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Episode 67: Kaitlyn Robrock - PT 2
54 Plays5 months ago
This week we're pleased to bring you the second half of our conversation with he official voice of Minnie Mouse, Kaitlyn Robrock! If you missed part 1 last week, be sure to give it a listen as well!
DISCLAIMER: We are not an affiliate of the Walt Disney Company nor do we speak for the brand or the company. Any and all Disney-owned audio, characters, and likenesses are their property and theirs alone.
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Transcript
Introduction to Sharing the Magic
00:00:01
Speaker
Welcome to Sharing the Magic, the podcast that takes you on a journey through the enchanting worlds of Disney.
Guest Revelations: Secrets Behind Disney's Magic
00:00:10
Speaker
Each week, we're joined by a special guest, whether they're a magician creating moments of astonishment or a Disney expert sharing the secrets behind the magic of the happiest place on Earth. Together we'll uncover the stories, inspirations, and behind the scenes tales that bring these worlds to life. So, get ready to be spellbound and transported to a place where dreams come true.
00:00:53
Speaker
Hey, everyone.
Conversation with Kaitlyn Robbrock Continues
00:00:54
Speaker
Welcome to this week's episode of the Sharing the Magic podcast. Last week, we shared the first half of our chat with the official voice of Minnie Mouse. This week, we're thrilled to bring you part two of our conversation with the one and only Kaitlyn Robbrock. And I hope you know, when when you do when you were so generous to be on this podcast, you know, I look at people, Rob Paulson, I look at all these these people you mentioned,
00:01:22
Speaker
And they're, I, you know, if you but among the gods, you know, sometimes we have a way, but here's the thing. Oh, we get Caitlin's coming on to us. I'm like, you are, to you are, you're among them. To someone, I'm up there, but I don't know if I'll ever. No, you are, you are right there. Well, I don't know. I think I, well.
Kaitlyn on Voice Acting and Conventions
00:01:45
Speaker
And now I'm on the voice panel and I never take it for granted. I never like.
00:01:49
Speaker
Don't get too big for my britches. I'll do conventions here and there. i I like them. I'm just not ready to do like a whole bunch. but like you know well You want to do conventions, what do you want? What do you want? We can always ask. and like I want an aisle seat on the plane.
00:02:03
Speaker
Yeah. A preferred airline? No. Preferred hotel? No. No. Do you have a guarantee that they will pay you no matter what? Oh no, no. I make what I make. You're like, what? You don't have any standards? I'm like, I have standards, but I don't need anything yeah other than an aisle seat on the plane.
00:02:23
Speaker
I need that for my anxiety. Do you want me to have a guarantee? Because that's this payment that's appropriate for you as the manager doing the job. I'll just pay you that in general and what I make, I make. Send me to the cons. It's it's cool with me, but there's so many beautiful actors who fill in all these faucets and Billy West, jeff bo yeah um Jeff Bennett was, he has such a range. and Johnny Bravo. Not just Johnny Bravo. I love Johnny. I love me some Johnny Bravo though. yeah Brooklyn from Gargoyles. yeah ah Duke from ah ah um Mighty Ducks. Mighty Ducks. He's done so much ancillary and the are not yeah and so many side one-offs that it's just, and know it's it's a massive range. He's one on my list. I'm like, I want to meet him so bad. And my favorite, my favorite role, small though it may be, is in the original Animaniacs. They go to the candy store and he's the owner of the candy store
Voice Acting's Impact on Childhood Memories
00:03:22
Speaker
and he's very prim and proper. And they're all making ugly faces at the window. And he just goes, what horrifying children. I shall be frightened for hours. And he's just so ridiculous, but it's so fun to listen to. Yeah. And and he he does a lot of wonderful voice matching for Disney. Corey Burton is a
00:03:41
Speaker
A savant. I have no other word for Cory than a savant. And if I, if I die trying Jim Tress and Cory at the very least need to be Disney legends. yeah They carry so much of our, what is I don't know much about Cory. What does, what does Cory do?
00:03:55
Speaker
Uh, oh God. Gosh, I don't know. Why don't, why don't I know about it? Oh, Captain Hook. Um, he did Smee for a bit before Jeff Bennett took over. Oh yeah, Jeff did. The narrator for Goofy How To's, the Paul Freeze voice match. I believe the Sebastian Cabot voicement. Like, okay. So that's, um, okay. Professor Ludwig von Drake, like Cor, you can count on Corey for anything. Like he's there for you. Yeah. Just like you can count on Dee Bradley break. You're like, what on earth would this animal sound like?
00:04:25
Speaker
Dee will know. It's like, is that what it sounds like? Actually, this this type of animal doesn't make a sound. Well, then anything can go, but listen to how Dee did it. And it's it's like, did that feel right? Did that, it's like, yeah, that would come out of that creature. Then that's the voice of a giraffe. That's the voice of a three-toed sloth.
00:04:44
Speaker
Let it be, like that's
Disney as Escapism
00:04:45
Speaker
their job. They created something and they entertained you. But I could go on about the list of people who are so integral to the fabric of voiceover crease summer.
00:04:56
Speaker
From the 80s, she's everywhere. she She's Katie Lee, you know, the voices voices of our childhood. Like these people deserve so much praise and acknowledgement for the and the loves they yeah had for it. Because we didn't have like social media back then. We didn't have conventions. They did their jobs and like, you just kind of hoped, I hope they like it. I hope the show comes back for another season. yeah and And now in in as the ages go by and they're a bit older,
00:05:25
Speaker
But like now they have that scope of like go to a panel at a comic convention. It is a wall to wall packed with seats. They're still a line out the door because you four men who are the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. No, you were crucial to their entertainment.
00:05:43
Speaker
to to build an escapism for whatever, a 10-year-old child. Still is my escapism. I still watch that cartoon all the time. and And it's so important now, because they're the adults. They're the ones with the money. They're the ones with the kids who they're reintroducing, or not if the kids have their own thing. But, you know, life is hard. Being an adult is hard. The cut countries go through policy changes and politics. It's all really hard. Now more than ever, these last five years, these last eight years,
00:06:12
Speaker
It's hard and we shouldn't have to deal with so much input of information, good or bad. We're not built for it because it makes us sad. It makes us numb.
00:06:23
Speaker
yeah I'm not, I'm, I'm not surprised there's a school shooting cause the gun laws haven't changed and we haven't adapted to respect the rights of citizens, but to protect the kids, but I can't do anything. And now I'm just sad. So I have to turn it off and just pray. No one I know gets caught in that and pray. Maybe it'll end. When is enough enough? I won't get into that too much, but people escape to like, well, when was I last happy? When was I last free? Yeah.
00:06:50
Speaker
Maybe we need like a goofy or mini short about gun safety. I think that'd be i think you good. out I know. Sorry, my friend. i but I get you, but they they live in a world that is meant to be pure escapism, where a happily ever after is there no matter what. you a lot of percent so and And when I see movies, i was my feelings were hurt watching Lion King. My feelings were hurt watching Big Hero 6. These characters, we love them.
00:07:19
Speaker
they Why did they die? They didn't have to. If furthers the story, like this yeah did it have to? I can't get past this moment, especially Tadashi in Big Hero 6. And my friend's like, we wouldn't have the movie. And like, I don't want this movie. yeah big care He deserves to be here. That guy doesn't. yeah This was a pointless loss. It doesn't reflect his character and his goodness. And the message lives on. But where's the entity we loved? That happens every day somewhere. I don't want to live that in my my story, my fantasy here that I'm escaping from. right And animation is the most welcoming medium to tell a story. It's the most
00:07:58
Speaker
anything can happen and you won't second-guess it. Yeah. CGI i will only go so far. I know. I miss old animation. The better thing is practical effects because it's a real material. It's in front of you. It's real in that world. Right. CGI can only do so much. And this movie stands out because it was hand-drawn and hand-painted. The love is on the page. It is. I always go say this all the time. Story shapes life. yeah I say this all the time on this podcast. Story shapes life. But it's like,
00:08:26
Speaker
You know, the story when I think of the stories that have shaped my life and stories still shape lives. That's why I think voice acting is so powerful because you hear a voice and automatically it brings you back to the story. And that's whatever story it is that shapes your life. And I think that's even.
