Author. Editor. Actress. VO Artist.
News and Updates
IT'S PRETTY SELF-EXPLANATORY
Part of being in both the acting and writing industry is fostering new relationships with others, including directors and other fellow actors and writers. Not only that, but I have found that every opportunity I get to show my skills has led to some very fascinating experiences. So I decided, why not share my experiences with others? Will the news be few and far between? Yes, probably, but after all, these kinds of things take time.
This just in: Some notes on my first ever audiobook
JUNE 6TH, 2024
Today is the day my first audiobook, The Billionaire's Favorite, is released, and there are a few things I feel I must point out. It's a genre I don't normally dabble in (romance). Yes, there will be sexual content, and yes, I felt awkward reading those scenes aloud. Also, I only did the script editing and recording; audio editing and sound, cover art, and book title was out of my control. I will admit that I'm not a fan of how the chapters were edited audibly; you'll hear that the pacing is quite fast for an audiobook. This is the audio rendition of a current online work, which I'll link below. Regardless of all this, I'm still proud of the work I've done and would love if you could give the audio version a listen!
Keeping my skills sharp
APRIL 11TH, 2024
Any actor (or performer, for that matter) knows that practice makes perfect, and this means keeping your skills sharp and staying current. I recently took a couple of classes with Acting Studio Chicago (one in late February and one recently in early April) to learn some more about the audiobook industry as well as refresh myself on video game and animation VO, two areas I previously learned about during my last semester of college. Thank you to Adam Verner and Brad Grusnick for sharing your years of experience and helping me develop my craft in the voiceover realm. I'm eager to hopefully expand my catalog of shows and lend my voice to an even bigger project someday.
First Publication of the Year!
JANUARY 8TH, 2024
The year barely started and I've already got another publication under my belt. I'm happy to announce that my work has once again found its home within the pages of Contemporary Jo's latest issue (the same magazine that featured me in Issue III). But this time, I'm showcasing some poetry! I'm definitely more of a fiction and prose author, but poetry catches my eye from time to time, and I can't help but experiment. The print version is available for purchase on Amazon, but the online version is free to read and is linked below. Keep an eye out for My Respect for You, Six Letters to a Man Six Feet Under, Following in Yours, and Written Word.
Before we leap into 2024...
JANUARY 1ST, 2024
I would say that 2023 has been a year of new things and accomplishments. Besides graduating college a year earlier than expected (Summa Cum Laude and an Honors program grad), 2023 was the year I became a freelancer! Extremely grateful to have been onboarded by Headfone and The Urban Writers and for the opportunities they have given me to refine my artistic craft. I now work two freelance jobs and two part time jobs; hopefully I'll be able to find a part- or full-time position relating more to editing and/or proofreading. Could a talent agent be on the horizon? Perhaps another publication? Let's see what 2024 has to offer!
Guess Who's Getting Paid to Voice Act Now?
SEPTEMBER 12TH, 2023
Yes, you read that right. I've recently been onboarded as a freelance voice actor with Headfone, a company that creates and produces audio dramas. Though I pretty much just got on the platform, I already have quite a few shows to jump into. This is the first time I'll be receiving compensation that isn't just copy and credit; all those student projects I auditioned and participated in during my time in college prepared me for this! Keep an eye on my Media page to see which projects I helped bring to life.
Gabrielle Returns to the Musical Realm!
AUGUST 5TH, 2023
After three or four years away from musicals, I was reunited with Schaumburg Summer Theatre, a program hosted by the Prairie Center for the Arts in Schaumburg, Illinois, and performed in their 33rd show, Hello, Dolly!. This was my first show with them as an adult; I performed in their 2017 and 2018 shows as a teenager, then took a long four year hiatus due to... reasons. Nevertheless, I had an amazing (and sweaty) time with new and familiar faces, and I'm planning on auditioning for their next summer show in 2024!
An Official Urbanite!
JUNE 5TH, 2023
I was recently onboarded as a freelance editor at The Urban Writers! This is my first time ever freelancing and I'm very excited to start booking projects and getting paid for doing what I like to do! Am I under NDA? Yes; I unfortunately cannot share the projects I get to work on, but I at least get to use a pen name! Are there lots of rules to follow? Yes, of course; copy editing and proofreading require attention to detail and ensuring manuscripts follow particular style guide requirements. But I feel more than confident that I can make customers proud of their work.
The First Gaming Demo is Live!
MAY 8TH, 2023
I'm excited to announce that I recently published a new demo to my Demos and Sample page! Now you'll be able to listen to a selection of character voices adapted to a video game setting; a gaming demo, if you will. I'm very happy with how it turned out and I hope you enjoy it as well!
VO Gabi has been busy!
MAY 3RD, 2023
Would you believe me if I told you that I've performed in six audio dramas and the year isn't even half over? It can be a challenge trying to schedule a recording time when you've got a million other things going on (such as worrying about graduation!), but the nice thing about college is that you can make your schedule how you want. Time management is critical when you dabble in any kind of art, so it's good to practice it as soon as you can.
Oh yeah, and the photo is me with the script for one of the shows I'm voicing (I'm the lead!).
First Publication of 2023!
MARCH 27th, 2023
I'm excited to announce that my fiction piece, Cold Shoulder, has been accepted for publication in the third issue of Contemporary Jo! The magazine can be found both online and in print, available for purchase on Amazon. The Contemporary Jo editing team is comprised of only three people, so give the issue a read as a way of thanking them for their hard work.
