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SAG-AFTRA SPONSORED LEONARD DOZIER TEACHES VO CLASS IN PORTLAND TO RAVE REVIEWS

Thanks to the support of National SAG-AFTRA, union member and VO coach Leonard Dozier held a sold-out voice acting workshop on October 2nd at Portland’s Black Diamond Studios.
| By Mary McDonald-Lewis

Themed a “big tent” event, for union and non-union actors alike, the course was an introduction to the skills required to work, and the nuts and bolts of breaking in to the business. Mr. Dozier reported afterwards that it was one of the best groups of actors he'd ever taught, as regards professionalism, interest, and “whip-smart" questions during the Q&A process. Attendees ranged from union actors to non-union actors to folks just curious to know more. Members from the Oregon Media Production Association were also in attendance.

SAG-AFTRA member Lucy Paschall said of the teacher, "There's so much to learn from Leonard... Not only about the voiceover industry, but how to be an exceptionally patient and kind individual. I'd highly recommend him as a teacher, mentor and artist.”

Harold Phillips is both a SAG-AFTRA and an OMPA member, and said the class was a winning combination of theory and technique. “Leonard mixed his real-world experience with some great behind-the-mic opportunities for everyone in attendance, no matter what their level of experience. And along the way, he’s able to put faces with names and really tailor what he’s saying to each individual in the room. Truly remarkable – and a measure of the drive for service that is such a big part of the man!”

OMPA member Suzanne Owens-Duvall attended and said, "It truly was an excellent workshop which was full of such useful up-to-the-moment information that Leonard generously and merrily shared with us all, going way over the designated ending of the class time. It didn't bother him at all. I didn't leave until 3:30pm and the class should have finished at 2:00pm. It was worth every minute.”

National board member for SAG-AFTRA and VP of OMPA Mary McDonald-Lewis helped promote the workshop, and said “It’s always beneficial to have fresh voices teaching in town. Leonard’s approach is modern, empathetic and chock-full of information. He was inspiring to watch.” McDonald-Lewis says if there is interest, a program featuring more LA and NY VO coaches may be in the works.

Mr. Dozier is a SAG-AFTRA member and voice actor with close to 20 years of experience. He is a principal actor alongside Lea Michele, Jim Belushi and Patrick Stewart in the Hollywood animation movie Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return. Voice credits include American Idol Ruben Studdard’s national promo for the album Love Is, Centerlight Healthcare and the NCAA Recyclemania Campaign for Coca-Cola. He is also the official voice of Boomtown Casino in Louisiana. On screen, Dozier can be seen in the film Turning Point with Ernie Hudson and Todd Bridges. He co-starred in the Emmy-winning Fever: 1793 which premiered on ABC in April 2012. Dozier is featured in the new apocalyptic thriller Phaesporia, out in 2016.

Mr. Dozier is a SAG-AFTRA member and voice actor with close to 20 years of experience. He is a principal actor alongside Lea Michele, Jim Belushi and Patrick Stewart in the Hollywood animation movie Legends of Oz: Dorothy’s Return. Voice credits include American Idol Ruben Studdard’s national promo for the album Love Is, Centerlight Healthcare and the NCAA Recyclemania Campaign for Coca-Cola. He is also the official voice of Boomtown Casino in Louisiana. On screen, Dozier can be seen in the film Turning Point with Ernie Hudson and Todd Bridges. He co-starred in the Emmy-winning Fever: 1793 which premiered on ABC in April 2012. Dozier is featured in the new apocalyptic thriller Phaesporia, out in 2016.

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