00:08:44
Speaker
I mean, I can go in into this more, but I won't. right i well i What I'll say is, I think that's right. Stories Shapes Life. and and um I love the 70s films because, yeah, they laid off the cleanup artists, but there's every line in those in those original sketches that there's Sheriff of Nottingham's tummy curve.
00:09:05
Speaker
There's Dutchess's fur moving with black lines that then disappear. That's happening live. It's as if they were drawing it right in front of you. You just can't see the hand. I know. I love that sketchy stuff. I'm a big fan of Ava Gabor. So Dutchess and Miss Bianca. I know. They're in the same realm as Miss Piggy. They're untouchable. I've been watching Green Acres. I'm like, you know, I got to study my old pat. But I watch old Green Acres.
00:09:35
Speaker
Well, no, who that was, no, Shaja, is that right? ah Not Shaja, Ava. Oh, okay, no. mary one Who might think, okay. Well, I'm wrong. Shaja was like the heiress and the fashion icon. I don't think she did as much TV film. Oh, someone's in the chat.
00:09:49
Speaker
Oh, it was me. It was me. It's you. ah We got to ask Rachel's questions. OK, we got to do this. I have adopted five kiddos. um yeah Disney was our getaway. Trust me. Getaway. So my youngest, even.
00:10:07
Speaker
at age 14 will go to the pediatrician, what do you want to be when you grow up? I want to be Minnie Mouse. so So I totally get that escape.
Challenges and Remedies in Voice Acting
00:10:17
Speaker
But my oldest daughter offered the question. um She wanted to know what the most challenging part of being Minnie Mouse is. um Let's see.
00:10:31
Speaker
Minnie sings a lot these days where she was a lovely singer. she She had a very, that very sweet vaudevillian sound. she She often spoke, sang, but she was definitely capable of singing. um And there's some records with her out to hear all different types of songs. I have, I got a BFA in music theater at UC Irvine.
00:10:51
Speaker
um I want to get back into singing lessons I never learned how to belt but that's just for me like I want to be that Broadway caliber of singer I always dreamed of because it could serve me well in other things and I joke like you know well I did take one semester of opera when I was a freshman I don't know why I stopped. I really don't remember. But I learned how to correctly align your voice, how to breathe. how to I learned like the very basic mechanics. And then I stopped before we actually did like, here's kind of trills, here's kind of scoot, like how the art of opera can work. um I want to learn those at some point myself for sustainability. But I sing a lot because I took that opera, so I know how to keep Minnie up here.
00:11:31
Speaker
um without that pierce, without that waver, that wobble. But Minnie often does some fun pop stuff these days. And the the composers and lyras the composers will work with me if we need to change a key. Like, this song sounds lovely in this key. My key is C. Is it too much to change it? Because these notes are just that hair too low, where Minnie has, she can't sustain it strongly, and now it's dropped to Caitlin, who can.
00:12:00
Speaker
But unless like, you know, now we're out of that zone. And it's it's like one or the other. But if we can raise it, this is where it sits. If this part becomes too high because it sat so well.
00:12:12
Speaker
what's the next harmony to meld with it? Or like my instincts say to go to riff here or to do this note here and we always do it by paper for a few takes and then I do like, could I just sing it for fun and play with it? And sometimes it stays, sometimes it doesn't. But it allows, I do sing a lot of pop and I just have to make sure I don't lose my voice. I'm not pinching or stressing. Don't try to sing pretty. Don't think of the people who were not good teachers to me while I learned singing and worry that this is not what I was taught and like but it's what you do just do it and so the the singing can be a challenge so I try to make sure I'm focused on that around the third hour third and a half hour we're starting to fade a little bit so we should probably wrap up what we're doing because creaking and cracking
00:13:03
Speaker
It'll come and water and tea can only do so much. Um, I try to have later sessions just so my voice can warm up. Cause even if it's like, yeah, it's like 10 or 11 and I'll wake up at eight or earlier and like, I'll sing in the car on the way up. I'll talk. She still has cobwebs and like, there's nothing I can really do to hasten the process.
00:13:25
Speaker
because the blood flow or whatever science is behind it. But that that's always just kind of the like, we may take a few extra takes, she's still trying to warm up. I warmed up in the car, I didn't literally just roll out of bed and start talking, but I can only make it go so fast without forcing my body to do something it's just not gonna do. yeah And getting sick is a nightmare, so I try to stay as healthy as I can.
00:13:49
Speaker
drink lots of water. I don't drink dairy near sessions. I don't drink soda too often. If I do, it's caffeine free. um I just talk to get things warmed up and loosened. um I do trills, anything to prevent that weakness or that fog.
00:14:11
Speaker
Um, and I pay attention to my body cause I'll start like creaking forward and like now my neck hurts or my head's hurting. Yeah. And just, yeah I want to go in where it's just like ah the drop of the hat. Yeah. And yeah, I think those those are the kind of hardest elements, but there's really a lot that goes into it more than it's different. Like your warmup process and and maintenance process may be entirely different. Bill Rogers, the voice of Disneyland.
00:14:39
Speaker
he had a He had like an ah a bad cold once and it's very phlegmy and it just wasn't feeling well and like his voice came and went and he he just took a break and drank some Diet Coke I think or Coke and it like the crisp bubbliness, it dries your throat out so he It took care of the phlegm as fast as it was being produced. So it cleared him and he did a great job. Terry Douglas was doing a looping project where she had to scream bloody murder and she did it phenomenally. She had to come back the next day to finish it up and she's like, I don't know what to do. Like I'm kind of out. yeah We try to do this stuff on a Friday. I'm not sure. She had pizza that night and she brought us a slice for lunch. The pizza grease.
00:15:25
Speaker
like took care of her cords where she was able to go in and do those quick line pickups with grease covered cords, sailed right through it and did it perfect. Like you never know what'll happen. If I'm getting dry or creaky, I drink milk. It helps. If I'm phlegmy or gooey or gargly, I'll drink like a sparkly carbonated beverage and it takes it all away. There's just weird things that work for you. If it works for you, do it. yeah i hate I don't like coffee. I don't
Industry Connections and Friendships
00:15:51
Speaker
like tea, but I've grown a strong tolerance for throat coat with honey.
00:15:55
Speaker
Because it's like, this is what I need to maintain. It's not for pleasure. It's not fun. It's not tasty. I'm doing this because I have to. The bubbly, is it, is it? It's not cold, right? It's probably. ah Cool. Room temperature. ah A cool room temp or maybe cold from the fridge. Doesn't really matter to me.
00:16:15
Speaker
Okay. I have to try that. Sometimes I'm like flat. I'm like, that's helpful. This is the stuff I've never heard before. This is, oh my gosh. Wait, that might single-handedly just change my recording experience. Like, oh my goodness. You never know. We also have a cast member that could not be on tonight. She had a bit of- Oh, Rachel, we gotta ask her questions. She had a bit of a medical emergency. She had a couple of questions that were typically from a 13-year-old autistic student she works with in music therapy. And they were very important to him.
00:16:56
Speaker
This question was, who is your favorite friend, Mickey, Goofy, et cetera? As Caitlin or Minnie's friends, would you say? those are I can give you the answer to both. yeah probably is both that be saying Minnie's tried and true best friends are Daisy,
00:17:15
Speaker
Clarabelle and Cuckoo Loca. Those are her girls. They're there for each other for everything. um she she She adores Goofy and Donald. And and you know she loves all her friends. Mickey, of course, is her very special sweetheart. And they they all have their own special places. But if we're talking best friend, like how we all have that best buddy that just knows us in and out, Daisy and Clarabelle. And Caitlin, as far as Caitlin goes,
00:17:44
Speaker
I just think Mortimer's a hoot. He's so funny to me. and just yeah and he he came out He just came out in an episode of Mickey Mouse Fun House where he was like, I give all my friends nicknames and they're like, you'll learn to like it. And they're like, I don't think I like that name. and like yeah Talk to him. You guys are friends. Talk to him. He'll understand. That's the point of understanding. He's showing his love for you by giving a fun nickname, but help him out if this isn't what's right. Is there a nickname you do like? He can call you by that if you just love your normal name. That respect by showing how you want to be addressed, what names you'd like to use. That's the building block of you. Of course you're my friend. I trust you to do this.
