Hugh P Klitzke
Hugh is a voiceover coach, director and producer in New York City.
He teaches the conversational read, self-direction, the commercial read, directs auditions and produces demos (amongst other things) to professional voiceover talent.
For nearly fifteen years Hugh was the Voiceover Studio Manager at Buchwald, New York directing booking auditions for every kind of voiceover.
To date, Hugh has directed over 125,000 auditions and counting.
In 2023, Hugh was nominated for Best Female Commercial Demo Production at OneVoice, spoke at WOVO, critiqued at NEVO taught workshops for the SAG /AFTRA Foundation and will present at VO Atlanta in 2024.
While teaching classes, private coaching and lecturing, Hugh is writing two books and runs VOnow.CO with Debbie Irwin.
Hugh has also been the head of sound for Penn and Teller, an Equity Stage Manager, a producer at the Galapagos Art Space in Brooklyn (now Detroit), an award winning composer and lyricist for theater, film and digital media, a music theory lecturer at SUNY Purchase, assistant to a Baroque trumpet scholar, a certified K-12 music teacher and two time marathon finisher.
Find Hugh online at conversationalvo.com/
HUGH P KLITZKE – The Craft of Conversational Reads
Mastering the Art of Conversational Voice Acting with Hugh Klitzke
Welcome to the latest edition of our blog featuring highlights from “Voice Acting Unplugged,” a podcast dedicated to exploring the intricacies of voice acting. In this episode, hosts Margaret Ashley and Anthony Rudd dive deep into the world of conversational voiceover with industry legend Hugh Klitzke. Hugh shares his vast experience and unique insights into what it truly means to connect with an audience through voice.
Introduction to Conversational Voice Acting
Hugh Klitzke, a name synonymous with voiceover coaching and directing, joins our hosts to discuss his journey and approach to the art of voice acting. With a career spanning nearly 15 years as a voiceover studio manager in New York and over 18 years of coaching experience, Hugh has directed an astounding 125,000 sessions. His niche? Conversational voiceover.
The Evolution of the Conversational Read
The conversation takes us back to the roots of conversational voiceover, as Hugh explains:
“It really goes back to 1984, to a particular political campaign for President Ronald Reagan. The ‘Morning in America’ ad, voiced by Hal Reiney, marked a significant shift with its subdued and emotional delivery. This became known as ‘The Reiney Read’ and set a precedent in the industry.”
Hugh further elaborates on how this style evolved, highlighting campaigns like MasterCard’s ‘Priceless’ that emphasized character without being overly theatrical, reflecting the growing demand for authenticity in advertising.
Understanding Interpretation Versus Presentation
A central theme is the distinction between a conversational read and an announcer read. Hugh emphasizes that the former is about interpretation, a skill rooted in emotional understanding rather than simple presentation. “Actors traditionally are not taught to present with a tone,” Hugh notes, drawing a parallel to Ian McKellen’s approach to Shakespeare – understanding the sense behind words to let their natural expression flow.
Catering to a Modern Audience
The discussion also touches on adapting conversational reads to today’s dynamic audience. Hugh notes, “It’s not about talking to a friend. It’s about talking to Kim,” stressing the importance of specificity and authenticity. This nuanced approach helps voice actors connect deeply with their audience, aligning content with the right emotional tone.
When asked about the newer trends in voiceover, especially with younger audiences, Hugh sheds light on the cultural shift:
“You don’t want someone in their early twenties advising you on your 401k, but they can deliver other messages that resonate authentically with their peers.”
Navigating Challenges in Voice Acting
The realm of conversational voiceovers isn’t static. While some aspects remain constant, Hugh acknowledges that trends and audience expectations evolve. He reassures that the core of voice acting will always hinge on genuine interaction and adaptability to changing linguistic norms and listener preferences.
Opportunities for Coaching and Growth
To those aspiring to refine their craft, Hugh offers numerous resources through his platform, conversationalvo.com. Whether it’s a free consultation to gauge your potential or joining a Conversational Open Studio session to witness live coaching, Hugh provides invaluable pathways for growth.
For voice actors, both seasoned and new, understanding and mastering the conversational read can open doors to endless possibilities in this ever-evolving industry.
Join Margaret & Anthony next time on Voice Acting Unplugged.
©2025 Margaret Ashley – Your Friendly British Female Voice Actor in Purley, London