Ethan Weaver - One of AFTRA's Youngest Members

Ethan is the son Debra Cole.  Debra is a student of the VoiceActing Academy, a good friend of ours and a darn fine voice actor in her own right. She recently shared some terrific news!  The following is a very proud mom “bragging” about the accomplishments of her son. We think that’s pretty great, Deb!

“Ethan is 10 1/2 years old and began his voice over career while waiting patiently for me to finish up recording a series of political spots.  He was 6 years old. The producer realized she needed a child’s voice on the spot.  Ethan, like the old soul he seems to be, put the headphones on and stepped right up to the microphone, projecting and following directions well.  He was asked to simply recite the alphabet.  A couple years later he enrolled in acting classes with Mona Lee who had trained me many years ago.  Meanwhile, he continued to come into the studio with me while I was recording, meeting producers and directors, with a handshake at the ready.

Finally, one of the producers asked him to work on a few national spots for clients including BMW, Walmart, and Hallmark.  He was a natural; minding his manners along the way, because if there’s one thing he learned from his mother is that voice acting is a serious business and you must be professional, never filling your head with notions that this business makes you special.  “Your reputation and character are what make you unique, son.”

Most recently he was asked by my agent, DBTalent in Austin, to audition for a Walmart TV campaign.  From our living room with nothing more than an IMac and a Snowball microphone he auditioned, challenging the kids from L.A. and Chicago for the gig.   A few days later, DBTalent called and said Ethan booked the job.  His reaction was calm and professional with the real excitement at the thought of being able to add to his LEGO collection with some of the money he would earn!  When the day came to record the Walmart spot he was in and out of the booth in 10 minutes, walking over to me for a hug.  We got in the car and I said, Good job, boy…now, start your homework.“

Sounds like you’re teaching him well, Debra! Congratulations, Ethan and best wishes for continued success!