Disney Theme Park Characters and New Series
00:18:26
Speaker
I trust you to
00:18:27
Speaker
to be there for me in this way. I trust you to love me this way. God, that's deep for Mortimer. And like a couple characters like, I don't like that nickname. I'm cool. All right. He just makes me laugh. And I don't know if I'd hang out with him all day though. It might be real short. You're like having buyer's remorse. You're like, I love Mortimer, but like oh maybe do I know if I can hang out with him all day? know I don't know. Good in small doses. I'll appreciate you so much more. I can't miss you if you don't leave.
00:19:05
Speaker
That's right. Okay. but Yeah. And it's just like Daisy is so naturally trash. She's just so fun and engaging. She'll make me laugh anytime. and But I've always just loved Clarabelle for being unapologetically herself. And after five years slash 40 years of my existence, I met April Winchell.
00:19:24
Speaker
She's just the best. She's so fun. She's got ah a wealth of knowledge, a world of experience. She loves Clarabelle with every bit of her soul. and Everyone loves Clarabelle at the theme parks. yeah yeah She has a huge spotlight on her at Christmas and the Magic Kingdom Christmas show. Eight reindeer bring her out and Santa's sleigh decked out in a fur Gucci dress and she pops out a microphone and she starts singing.
00:19:53
Speaker
And she becomes Muriah Derry. And she sings the song as only Clarabelle can sing it. And she resonates with so many people. And all of her friends and helpers at the theme parks adore taking her to that next level. And look at her now. She's like she's out of the tertiary. She's in that secondary. I just get the kitchen sink when I'm at the park. I just go to Clarabelle's and get her kitchen sink. That's all I need. That's all you need. And like when people see her in Toontown, she's an early morning friend.
00:20:20
Speaker
But and and i've I've been there early in the morning cuz Lizzie wants to go see Minnie and like let's just do it first and get it over with and They'll be there and you'll just see people. Oh my god, it's Clarabelle Oh and they run up and and Pete should have come to the theme parks years ago and people love Pete too kids love Pete They adore Pete. It's yeah, I wouldn't have thought that but oh, yeah, love Pete They love Jack and Sally like they're not scared By this movie, they love Jack and Sally. It just boggles my mind. I loved them when I was 10 These are two and three-year-olds who have plushies or it's like, you know, Tommy
00:20:57
Speaker
What's your favorite line? i jack da po can can You know, they love it. And hopefully when they meet him in person, we don't, you know, flip the switch entirely. Cause he's so unique looking outside of his movie, but they just adore it. and yeah Some of some characters just hit. Yeah, they do. Is that all the questions? mike There was one more her student had and it's all James's.
00:21:24
Speaker
Yep, so the one more was, what is a favorite episode for Clubhouse Mickey? um Like a favorite Clubhouse episode? Yes, what it was, yeah. There are so many wonderful episodes. I am very, Caitlin's very fond of Minirella. A few years back, that special Clubhouse mini movie. She's very fond of that. I'm sure Minie loved it too. You know, loves Cinderella, loves loves her Mickey.
00:21:54
Speaker
And there's so many new adventures coming since Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Plus is on its way, you know, 2.0. But now I believe they've announced it as Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Plus. There's new adventures coming.
00:22:06
Speaker
that are just it's taking what we all know and love that's all still there and then it's just what's the next level what's the next expansion what's the next fun enrichment that this tried and true family can give you and there's some very fun elements i won't say so it can be a surprise for everybody but from what i learned watching clubhouse while i was babysitting like oh yeah this is a solid structure what what What comes now, because the structure's here in these episodes, what's gonna make it spark? And what we do is like, oh, this is gonna spark.
00:22:40
Speaker
It's going to be fun. So I'm very excited for kids to discover those favorite episodes. I have mine, but I'll let you discover it on
Kaitlyn's Journey into Voice Acting
00:22:48
Speaker
your own. I'm excited for that too. Um, just because that's what my kids grew up with. So I'm excited to see the plus. The whole crew is back because the, you know, it's, it's all the same wonderful stuff. New ear worm music coming your way.
00:23:06
Speaker
new new new daily theme songs for certain elements on the way. Oh yay. sing me ask with us We all know the hot dog dance. too you know you like we can still We can still do it. but yeah like Well here's some new songs to help us with these elements and like that's new like get used to it.
00:23:26
Speaker
It's an earworm and then Roadster Racers and Mickey Mouse Fun House and a lot of the specials like the stop motion specials. Bo Black was the composer for those and he had just this beautiful touch. Lovely music, so easy to remember. I won't say simple, but the harmonies and melodies were very catchy, very pleasant and just like these are lovely songs. I wish they were four full minute versions or that that just the key changes in the chords that really kind of solidified good quality music with the repetitiveness that kids need to remember their moral of the day. Yes. All right. I think we covered everything.
00:24:08
Speaker
now covered everything I think so. We will go to the breaking point, as I call it. So as I already said, i met you know I met Rob at the Comic Con, kept in touch, visited every year after the panel.
00:24:23
Speaker
um got to know him better through Ash, met Jess Harnell that way. he he was There was never a time he wasn't supportive and and pleased to see me or...
00:24:35
Speaker
or offer advice, because i would i would not only would I ask voice actors, like here are some specifics, I know you can't really give me too much, because I'm not there yet, but here's where I'm at right now, what do you think could work? And then if I met them like, oh, that's right, I remember you, you asked about this, how did that go? yeah How many people have been like, oh, I haven't been able to follow up yet, like because life can happen. right And it is a long process, but everyone's different. And I'd said, I worked on that, here's where I'm at now, I'm kind of working on this next, and they're like,
00:25:03
Speaker
That's, that's really good. Like you're listening and taking this advice and following through and failing on your own and make, you know, and and I kept people updated and just the more they saw me, the more I got to know them that way. And if I popped into the booth here and there for random stuff, it was like, okay, time to put my money where my mouth is.
00:25:23
Speaker
And, uh, I knew, I knew Jess very nicely. And at what at some point he's like, honey, if you ever have a question, here's my email. Here's, here's my phone number. Like you can always ask it. There's a big question. I can't say I'll answer all the time. I'm very busy. But he took that chance on me of like, she seems to be really following this path and she takes our words seriously. Cause who else would know then the people you want to be like, you want to be in that world. And.
00:25:50
Speaker
2009 came and that comic con was very formative. One of my best friends had passed away from cancer and that kind of started my sensitivity towards cancer where it's difficult to watch movies where a cancer patient is suffering or or there's an element of it that springs the story. I don't like watching that because I just think of him and it was a very hard time.
00:26:12
Speaker
And that summer, ah one of my my but one of my best friends, Emily, he he and I went to Comic Con all that time. Emily kind of learned about it, and that was the first year Eric wasn't there, but Emily was.
00:26:24
Speaker
um Thankfully, because she picked me up. Because the first night, I want to say, our friend group of various natures, it was Kathy, Diane, and me and someone else, we were looking through the schedule like, you guys, do you guys remember drawn together? It was like you know turn of the century. And i walked I watched it all through college. And it's it's like South Park. Anything goes. You just have familiar faces to mess around with or parody versions. And they were just so unapologetically them.
00:26:54
Speaker
and like everything's funny or nothing's funny. I don't like that term unless like everything's funny if you've properly satirized it or have a ah witticism and ah and a lesson behind it.
