, wherever I lived(Theatre Salina, the Barn Players in KC, Theatre Lawrence, and the Lawrence Fine Arts Center).
Then out of nowhere…bum, bum, BUUUUUM! the ugly lockdown of 2020 hit and we were all secluded from each other. I was dying to do theatre, but of course, that wasn’t an option, and one of my friends said, “Have you ever considered voice acting?” It was a real lightbulb moment. I dove in “YouTube University” and after hours upon hours of research, took the plunge and took over my husband’s closet.
My first two audiobooks were recorded on a $100 USB microphone on a little tablet, inside said closet. Once I decided this was definitely a path I wanted to take, we officially mutated his closet into my studio, or what I like to call “The Voice Box”. I upgraded my equipment as well, and I’ve been going strong for over 5 years now.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Actually, all-in-all, it has been very smooth, and that’s really how I know this is exactly where I’m supposed to be! There have been some learning curves; for example, narrators time themselves with a ratio: ideally, you want to be 4:1 or under. Meaning 4 hours of work to every hour of completed audio. I started out at around 8:1. It’s hard not to continually start over a sentence just because it felt weird on your tongue or the emphasis on a syllable wasn’t exactly how you wanted it, but you learn quickly that you are your biggest critic. Now I’m still around 5:1, but it’s much better.
I have had to break up with an author. I like to get direction, even from more particular authors, I think it makes you a better narrator, but this particular author was degrading, passive aggressive, and far too picky. She would have me change the voice of each character about 5 times on average before moving on, giving such remarks as “That doesn’t even sound good.” After doing 4 books for her, I finally decided I did not need to be treated like that. There will always be another author who will respect your art, and that’s what it is; performance art. So respect yourself as an artist as well.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m primarily an audiobook narrator although I have dabbled in some short form voice acting. I enjoy really diving into a good book. I like to work one-on-one with authors, and I love being able to take on every character and give them their own individual voices and personas, pulling from hints in the authors text. To be honest, I also enjoy working from my studio at home and being a little “house troll”.
I’m probably most well-known for my work in fantasy, such as Christopher Schmitz’s Curse of the Fey Duelist series, or cozy mysteries like Marcy Blesy’s Tuscon Valley Retirement Community series, but I enjoy narrating in all genres, from horror to children’s books.
The work that I’m most proud of would probably be Infested by C.M. Forest. It’s a suspenseful horror novel with a lead female and I really dove into that one. Or possibly the ghostly rom-com, Lady of Brecken Manor by Heather B. Moore.
I would say what sets me apart from others is my acting background. I narrate the same way I perform on stage. When I’m really into a book, I almost forget that I’m working and sort of take on the character as I’m reading him/her. I’m also very driven. I think if one wants to become a narrator, they have to be able to spend hours inside their little booth, and that doesn’t bother me at all. Sometimes, I get so immersed in my work, my husband has to beg me to quit for the day!
What’s next?
I’ve been getting comfortable with my routine, so it’s time to challenge myself. I’d like to become SAG-AFTRA soon, and join P.A.N.A.(Professional Audiobook Narrators Association). I’d love to win an award for narration, or, you know, several ha-ha. I just don’t ever want to quit growing and improving.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brennacastornarrates.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brennacastornarrates/
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@brennacastor?_r=1&_t=ZT-98PulbpKSas
