Local artist profile: Jess Hunt

THIS week we chat with actor and budding voice over artist Jess Hunt, who has performed in nine stage shows over the past two years after studying at the celebrated National Institute of Dramatic Art.

What motivated you to get into acting and more recently voice over work?

I was raised with an appreciation for 80s Brat Pack and horror movies. When I was a child we had a family friend who was a great inspiration. He wrote his own pantomimes and would let my brother and I backstage with the actors.

Later on, in my second year at university, I re-discovered my passion for acting. I was in some short plays and then embarked on numerous acting and improv courses.

I had always been interested in voice over as I grew up loving cartoons, especially The Simpsons like most kids and would practise their voices.

At the end of 2023 I saw there was a studio voice over course and jumped at the opportunity. We had studio time and recorded a range of different voice over styles and I loved it all.

How would you describe your style?

After multiple screen acting courses, I discovered that I love roles in drama with deeply emotional scenes.

Since moving to Bendigo, I have been exploring stage roles and absolutely love playing with comedic timing and characters.

I also love working with accents and changing my voice to suit the character.

Which other actors (or voice over artists) inspire you?

Evan Peters and Sarah Paulson for their ability to create so many convincing, compelling and diverse characters. Helena Bonham Carter and Christina Ricci for the fun and quirky roles they have been able to play. And for their incredible comedy and improv, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Melissa McCarthy.

Voice over is easily Nancy Cartwright and Hank Azaria for the sheer range of characters they are able to create.

What are some highlights you have from your career so far?

For acting it was being accepted into the year-long course, Screen Actors Studio with NIDA, being in my ninth stage show in two years and meeting so many talented and wonderful people along the way.

In voice over it was starting my own business, doing my first jobs for Bendigo Foodshare and Ace Audio Productions and starting radio school.

How can people check out your work online?

Please check out my website and reach out if you are interested in getting some voice over work done for your business – jesshuntvoiceoverartist.com.au

Do you have any shows coming up?

I’m currently in rehearsals for Guys and Dolls, I’m a part of the ensemble as a doll, waitress and actress. Be sure to get your tickets.

You may also hear me on the air waves soon in the coming weeks if you listen to KLFM!

What would you say to young regional aspiring actors (or voice over artists) who are thinking of making a go of the creative life?

I would say if you’re interested in voice over check out Udemy, they have online short courses for reasonable prices that can give you an idea on how to start out in the field. With acting, do courses with different studios to learn different methods – StageMilk is a great one online – (and) get involved with local theatre companies.

Be brave and take the chance. Be ok with not always getting the role you want because there will always be more opportunities around the corner, and remember to have fun!