00:27:06
Speaker
So I agree, either everything's funny or nothing's funny, only if this. right And I've heard plenty of people like, come on, I've got some fun jokes. Like those aren't jokes. That's just being rude about the tragedy. yeah Go back to clown college. yeah um And like, there's going to be a drawn together movie. Like it says here, it's a direct to DVD movie based on the hit show. And I'd been, you know, it had been several years off the air and like, is it coming back? Like, okay, it kind of is in this movie. And so we all go to the panel.
00:27:35
Speaker
sit in that front row. Cause like, well, I want to support Jess. I know him. I know him. And who knows who else will be there? What if the whole cast is there? Who knows? And it was Jess. I want to say Tara and Cree, possibly James Arnold Taylor.
00:27:58
Speaker
another phenomenal actor. um I could be wrong. I just can't quite remember. and And they enjoyed the panel. They showed little snippets and things and they're like, hey guys, we have a surprise for you. We're gonna do a little contest and the winner of the contest is gonna be drawn into the movie. And everyone's like cheering. And then he he you know he does the little aside, like and maybe do a voice line or two, but there wasn't like a secondary reaction to that.
00:28:26
Speaker
And I was like, you know, no one kind of cheered for that or or or listened. And I was like, did anyone like clock what he was saying? He just said there's voice lines. I don't know if anyone else like really heard that. he I don't. I think he intended it to be like a bombshell on top of a bombshell. But it was kind of like zipped by. But I was like, you heard that, right?
00:28:47
Speaker
There's something called Taft Hartling. That could be a gateway into the voiceover room or the union for all I know. But it was like, this is this is could be a first step. I really wanna do whatever this contest is. And they so they like, who wants to be in it? And everyone raises their hand and there's so many, it's like, all right, everybody pick somebody. And so Cree picks this guy over here. Tara picks that guy. And there's two of the three slots and bless Diana.
00:29:17
Speaker
to this day, Diana and Jess, because she just goes, pick chick, because there was two guys and we're right in the front row and everyone's attention went straight to her and then like like they had planned it, Kathy, Diana, um and the two other people, they all stuck their fingers up pointing at me. And I pointed at myself too, and I make straight eye contact with Jess, and he goes, oh, get up here. Trust me, her, get up here. I'm like, thank.
00:29:47
Speaker
god nepotism works i like i it i don't think of his nepotism is it's not who he knows who who knows you is what i always say yeah and nepotism is cool as long as you're bringing to the table something that was worth that endorsement there and it's like i'm the producer's son and like you're bad at what you do but i can't say anything because i'll get fired i just have to endure you Yeah, you know that we don't like that nepotism Yeah, but so I'm like I got it you guys I got it Here's my stuff take all my stuff and we get up there and I'm like, it's it gonna be we're gonna recreate a scene Is it gonna be like a script reading with new dialogue? Do we do our impressions? What are we doing? And then Dave is like, all right, everybody How long can these three suckers stay handcuffed to me?
00:30:38
Speaker
What? What is this? And they start slapping on fuzzy pink handcuffs they got from some store of ill repute. And now we're hot topic or something we're like a train and like, okay.
00:30:52
Speaker
Yay. And panel ends, the the con is over. And we all traips out in our little train and I'm like, what's happening? And luckily Diana's like, Caitlin, Caitlin, here's your bag and your phone. They're not letting us go past this point. What?
00:31:08
Speaker
okay and we get outside and you could just feel it in the air like now what yeah and they're like all right pretty fun stuff guys like yeah what now and you could everyone just kind of goes blank and they're like okay let's all go to the hard rock hotel there's kind of a little after party on the patio I think they thought maybe like, you know, thanks for participating guys. Do you want to talk? Hang out? But the two boys were adamant of like, yeah, well, we'll go all night. We want that role. And then the enormity starts becoming apparent like these guys are going to fight for this being drawn in. I'm fighting for the voice role. Yeah, i I have a house to go to and food and a shower like I want to go home. But like this is something I if I don't do this, I may always regret it.
00:31:53
Speaker
Where else would this opportunity ever come? This has never happened before and and never happened since. And we get over there and poor Dave is just kind of like what to do, what to do. Matt is laughing his head off there because they're the co-creators and Matt's laughing his head off. Jess is laughing his head off. Cree and Tara are having a ball over in the corner with other people, including friends and families. And like the two boys you could tell, they were like, we want to go over there and talk to them.
00:32:21
Speaker
But if you do, you leave the train, and you're out. And they one of them lived down there, so he didn't care. And the other's like, oh, everything I have is in my backpack. I'll just hang out wherever. I've been floor hopping. And I panic. like They have nothing to lose. Yeah. They have nothing to lose. It's like when they put their hands on that car to win that car. I know. And like the winner was someone who hunts for a living, and he's been quiet for three days waiting for the the animal. So he was able to do it. They have no fear.
00:32:51
Speaker
how do what what do I do? And at one point, you know, Jess comes over, how you doing, honey? And I'm like, grab his hair. And I go like, Jess, this has to stop. We all have to leave. I can't though I need this role. Like you vouch for me, I have to prove that I can do it. When will this ever happen again? He's like, I know, babe, that's why I got you. But yeah, this is pretty funny. But I don't know what's how it's gonna end. Like, how do we get it to end? And so he was able to convince Dave, like, hey,
00:33:16
Speaker
You didn't plan this, did you? yeah but How, like what what's at stake? What is the extent of the offer? And like drawing them in and the voice line thing and there's like, okay. And then he, I think he asked the two guys like, are you guys so excited? Like, yeah, like everyone was cheering and I blanked it. What's the prize? And both of them had said like, we're going to get drawn into the movie. And he looks at me and I keep my mouth shut.
00:33:40
Speaker
He's like, yeah, drawn into the movie, Jess. And he goes to talk to Dave and he's like, i think he was I think he was able to say like, can any is there something stopping you from not drawing all three? He's like, no, it's just a drawing. That's fine. These guys have no clue about the voiceover lines. They didn't register it. Caitlin's here for that. And he's like, I can vouch for Caitlin that she has studied, she's practiced.
00:34:05
Speaker
whatever she has is raw talent, you can mold as needed, give her the voice role and draw all of them in and this can all be over.
Career Growth and Networking Importance
00:34:14
Speaker
And that's what we did. And I kept my mouth shut and I went in and I made it my goal like, whatever they want, I'm gonna do. And it was like one old lady screaming in posture. So I said it like three different ways in three different voices. It's like, this is your one shot, you better throw everything on the table. And they were like, oh,
00:34:33
Speaker
We didn't know you could do that." And Jess was there. He purposely stayed after. He was like, I told you, you know, that's my kid up there. And so they're like, okay, do we have anything else that needs to be cast? Which would come from the rest of the cast. And they're like, what about?
00:34:49
Speaker
Oh, this bar patron, this random bar patron, it probably just would have been Kri or Tara just doing that little soft voice, one of their ranges. And just give her that. You get me up to three voices. That's the contract. And so I did that and we worked through that a few times. um And then they're like, wait, what about this? I want to see how far you're willing to go, how how extreme you can go without blowing up and it was Smurfette. And so I did that a few different ways with like three different high emotions. And there was there was a point where where it's like, I felt like I was like, do I sound, I felt like I was crossing Tara's line too. Like, oh, there's that sound that kind of is similar to Tara's. Back it off, change it to be your own person. And they went through all the takes and selected the best one. They're like, we just, this was so fun. We didn't know you could do that. So fun that you were here. And like, I know.
00:35:43
Speaker
I just love playing around. If you have more things in mind you're doing, if you ever want scratch track, you know, I learned about scratch track and like, I'm always happy to just do something for fun for free if you wanted an an idea. I love that. Kept it calm and casual. Like, yeah, here's my number and stuff. And then they called me later and brought me in for a ah ah read on another pitched show in the panel, the callback panel. It was me and Jennifer Tilly.
