Audiobook Talent & Industry Guide

MELISSA KAY BENSON

[email protected] • +1 (985) 707-3899

https://mkbenson.com

Pronouns: she/her

Nationality/Cultural Identity: American

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

American Accents: Standard (mid-Atlantic), Midwest, New York, Southern, Texas, Cajun/YAT

Other English Accents: British Regionals, Irish

World Accents: French

Spoken Languages: Standard American

Genres: Drama, Motivational/Business, Mystery/Suspense, Nonfiction

Voice Range: Juvenile, Teen, 20s-30s, Middle Age, Senior

PERFORMANCE & TRAINING

Stage/Film/TV: I have decades of stage acting experience in the New Orleans Metro area. From professional small stage, community and dinner theater.

Favorite Roles: Chris Gorman in RUMORS; Sonia in VANYA, SONIA, MASHA & SPIKE; Mrs. Levinson (an elderly widow) and Timothy (a twelve yr old boy) in DIVINE SISTER; Sob Sister in RADIUM GIRLS

Training: I have coached with Paul Alan Ruben, Johnny Heller, Joel Froomkin, Paula Parker, Andi Arndt, Hillary Huber, Helen Lloyd, Shannon Parks, Sean Pratt and PJ Ochlan. I am a graduate of Sean Pratt's NONFICTION narration course. I have attended business and performance workshops and retreats including, Johnny Heller's New England Narrators Retreat (3 years), Scott Brick & Johnny Heller's Business Workshop and Splendiforous Workshop, and Virtual APAC. I am heading to IN PERSON APAC in 2023! I have received accent coaching when needed, for a particular character in books. I have attended countless APA and PANA webinars and events as well as Clubhouse meetings of all varieties with producer and coaching guests. I was a reading participant in the APA's Professional Ear Event in 2021.

Expertise: I am a Masters CrossFit Athlete, participating in athletic competitions where I have routinely placed 2nd-3rd in my state and age division. I am a retired myofascial therapist and I use my experience to help fellow narrators achieve better working posture and ergonomics. I post tips and life hacks for this on social media and call them, #BoothHealth Tuesday posts. (They are also on my website) I live in New Orleans and can cook a good gumbo and boil some spicy crawfish!

Worked With: Dreamscape Media, Tantor Audio, Vibrance Press

Home Studio • Audiobooks Recorded 11-25

APA Member

AUDIOBOOKS & REVIEWS

Audiobooks: ORCHID CHILD; WE’RE ALL LYING; NO MORE BAD DAYS; ASHES ON THE EARTH; THE SEVENTH SENSE; VIRTUALLY HARMLESS

CONNECT WITH MELISSA KAY BENSON