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| Tom Wagner |
 Posted: Sun May 06, 2012 8:47 am |
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Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 597
Location: Long Island, NY
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What exactly is a "trick voice" and what is the performer "doing" to make it a trick voice as opposed to a character voice?
Thank you. |
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| CB |
| Posted: Sat May 12, 2012 6:39 pm |
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Joined: 14 Dec 2007
Posts: 905
Location: HERE!
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"Trick Voice" is an antiquated term once used by Radio Performers and Comedians to describe an often bizarre-sounding vocal texture, pitch, placement, pace, or special effect; generally not heard in the natural world - or at least, not expected to be generated by a "normal" adult human being in everyday existence. It can involve animal or mechanical imitation, or a combination of unusual natural vocal traits and learned techniques, for a full-grown performer to produce the sound of, say, a crying baby, dogs barking, ducks and chickens; or sputtering combustion engines, squealing tires and brakes - things that boil, hiss, creak, gurgle, screech and groan - without taking advantage of artifacts that can be coaxed out of sturdy dynamic/crystal/carbon element microphone transducers and electronic distortion effects (an impressively entertaining, though rarely practiced, performance art of its own, if done with genuine skill and clever showmanship - as perfected by the great Wes Harrison). Trick Voices used to be a presumed part of most character voice or comedy/variety performers' professional toolkits... But in recent times, I'm afraid they've become mere "sideshow" filler schtick, pulled out occasionally for momentary shock value, rather than incorporated into legitimate character voice roles as once popular in Vaudeville, Radio and TV performance venues.
If you're lucky enough to discover and develop your own capacities for Trick Voice effects to employ for laughs and curiosity - the real trick is apply them with measured consideration for sensitive ears, and avoid going over the threshold where novelty turns to obnoxious! (Everyone must know some "joker" who persistently carries on in their "hilarious helium voice" long past that fleeting moment of amusement such an annoying tone can possibly provide. Vocal honks, screeches and belches are only effective in short well-placed bursts, and kept to a minimum per story or episode). |
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