00:36:08
Speaker
Who got it? Jennifer Tilly. But someone was on that board with Dave and Matt and it's like, she's really willing to just kind of be adult and go out there and say weird stuff. And they they told the head of comedic development, like, yeah, this girl came in.
00:36:25
Speaker
really weird kid but just she was willing to kind of say or do anything and you wouldn't think it with how she looks or her natural voice or you know she works at Disneyland that's weird and they're like oh send her over to this pilot that's being worked on they're having some trouble finding talent because they didn't know all the agencies in town and it was for Mr. Pickles on Adult Swim so I went over there and they're like okay could you read for the mom and the girlfriend And I did, we had some fun and I was heading out and they're like, wait, wait, wait, do you do a little boy voice by chance? It's like, yeah. And I just did a random little boy voice that I was the most comfortable with and made some adult jokes, whatever I could think of, as long as it was delivered with the innocence of a child. That's how a child can be in an adult animation film if they don't know what they're doing. It keeps the characters safe. So, yeah, Tommy Goodman, he was never evil or gross or nasty. No, he was pure of heart. And in that world,
00:37:19
Speaker
that's the joke and then a couple weeks later i got the call like hey they want you for the lead boy and the girlfriend but mom went to brook shields to be honest i don't think you ever had a shot in hell and i was like that's cool that's cool with me and so i was tommy for several seasons and then the show shifted focus and tommy slowly kind of like became that secondary sometimes tertiary because the story focus had changed. I didn't mind like that's what the story needed and that's how it was served. I was still happy to be there. I so i still talk to the those creators. I still talk to Matt and Dave and they know like I'm always here if you just want a scratch voice or just to screw around or play around and if things get bigger
00:37:57
Speaker
Can I come in and play? And it's happened a few times. And it's just nice to have that connection. But that was my big start. Because once I had Mr. Pickles, I met a woman who knew Bill Farmer and Jen Farmer very well. I was working at Disneyland and she came up and was like, I really appreciate how you interacted with that guest. um I have a condition similar to that guest. And I like seeing that respect that you saw me and not the the disability or or what have you. That's not the right wording. But I was like, of course.
00:38:25
Speaker
This is a place for everyone to be anything they want, however they want. And if this is the story they're living, I'm not gonna stop that story. I won't add too much to be false with what my job is, but you're here to play for a reason. And we talked about voiceover, I told her what I was doing, and she introduced me to Bill and Jen. And Bill had just created his demo production house, so I was his first demo. So we we did an animation demo. And then he pitched me to his agent with the new demo, and like she actually has a show she's coming with.
00:38:56
Speaker
um And back then, agents had time to cultivate you and kind of help you grow your career and guide you to certain teachers and things. Now there's just no time for it any of that. So I got in right at the tail end where they made sure to focus on me.
00:39:11
Speaker
And then at some point it's like, that's kind of stopped. I better figure out how to keep working on my end, keep improving, keep working on archetypes, ask questions. If I'm not reading for projects I think I should be, I better find out what's the character, what do I sound like, what do the agents feel, take it to workshops and clinics. It's not the agent's fault, it's my fault for not providing the computable archetype that's out there with all these other women. And people sometimes people will agent hop, like my agents don't send me anything and like,
00:39:41
Speaker
Did your new agent send you those archetypes? No. like It's you. Yeah. Work on those archetypes on your own time. You work for your agent just as much as your agent works for you. You have to be that product they can sell. Neither of you are going to make money if you're not working. Yeah. But if you're, if you're one thing and one thing only go hog heaven, go all in on that. There's some, there's some voice video game actors who have that beautiful sweet spot and like they're in these massive games because that's their world.
00:40:07
Speaker
and it will beget itself. But they have dreams of doing animated TV shows that I can't book a commercial to save my life. No clue why. It just never happened except once or twice. I love anime. I want to be in anime so badly. I'm not sure how to find that because my agent doesn't usually work with anime companies. So where could I find that work? Where could I find those classes, those teachers, those directors, people who are willing to email direct auditions on their roster, not just to the agents. That's the work I have to do to achieve
00:40:39
Speaker
the dream, and then I bring my successes to the agents and say, hey, I took a class with this director. I did these archetypes. I didn't read for these when they were cast, but I really felt I impressed them with this, where if I had read, they would have taken it seriously. Here's a recording of the work and their response to it. From this point on, I'd like to read for little old ladies, please.
00:40:59
Speaker
and they would listen and go, this is very well. thank This is good. Excellent job. Okay, we're going to start doing that for you because I did the job and did it. There was no old lady on my demo. There was no old lady auditioned up to that point. I don't blame them for that because they went with what they had right in front of them. It's my job to update them on things I'm doing. They work with you. I talked to them a couple times a week. Even before 2019, I spoke to them at least once a week.
00:41:27
Speaker
to check in on something, to ask a question, to send them like, hey, i I goofed around with this second little boy voice. How does it feel? Does it feel believable or still too feminine?
00:41:40
Speaker
teen girls are a little tricky without sounding nasally or snotty or just annoying flat out but like are there archetypes for like annoying we know about annoying nerd boys are there annoying nerd girl like yeah it's always something i'm trying to follow a thread on and it kept me in in their eyesight and i told them straight up these are the dreams i have these are the goals i want to achieve I can't talk about them. I promised this person 10 years ago, I wouldn't talk about them. And it served me well when when the audition came around. I didn't tell anybody. I didn't tell Bill. I didn't tell Brett, who I knew, not as well as I do now, but I knew him enough. Didn't tell him, didn't tell the contact in question who had helped me out. like He'll find out sooner or later. this And this is my chance to like
00:42:27
Speaker
If it's not all me, I will always question. I don't want Bill to say anything positive, let alone negative. I don't want anyone to vouch for me because they're seeing it through the eyes of affection for me. Not is this right for the character. I love that. And so it's like, I have, it has to be as if I just walked into town and submitted blindly. Right. and That's actually what Brett did. He submitted blindly through a friend who knew about Mickey.
00:42:53
Speaker
Yeah, no one saw him coming. Oh, yeah. Yeah. I know his story. Well, it's it's amazing. That's how it happened. Yeah. Big character earlier. I talked about nobody saw that guy coming who is now that character. Yeah. Everyone was like, who? What? Yeah. like they're They're working in the shadows. Just being, and and then once they hit, it's like, well, they didn't, they, they, they earned it and.
Overcoming Challenges and Emotional Resilience
00:43:18
Speaker
i think like An overnight sensation is not an overnight sensation. No, no. The discovery happened overnight with the evidence that you're presented with. But prior to that night, when yeah they came, there's 10 years of study and practice and hard work and trying and rejection upon rejection upon rejection. I read for hundreds.
00:43:38
Speaker
and hundreds of projects every year, every branch. yeah Every single one of them except eight, nine, 10 are no's. But those roles, like, is it a series regular? Is it a scrappy sidekick? Is it a one-off that was so fun? You know, doesn't matter, the work's there. And that work with that person, do you remember?
00:44:04
Speaker
yeah I'm on year six of my goofy voice. I'm like, and I know friends that are like, Oh, I've been doing Donald for 15 plus years. You know, I'm like, okay, I'm a year six. I'm like, that makes me feel better because I'm, I'm like, there is still, there's times, you know,
00:44:21
Speaker
And here's a question I have too is, well, let me just tell you ah this about me. it's It's hard. Goofy is very like physical. So I'm like, um like 15 minutes. I'm like, man, how do you, how do you endure some of these? And I think Minnie's probably that way with you as well. Cause there's a lot of ups and downs. And and i I tell people straight out, like, again, everyone is different.
00:44:46
Speaker
Yeah, some people are just savants at 20. Yeah, you know, like you just happen to have the voice and the attitude for the young male protagonist of anime. Yeah, this is a wonderful gig for you. Very prolific.
