Meet Annmarie Tereza

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Annmarie Tereza. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Annmarie below.

Annmarie , so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?

This remarkable tale is a testament to the power of fate and the unexpected paths that life can take. It all began with a serendipitous encounter on a plane that would ultimately lead me to discover my true passion for voice acting. During one of her travels, my mother struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger who turned out to be none other than Mimi Maynard, a seasoned voice actor. Little did we know that this chance meeting would set in motion a life-changing series of events. After staying in touch, Mimi reached out to my mother a year later to share the exciting news of her newly established voice acting school, Voice Masters. Although my mother politely declined the invitation, she couldn’t resist mentioning my uncanny ability to impersonate various family members with Croatian accents. This innocent remark would unknowingly set the stage for my journey into the world of voice acting. I enrolled in the animation class lead by Mimi Maynard and Paulette Lifton, under my own name, choosing to keep the origin of my discovery a secret, and eagerly delved into the world of voice acting.

Throughout the classes, I was not only passionate about voice acting but also sought genuine feedback from my mentors and peers. It was during the third week of the four-week course that a highly respected voice actor, Chris Gannon, took notice of my talent and delivered the affirming words that would shape my future: “Kid, I don’t know what kind of nurse you are, but you definitely have the chops for this.” This pivotal moment instilled in me the confidence and determination to pursue voice acting wholeheartedly. After completing three rounds of classes, I felt compelled to share my unique journey in the Animation Master Class with my mentors and fellow voice actors. The reaction from Mimi, Paulette, and my peers was heartwarming, solidifying our bond as a community of passionate individuals dedicated to the art of voice acting. Voice acting has become more than a career for me—it is my true calling; infusing my life with purpose and joy every time I step behind the microphone.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a voice actor of Croatian-American heritage with a wide array of skills and experience, particularly in animation, commercials, narration, e-learning, and audiobooks. My ability to deliver captivating performances and infuse characters with depth and emotion through the sheer power of my voice sets me apart.

I am deeply passionate about the art of voice acting, finding immense thrill and fulfillment in my work. Every time I step into the recording booth, I am driven by the excitement of bringing to life a story that has yet to be told, and I am continuously inspired by the limitless possibilities of storytelling through voice.

At the moment, I’m fully immersed in the creative process of producing six new audiobooks across various genres. Each audiobook is carefully crafted with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect of the production meets the highest standards of quality and authenticity.

The first book is a comprehensive and practical business guide titled “The Solo Entrepreneur’s Guide to a Million Dollar Business,” offering valuable insights and strategies for aspiring entrepreneurs. This insightful guide is currently available for listening on Audible, providing convenient access for individuals seeking to enhance their business knowledge.

Furthermore, later this year, a diverse collection of titles will be released to cater to various interests. These include “Acacia: Secrets of an African Painting,” a thrilling exploration of art and culture as two cousins discover a long-lost family secret, and “Darkling Romance: Being Part Two of Dove & Crow Saga,” a compelling continuation of an enthralling literary series. Additionally, food enthusiasts can look forward to “Eat Like a Local: Split – Split Croatia Food Guide” and “Eat Like a Local: Sarajevo – Sarajevo Bosnia and Hercegovina Food Guide,” offering immersive culinary experiences. Lastly, “Misplaced Motivation” is set to provide valuable insights into the complexities of human motivation.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

I strongly believe that the three essential qualities and skills required for success in voice acting are continuously refining and expanding your acting abilities to bring versatility and depth to your performances, actively networking with other voice actors and industry professionals to stay informed about opportunities and industry trends, and maintaining a resilient and positive mindset to navigate the challenges and uncertainties of a competitive field.

The most valuable advice I’ve received in voice acting is the importance of consistently putting yourself out there and embracing your unique personality and talents without hesitation. To stay motivated and on track, it’s crucial to invest in continuous learning by taking a wide variety of classes, creating a standout demo that showcases your range and capabilities, diligently seeking reputable representation from an agent, actively participating in auditions, securing roles, and then repeating this process to build a sustainable career. It’s through this dedicated consistency that everything will eventually fall into place, leading to a fulfilling and successful career in voice acting.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

My mother’s most profound impact on me was imparting the invaluable lesson of resilience. The resilience I possess has been profoundly shaped and nurtured by the unwavering strength of my mother, who, in my eyes, epitomizes the essence of fortitude. Throughout her life, she has encountered and triumphed over countless adversities, instilling in me the fundamental value of perseverance. Her resilience serves as a guiding light, illuminating the path for me to navigate through life’s challenges with unwavering determination. The wisdom she imparted has taught me to hold onto the unwavering belief that brighter days are on the horizon, and to summon the inner strength needed to surmount any obstacles that may cross my path. I’ve come to comprehend that the trajectory of our lives is not solely determined by our current circumstances, but rather by the choices we make and how we confront the trials that befall us. This invaluable insight has left an indelible mark on my career as a voiceover artist, equipping me with the adaptability to confront setbacks and perceive rejection as a gateway to new and enriching experiences.

As a first-generation Croatian-American, I take immense pride in the rich and diverse narratives that form the tapestry of my immigrant family. These stories encapsulate the journeys of individuals who embarked on a voyage to the United States with nothing but a dream of freedom and opportunity. Despite encountering numerous challenges, they displayed extraordinary resilience and perseverance, ultimately achieving remarkable success. These narratives continue to serve as a profound wellspring of inspiration for me, underscoring the profound truth that with unyielding determination and grit, one can surmount any adversity to transform their aspirations into reality.

Contact Info:

Image Credits

Jumping photo Taken at VO Atlanta 2024
Photo of fellow Voice Over Artists Casandra Groves and Vanessa Garcia
Photo of Mentor Mimi Maynard
Photo of Mentor Paulette Lifton
Photo of fellow Voice Over Artists Casandra Groves, Vanessa Garcia, Matt Hooks, and Friso Gosliga

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