Ki is part of the Limit Break Mentorship for marginalised game developers & community members as both a Mentor and Mentee!
- Only 13% of the Games industry was made up of folks from working class backgrounds. (Into Games, 2024)
- Games development has one of the worst records of socioeconomic access of any creative or technical sector. (Into Games, 2024)
- 59% of people from under-resourced backgrounds who currently work in games have been made to feel ‘othered’ at some point in their career.(Into Games, 2024)
- 59% of disabled developers have experienced ableism when applying for jobs (GDC, 2023)
- 82% of BIPOC developers have experienced racial discrimination in the industry (Develop:Mentor, 2021)
- 64% of LGBTQ+ developers face homophobic remarks in team meetings (Games for All, 2023)
So is it any surprise that we're still seeing marginalised communities & people struggling in the Voice Acting Industry?
Having spent years being part of the truly amazing Limit Break Mentorship scheme, I wanted to make sure there was more being done in the Voice Acting space to allow folks who would otherwise struggle to access educational sessions, practice workshops and just generally have a place to get feedback and practice their skills.
That's where Skeleton Key Voices comes in!
We're a group run with accessibility at the forefront, with options for people from lower income backgrounds, information on and around making the industry a more diverse and welcoming space and a constant effort to make sure you can spend your time there without having to constantly feel as though you have to explain yourself or your needs. We want you to come along, share in our sessions and enjoy your time and learn without barriers.
We're only just getting started, so your participation and feedback will directly affect how we run and make sure that as many people can join in, regardless of background, disability or finances. Any information, experience and skills you've built, VA related or not can absolutely help us shape not only this space, but hopefully the industry at large.
What do I bring to the table?
Having experienced mentorship schemes for 4+ years, this year I have begun my journey as a mentor, having not only taken on a wonderful group of mentees, but also classes to ensure I'm someone who's as effective, considerate and helpful as possible, including taking the Limit Break Mentorship and Allyship training course.
Including (but not limited to):
- Mentorship under incredible actors like Jane Perry, Natalie Winter & Alex Jordan- and one currently under Effie Loy for Voice Direction
- Over 20 roles across multiple WEBTOON Official Animations including leading roles in Shifting Tails & Accidental Assassin
- Multiple Game, Audiodrama and Animation credits from indie to AAA
- Experience with Voice Direction & Casting, having sorted through 1400+ auditions and given individualised feedback to over 500
- Running & Participating in D&D/TTRPG liveplay campaigns and 9 years of livestreaming experience
- A background of Singing lessons, an Animation Production degree (including Storytelling, Game analysis, character & creature design), Creative Industry liaison work and 10+ years of Musical theatre
I know all too well the difficulties facing many VAs, and can only imagine how much worse the issues are that other communities face. I try to openly share and discuss my own experiences having had very limited income, finding out about and trying to get treatment for Chronic health, neurodivergency and Mental health, and finding my identity as a whole but more recently as a queer person.
I understand that not only can self-advocation be difficult, but it can sadly get you recast, dismissed or even proactively judged and marginalised. I do whatever I can to support, uplift and empower people facing this, and want to make sure the industry does the same; it's what people deserve.
This means highlighting various issues in our sessions- Casting calls with characters who are trans, POC, disabled not encouraging or limiting the call to those representative of those identities, how actors can work to make sure those communities are supported and highlighted rather than taking jobs that have been limited to people of those identities for years. Making sure folks understand the importance of boundaries, mediating expectations and even 'just' learning how to ask for their needs to be met by directors and creators at all levels, how to conduct ourselves on socials or at networking events so as to respect other professionals and communicate in a way that doesn't exploit the person or their position, or makes it easier to initiate conversations in the first place.
I by no means have all the answers, but by understanding some of the issues we face, I am open, eager and ready to share what I've learned and also be accountable and respond when feedback is given that can improve the accessibility or information given, making sure that the sessions are approachable, informative and don't ask too much of folk who attend.
How it's going so far!
A 9.5 Average rating for overall helpfulness!
A 9.8 Average rating for interest in other sessions with us
"Had a fantastic time at Ki's auditioning practice workshop! Ki is a brilliant, informative director who is understanding of the need for accommodations and whose workshops have a friendly and inclusive atmosphere. She'll give you feedback on a take and then, through discussion, you'll have a completely different idea that she'll encourage you to go with and demonstrate, with no pressure or fear of failure, all things that make for a fun and engaging experience. Would definitely recommend!"
- SightlessKombat, Auditioning Practice Workshop
"The presentation style and enthusiasm throughout was absolutely infectious, making for an incredibly easy to understand and enjoyable experience overall. Any trepidation I felt heading into the presentation/lecture rapidly faded away."
- Nick Koyama, Game Genres session
"I have really enjoyed sessions with Ki- she is super friendly and creates an atmosphere that is easy to play and explore in. Ki gives thoughtful and helpful adjustments when directing, and is encouraging and knowledgeable when giving feedback. You can tell that Ki really loves games, voice acting, and working in a community-focused manner which are all really appreciated- you can't help but be inspired and engaged in her sessions!! 10/10, would recommend."
- @Insaninox, Game Genres session
"This class is an excellent resource for both beginners who may be feeling overwhelmed, and working professionals seeking out new perspectives and tools! Ki is a wonderful teacher, and her dedication to accessibility and kindness is commendable."
- Fern Eliza, Auditioning 'Basics' session
"Absolutely loved all of the practical advice Ki had with real-world examples of dos and don'ts and everything in between. I reckon this is perfect for amateur voice actors and for those looking to understand the games industry (and all of its ups and downs). Highly recommend and very appreciative of Ki's attention to detail in terms of addressing issues in terms of the lack of POC roles, networking and casting etiquette. They have a very personable way of sharing their experience as well as teaching!"
- @unaminh.bsky.social, Auditioning 'Basics' session
"I found the information Ki provides as super insightful and I felt very welcome, I never felt afraid to ask questions if I didn't understand something. Super useful for both beginners (like me!) and more established voice actors."
- Nico P0l0, Game Genres session