00:45:02
Speaker
Things could change in 10 years. You just don't know. But you're in a wonderful spot right now. You got lucky. You're very gifted with what you had. You paid attention to the style of anime. you you know you I didn't grow up with anime so much as like it happened in my late teens when it started to become bigger. yeah And a lot of the big players, you know they're 10 years younger than me or more, they actually did get to grow up with it where it was accessible. I remember the dark days when it wasn't or you had dubs that were not the best they could possibly be. And I have to remind myself, don't act like those dubs. That's, that's not who it is. Is doing male, like young male voice, is, is that, I guess that was my real question. It's like, does it take more out of you? Is it more, fan okay. I have to, I have to be very specific, any voice place placement placement.
00:45:46
Speaker
So for Genba, for Elusive Samurai, which is, I've done two enemies, Agretsuko and Elusive Samurai. Agretsuko, the casting director and vocal director was Patrick Seisen. He did the like the most amazing job. I've never known an anime dub to have 100% perfect casting across the board. And I'm biased. I love him. I know him. And he said, hey, I want you to kind of read this for me. yeah This mother character. And he was right off the bat like, this isn't that type of mom. This isn't the South Park Cartman mom.
00:46:16
Speaker
This isn't a lackadaisical mom. This is a type A Japanese-styled mom. I don't know if you're familiar with that. Let me point you to some roles in other animes that are basically this character without the silly comedic effect that Resco's mother had. yeah But they pointed to those and it's like, oh, that's way different. OK, I have to think about this. And it really was sitting naturally.
00:46:38
Speaker
ah sitting like, I know it's good for you, so shut up and deal. like And then how extreme can you go? Because that's where Retzko gets it from. Where's her extreme? Before she launches into the death metal voice. yeah So I tried to make sure, like it's not a death metal voice, but she's screaming and guttural, and then she comes right back. And it took us a bit of time to find her, but we found her. But he worked with me on that first, directly, instead of having me be one of the crowd, like of auditioners. So it was a very, very kind offering that he he worked with me on to perfect to where people either love her or they hate her because she reminds them of their mom, which means I did my job. Yeah.
00:47:15
Speaker
You hate what I've done because it reminds you of a real incident, your real mother. Then I hit the emotional chord, she's meant to hit. To me, that's a compliment. If you can't stand hearing my natural voice because it reminds you, no problem. I've got several other voices on other projects. I've had certain people a lot on the spectrum who really love Disney and one gentleman was very upset.
00:47:39
Speaker
that roosie had passed because this that's how many is that's how she was and he came to the convention and he met me and i was like i'm happy to just talk to people they don't have to buy anything he's like and he just said my name is this i'm very sad and mad that you aren't doing what she's doing and there's sometimes that you're good but i don't like this part i don't think it's right and i said Thank you for letting me know that because this means something to you. Is there something you really loved about Roussi that could have been better for this? What are your thoughts? I loved Roussi too. I'll do my best to be like her, but I won't ever be her. But I'm hoping what I can give her makes you happy you know in time. But we we all loved her. So definitely you're you're right for feeling that because you love Minnie so much. I definitely made sure he knew you like you're valid.
00:48:27
Speaker
And he he doesn't know, not like you wouldn't really tell somebody that, but he really had to say something because it was hurting him so much. yeah And he referenced some other projects and I pulled it up on my phone and we watched it together and I was like, that is a wonderful thing she did. And then the lot the the thing he mentioned that he didn't like, I remember most of it and it's like, could I try redoing those lines for you right now with this new thing I've discovered through you? Like you're helping me see this. Can I try again?
00:48:56
Speaker
oh Caitlin that's beautiful and he's like yes you you need to try again I was like you got it and I redid it differently where it was hitting these beats it wasn't the same emotional impact but the melody is what he wanted to hear because that's what she did she she had that melody and we redid it which changed the point of view but it hit where it needed to for those words not the contact but those words and he was like that was really good and he just had a very a quick moment of where he was in that circle and he's like but you have to remember you have to keep practicing you have to keep doing the better you have to remember and he was very adamant like yeah what we achieved today don't lose that i was like you're absolutely right
00:49:40
Speaker
i have to I keep learning every day. She did so much stuff we haven't even discovered yet. I love these movies the most because they're so naturally her. And then the mom thinks it was like, you love those movies too, because of that same part. She loves the things you love. she's She understands what you mean. This is wonderful. We're all there together. She framed it right. So then he's like, okay, you now hear me and understand me. I can trust that you'll keep trying. And he repeats you know what he said, just keep trying.
00:50:09
Speaker
You know, you're not choosing to fail or choosing to do wrong because I had to prove myself to him because this was somebody he cared about so much. His his stewardship of this character had to be met in a way that was accessible for him. Oh, Caitlin. I have no problem taking the time for that.
00:50:26
Speaker
yeah was so meaning like if you weren't there to love this and you came to me to complain because you love a character or a person so much i have limitations but what's that that's not going to stop me from trying keep lying and it's like it's always okay to fail as long as we don't linger on it or think less of ourselves I had that a lot in high school and like I had to learn to love myself. Do you sometimes feel that way? And then then we switch gears and you're the very best mini. I got Caitlin, I hope you know, I got to tell you this. That is beautiful. And I think sometimes there's reasons why people
00:51:07
Speaker
become end up where they end up I hope yeah so and I think that's what that's the very best reason why we rehearsed the audition I brought Victor and Emily over and Emily said flat out Caitlin are you prepared if they say no it was like what do you mean like if they say no you love what you're doing you're so confident you love this and you're so minute on your studying Are you okay if they say no because I was hurt and like and I didn't blame anybody it's just how it turned out but I still would just carry the sadness and a regret like a FOMO that was not mine but ah for a baby piggy for Muppet babies. I loved it so much and I wanted it so bad yeah and it felt like you know I could be the one that finally a yes is coming
00:51:52
Speaker
Because i I made sure to focus on Laurie O'Brien. I made sure to listen. How is how is Piggy delivering these notes? I i thought I had lowered her a fair amount. um And even ah the direction for it was like give that kind of adult sound, which was a little antithetical to what I knew baby Piggy to be. And it it came off a little differently. But I think like maybe I could have gotten it with time. You know, and there's no sense in dwelling, but it was just it was a real sad moment when I didn't book it and someone else did. And it was like, I would, I never speak of it. That's why bring negativity
Landing the Role of Minnie Mouse
00:52:28
Speaker
into it. Why worry?
00:52:30
Speaker
She had a wonderful run on that show. That was her time to shine. And those who get it, that's their time to shine. I will never disparage it or talk about it negative in any way. Because it just is what it is. Unless she killed a guy. Like, why why bother? Why bother talking about anything unless it's like an ethical thing. But it was just like, I just kind of held on to that because I wanted it so bad. And she's like, you had a hard time with Piggy and you love many more.
00:52:57
Speaker
I don't want you to just stop loving voiceover because that dream just died in front of you. and She was very honest about it. And I said, I just can't think about that right now. Because if I think about that, I'm going to sabotage myself. yeah I have to just fake it and be as confident and loving as I am and pretend I am the choice. I just have to make sure they see it.
00:53:20
Speaker
and do my best and then walk away from it. yeah I can't plan ahead. And I was lucky beyond anything when they when I found out I got it. I didn't even know I got it. but like And that's the other, that's like the antithesis to drawn together. I didn't get the phone call from my agent. no i didn't I didn't like run into somebody who turns on the smile like, well, hello, Miss Mouse. Nothing surprising popped out the way I always fantasized it would.
00:53:47
Speaker
yeah I thought it was a callback. I thought it was the third callback and I went in and it was the job. And they were like, oh, because like, why am I sending paperwork? Like, honey, it's the job. Oh, they're ready for you. Go in. No time to worry. But where was that glow? Where was that excitement? But I think this was the better choice because I completely went blank. Yeah. i walked in And was like, OK, we're going to start tunnel visioning. If I think about it, I'm going to.
00:54:14
Speaker
and I told the people involved way later like I didn't know I booked it guys until that day and I could have gone one of two ways but I immediately shut down went numb to everything tunnel visioned and just thought do it focus on Kelly the casting director oh thank god there's the engineer who was with us through the callbacks she came in and I was staring at the iPad and she fixes the mic and goes I was really hoping it was you. Don't say that. ah And ah a gentleman high up at Disney TV pops in. Hey, kiddo. Wow, huh? Don't be nervous. Just have some fun. Bring bring that fun that I know you have, you know, because he he's known me for a long time. It was my second ever call back. I thought it was a callback after Muppet Babies.
00:55:01
Speaker
And because callbacks weren't prolific. They're not really are too much. These is unless it's like a huge lead role, but it is. And he's known me from workshops and clinics and he's like, Oh, you got it. Just don't be nervous. You know, if you need something, we're here. And then he goes to the back of the room with Jennifer and everyone involved in the casting, everyone who had to made a decision. They all knew me. They knew my agent. They knew my reputation. They knew my response to the negative. They knew my adaption to direction.
00:55:29
Speaker
That's all I have to do. And then my job is to learn the voice, learn the acting, learn the character. Once you've auditioned and submitted it, it's out of your hands. Ignore it. I knew it made it. I knew my agent gave it to me. I knew it got into the hands of the casting director for the first wave for a fact. And after that, what will be will be. And I just focused on those particular people. I made a joke here or there.
00:55:54
Speaker
you know i've i got in trouble in school for no filter so if a joke came that was g-rated i made a joke i if i goofed up a line i kept talking like goofed up like if i messed up a line i kept talking and making up words yeah you know instead of like i'm sorry sorry like oh I can't wait to go to the store, the store. You know the store, that one store. I'm not allowed to go to that store. All right, let's try again. But like, you know, just let it go. And then for some reason it was just like, what was that? Like, just make them laugh. And the scariest part was a couple of people in the way back got up and left halfway through. And I see them in the corner of my eyes and they were wearing fancy suits. And I was like, why are they leaving? Why are they leaving?
00:56:38
Speaker
I don't know. And I left and thank you so much, everybody. This was beyond words. Thank you so much. And then I headed out and beat it. Don't linger. Don't talk. What am I going to say? Nobody else said it a word like they said. Thank you so much, Caitlin. Have a wonderful day. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Nobody asked questions. No one, stood up you know, read the room, leave because it was everybody who was involved in the next couple of years of projects. Yeah.
00:57:06
Speaker
Mixed Up Adventures, Fun House, Wonderful World of Mickey, Theme Parks, Consumer Products, Cruise Line, DTVA, Disney Television Animation. I think there was a couple of feature animation people, because they've done a few little one-off things like that. And then i if I recall correctly, the three suits were people high up enough where they're like, you didn't find somebody after a month.
00:57:31
Speaker
this stuff takes time. And they left because they're like, oh, okay, we're fine with her. And they just left. So it's like, okay, was that an approval? Are we good? And as as far as I heard like, all right, we're gonna do a little trial period.
Emotional Connection Through Voice Acting
00:57:45
Speaker
And then I never heard back from anybody. And at the year mark, I was like, am I still in the trial period? I don't think there's anyone else. And they're like, no, what? No, they signed off on you.
00:57:58
Speaker
A long time, you look at the notes here. Like they did what? Well, yeah, they just said that so you wouldn't, you know, have an ego or, or brag. And that's like, that like oh, we know that we know you now. And I'm like, well, then you could have told me I'm sitting here stewing in fear. What if they take it away? And they're, and they were even singing in particular. One television team that was very heavily had its eye on it was like, they signed off on you when you did Minnie's voice with a Texan accent.
00:58:29
Speaker
When you did that, they're like, if she can do that, she can do everything, we're fine with her. But I That's funny. The lady at the, but you didn't know you got it? No. And I called my agent like, Sandy, I got it. This wasn't a callback, this was the gig. Yeah. Yeah, sweetie. Didn't I tell you?
00:58:50
Speaker
No, no. Well, I called you last week and we talked and like, that's right. I had to hang up because Bill was calling because they, after you left, they called Bill and asked for his opinion on you. Oh my God. And then Bill called me to update me. That way everyone was in the loop. Oh, that's so funny. And I'm like, it's not funny. I'm dying here. It's ironic and like, yeah.
00:59:17
Speaker
I ate a bunch of Chipotle that night. It's a little funny, but it's not, you know? It's hilarious now. Well, yeah, but at the time, I was like, what? And there were so many people involved in the casting because I had to be signed off by everybody. One girl for everything. Everyone has to approve. And so, you know, for months after, like I was hearing updates to the story from various angles and it was just like, maybe I should have just stayed in the dark.
00:59:43
Speaker
But i just that was all the more reason of like just focus on your job. yeah Never half-ass it. Remember where she comes from. Be yourself and see what what can how how much more she can expand while still being so totally, completely mini.
00:59:58
Speaker
yeah I'll tell you this, you have an awareness, you know, we've we've talked a lot of voice acting. I'm just so, I'm in love with it. I just love it so much. And we've talked to a bunch. um We've never talked to anyone that has such an awareness, you know, in an introspection of the process. And I hope someday that that you go into teaching, you know,
01:00:24
Speaker
I've, um my biggest fear is like, I want to teach people something that they can use to adapt and navigate to their style, their thoughts. I think you just did. I mean, I just listening back to everything you just said is like, Oh my gosh. You know, read these lines. If I were doing it, I would read it like this. Like I can't do that. That's not going to help them. It'll be a, it'll be a pale imitation of me or it won't fit for them. And it won't serve their expression of that emotion.
01:00:52
Speaker
It's like, okay, if i if I were to read this, I would read it this way. Why would I read it this way? Here's the element, here's the emotion, here's the goal. Let me see if I can word that for them where then they can take it with them and make it work, make it sing.
01:01:06
Speaker
But I have to think of all that in a minute and deliver it. And there's teachers like, you know, Mick Winger was my mentor for years. And like, he knew it like the drop of a hat. He just dropped into it. um Richard Horvitz, Bob Bergen. Richard Horvitz is great. Like so many workshops and clinics from from vocal directors and casting directors who have heard everything. even like that They've never done voiceover, like doesn't matter. yeah They know everything about it because they've experienced it.
01:01:33
Speaker
they They know what to look for for every individual person because they found the component that is in every single person that then branches off into its own unique pattern. that they know those basics. That's what you want to learn. And I just, I knew that from the beginning. It's like, try to find it. try Take classes multiple times, relearn the same things over and over until finally one day, like, oh, that's what they mean by that. yeah I get it now. I'm able to get out of my own way because this is what that means to me. And it'll come like a lightning strike. And it'll happen if you're dedicated and devote the time. And if you have an inkling of doubt for any avenue, don't don't go yet.
01:02:07
Speaker
Yeah, and there' youre there's good but you're giving me stuff today. Like it's different. It's different because, you know, like I i remember Bill talking, I asked him, I'm like, you know, there's, he had, Daz Butler was one of his, that was his guy. And, uh, but then the the basics are great, but the, the, the world is changing and it's, it's a shifting.
01:02:30
Speaker
yeah The basics have to change for what's out there now. The core element of acting, which is reaction with the emotional catharsis to get to your next moment, yeah that will never change. yeah ah The core basics of how will you deliver that emotion, that changes with the times. that changes with the styles, that changes with how do we perceive comedy, how do we perceive wit, how do we perceive despair. and Everyone's different. Everyone discovers new emotions or they're like, i I'm reacting very viscerally to this. It's so good, but I can't watch it. I cannot watch slam before time.
01:03:03
Speaker
It hurts me too much, but it is so good. I will stand by that movie as one of the greats because what how beautiful to have a media, have a ah piece of film that makes you feel so strongly that you almost hate it. It's invoked something in you that yeah never hurt you. That won't affect you in any way other than you were forced to feel all dogs go to heaven for me. That's the one for me. I'm better with that one. Are you? I'm better with that one because he had closure with her at the end. OK.
01:03:31
Speaker
And then, but like, Little Foot didn't have that. You're right. You're right. You're right. And like, that grief is hard. Yeah. It's so hard. And everyone's lost someone at different points in their life. and and And you won't know that pain until it happens to you for whoever this person was. Yeah. And you don't want to go through that, but you have to. it's That's what life is. So if you can recreate that in a safe way for you as the performer and the audience as the listener. Yeah.
01:04:02
Speaker
That's what art is. It's beautiful. I think that's the most beautiful thing. I know. but Thank you. for that like That's like the best way to end a show, I think, because of that emotion that you just brought out right there. That shows people the but ah raw emotion that voice acting does bring, and that that the the values that you do bring into it, and the the heart that you put into every character, because you have to go with that in a raw emotion.
01:04:28
Speaker
And voice acting is nothing like you said, acting is reacting. You know, I was trained in Shakespeare theater and I was trained in you know at theater as a stage actor before I even thought about voice acting, but you hit it right on the head. You have to invoke emotion no matter what.
01:04:43
Speaker
Certainly the wagons all the way back to even when he said the person at the very top of the mezzanine you have to Relate to them. They may not be able to see that emotion, but you can inflict emotion out of them through your voice and At the common core you have to like you brought up land before time and all dogs go to heaven two of the greatest movies ever animation movies ever seen Yes, oh, yes and the fact is is that the fact that Land Before Time and the majority of this this room is 40 and above so we're all at that age where that movie was imprinted on us at a very young age and that emotion we were taught like you hit it to feel if you can sum up just in a few words what voice acting can do for somebody who's interested in it and teaching them how to feel what would that be
01:05:39
Speaker
They would have to, I would say like they have to, like if you want to pursue voiceover, um
Teaching Acting and Neurodivergence
01:05:46
Speaker
every everyone you you have to understand everyone is an actor because we've all experienced most every emotion. It just depends on the degree. You remember those emotions. How can you bring those emotions out safely, organically and genuine where your audience hears it and sees it and goes, yes, me too.
01:06:09
Speaker
And voiceover is a ah a means to emotionally connect with people who understand you and who understand something you can't explain it in words, but they'll hear it and they'll feel it. You have to evoke a feeling that is outside of yourself that has made us one person in this moment where we understood each other on this level, even if you've never met them.
01:06:35
Speaker
I think that would be that's probably more words than I intended. No, that's perfect. But if you if you don't if you don't know that, learn it. If you're scared of it, do it anyway. You have to be willing to do everything and fail in every way to accept what you can and can't do. learn to Try to learn to do what you can't do, or at least your version of it, and be open to whatever happens next, to whatever you're going to feel. I had a hard time in music theater. I cried a lot during a lot of songs.
01:07:05
Speaker
because the music was so beautiful, and there's no words in the music, like the melody, there's no words, but it's hitting something inside you that makes you react. Those those videos online of babies watch, like little toddler babies watching chipmunk adventure, or ah this little Einstein episode where there was like somebody really, like a sad monkey, and then you hear a sad violin, and the kids are like, oh dear, the monkey's alone, we have to help.
01:07:34
Speaker
find the mommy and like the music is selling the emotional impact that yeah you you just know intrinsically as a human being and babies babies cry during these scenes they're crying watching the movie but they're still watching they didn't run away they didn't say no they didn't run to mom they're still sitting there engaging with the story but they're feeling emotional But they want to continue. They're not stopping. So and like and I would say like if if that's happening, I understand. I know. I think it'll get better. Let's find out. You know, if you validate too much, they're going to get scared of what they're seeing and think these emotions are bad. But like I've never seen stuff like that until social media where it's like my little girl.
01:08:21
Speaker
hates this part of chipmunk adventure but she won't skip it she watches it every time because she's she's craving that emotional connection she doesn't know that but we all crave an emotional connection to someone who understands us at least in this way without words and that's what acting is and like Maybe it's the ADHD, but we have access to emotional sparks because we feel so deeply, some more than others. You know, the spectrum is huge. everyone I know. I'm one of them. I'm one of them. I'll admit it. I'm on it. Me too. What are your levels in what areas? It's ever changing, ever flowing. Yeah. Like Jurassic Park. um But know yourself, know what's hitting you, what what's hard for you, and
01:09:09
Speaker
become the person you want to be when you deliver this story. yeah That's all acting is and you know, the sometimes the higher up on different levels, the more all encompassing it can be. And with respect to certain people, I don't know if they're out about their own personal mental placement anywhere.
01:09:30
Speaker
But some people who I've met in person, like, I would never have guessed you're like this in person. This is very specific. I can see why people think this way about you or behave this way around you, because this is a lot for average people. But I understand where this is coming from, because up to a point, I felt the same. I'm going to try to connect with you. And if and if it doesn't work, that's OK. But I'm aware of this about you.
01:09:57
Speaker
And all the more reason, like when you perform, when you have suddenly flipped over and have not become yourself, you've become that character. That's why it's a perfected character, a savant. That's why it's like, how are they able to do this? It's like, because they're not like that normally.
01:10:11
Speaker
They learned through osmosis, through through hyper-fixation, through mimicry, very prevalent in ADHD, autism, executive aspergers, just all those, not that's not the term, I'm sorry, that is not the term anymore for that. but I forgot, sorry. um But that emotional impact, that's all they that's their instinct. That's all they could do as they grew up in a world that wasn't built for them, but is meant for them.
01:10:37
Speaker
neuroddiergent it will always fight against the law three hours.
Future Plans and Authentic Engagement
01:10:56
Speaker
know i I know. I know. I know. I was about to go. I was going to say, Hey, I'd go for another three. Well, I'm, but i have any no new I know you gotta go. need Well, I just, I said early on, I'm like, Caitlin, we gotta, we gotta respect your time. And, and, but I hope, I hope that you felt, okay. I'm back.
01:11:18
Speaker
y'all good from the last time? Can I get, ah what ah can I get skibbity with you or whatever, you know? Yeah. Okay. I'll message you, Caitlin, if they're okay with that. I'd love to use the platform to like start something. Please. And then I can then point to and like, yes, get something going now and stop thinking about it. And then come next year and be like, Hey guys. See, and we already got that the second thing when when we always have a guest the first time. It's like, Hey, nice to get to know you, cool your story. The second time we have a guest is always,
01:11:47
Speaker
I mean, we just, you, it's all you. It's all you. And i we would we would love that. And- Yeah, let's do that. Because I want to brag about other stuff I've done. I know, and I want to hear it. I want to hear it. This has been- And I can be like, hi, guys. I'm actually going to do some funny voices. Oh, yeah. And like- I didn't even do a- Demand your applause for my ah massive talent. I know. I like being real out the gate first. I know. Exactly. If you're cool with me here,
01:12:13
Speaker
Yeah. I'm cool with you being in on this level now. I'm comfortable. That's right. And that's what we wanted. This audience isn't gonna... Yeah. It's what we wanted. We're like, we want you to leave here. To do the silly voice. Like, no, you'll get those voices once I know it. I know. Dance, monkey,
Conclusion and Social Media Connection
01:12:29
Speaker
dance. No, we don't do that. And that's the thing. That's what I hate that. That's what I'm saying. Like I said early on, I don't like when people treat guests like zoo exhibits. I think that's horrible. Yeah, I hate it.
01:12:41
Speaker
And I i think amounts to the end of This has been so fun. I can't believe that we've went almost three hours. ah yeah I can. Oh, and it's not over yet.
01:12:57
Speaker
Thank you for joining us for another enchanting episode of Sharing the Magic. We are the Thinking Fans podcast, an entertainment show where education and entertainment collide each week. We bring you whimsical interviews with Disney guests who share their magical experiences and reveal how they are woven into the Disney fabric. Don't forget to hit that follow button to stay updated on our latest episodes.
01:13:19
Speaker
Spread the word and let your friends know they can tune in wherever they enjoy their favorite podcasts. You can also connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and ex, formerly Twitter, at at sharing the magic pod. Until next time, keep sharing the magic.
01:13:36
Speaker
oh