A Look Back on 2022
DECEMBER 15TH, 2022
Well, would you look at that: it's almost a new year! I'm exhausted; time to rehydrate!
I feel that 2022 has offered me so much in terms of writing and acting opportunities. In this year alone, I had my work published in three literary magazines, performed VO work for seven different projects ranging from narration to audio dramas, and acted in eight different film projects, seven of them within the last four months! I prepared a new commercial demo and have had the opportunity to audition for multiple theatre and on camera projects. There are plenty of new stories to be completed as well as some that I feel more confident revisiting. I found 2022 to be very productive and I've been able to gain so much experience to take further into my career. Hope 2023 can offer even more!
A mysterious visitor comes to Mystic Owl Magazine!
OCTOBER 5TH, 2022
I'm so proud that my fiction short story, Dinner Dreams, has finally found a home in the fiction section of Mystic Owl Magazine's first issue (art by Sam Loree)! I've been holding onto this story for a while. The first ever rendition was a flash fiction piece submitted to a writing contest at my local library back in 2019, where I placed first in the teen category. The main character didn't even have a name! But I'm glad to be helping welcome Mystic Owl into the world of literary magazines by contributing my story! I have plans to turn Dinner Dreams into a full fledged YA novel; hopefully the publication of this version as well as my YA fiction class will give the motivation to accomplish this!
Concert of Kindness will make you smile (heh heh)
SEPTEMBER 11TH, 2022
This is pretty delayed, but I finally got the link to one of three radio dramas I lended my voice to earlier this year! In Concert of Kindness, produced by the talented Scott Sroka, I play Lucy Furr, the manager of a Skittlez concert with plans of domination. You can find this piece as well as more of Scott's work on his website, linked below.
Here we go again!
JUNE 19TH, 2022
I don't really have much to say here that's anything new. Just wanted to express my excitement for Querencia Press's first anthology, featuring the work of 66 contributors (myself included)! Find my piece Broken Record in the fiction section (I'm also relieved that this piece finally found a home; I've been trying for quite a while). This story actually means a lot to me; for a little bit of insight, it's based on a past relationship, specifically a conversation my partner and I had. They revealed that they always haven't had the best mental state, comparing the facade they put on and how they really feel to a broken record. In case you couldn't tell, the piece extends this metaphor and sheds some light on mental health. The anthology is available for preorder on Amazon and will officially be available on July 8th!
Gabrielle's first appearance on a podcast!
APRIL 2ND, 2022
Back in March, I was invited to be interviewed by the hosts of She/Her/Hers, Ahsha Davis and Shelby Steele. The purpose of this podcast, in partnership with WCRX 88.1fm, is to highlight the female creatives of Columbia College Chicago in celebration of Women's History Month. I had the opportunity to speak on my experience as a published author and female undergraduate student. She/Her/Hers can be listened to on the WCRX 88.1 website as well as on Spotify!
Back on the Publishing Train!
MARCH 20TH, 2022
After what seems like a bit of a hiatus, I'm happy to share that my piece, Apricot of the Pantry, was accepted for publication in Solstice Literary Magazine! Today is the release of their first ever issue, which is available online and in print. Fun fact: this piece is actually lightly inspired by one of my old workplaces and draws from the story Bartleby the Scrivener by Herman Melville (once you read it, you'll see the influence). Consider buying a copy to support Solstice as well as Kada's Bookstore, who has partnered with Solstice to sell copies. Or read the published works online for free!
Finally, an animation!
DECEMBER 16TH, 2021
Sometimes when breaking into the business, school projects are a great way to get some experience. So it's no wonder I feel grateful to have gotten to collaborate with the talented Polina Solomakhina (or Allece_tea on Instagram)--an animation student at Columbia College Chicago--on her final project! I voice Lillian, a girl trying to convince her friend Poppy (voiced by Emily Safko) to partake in a ritual to summon the queen of spades. I encourage you to show your support and see for yourself!
The first official reel is here!
AUGUST 13TH, 2021
Like anyone in the arts, it's important to have a showcase or a demonstration of your work for clients to see. After all, people need to know what they're getting themselves into! I already have a demo reel for my regular theatre/film acting (up on my YouTube channel), but not for voiceover. So after a few days of fiddling around with commercials in Adobe Audition, a reel has been born. Since I already have the necessary radio production skills, I saved some money by creating my own for now. I'm hoping to someday score some gigs to create a better one, or maybe hire an audio engineer to produce for me in higher quality.
Gabrielle is Back(ground)!
JULY 3RD, 2021
Having the pandemic around has made it pretty tough breaking into the film industry as an aspiring actress. However, I recently had the pleasure of working with Thriller Films North on an upcoming independent feature, Web of Deceit, as background talent! I can't get into too many details, but it was truly an experience on a more professional film set. It's always good to start out small before leaping into bigger roles for larger films!
Gabrielle's First VO gig goes live!
MAY 18TH, 2021
Yes, you read that right: my first VO project, The U.S.S Vasa, is now up on YouTube for all to see (well, hear)! Directed and written by Allison Worth and Peyton Zignego, this radio drama takes you deep into space, where a galactic war is underway. Unfortunately, the crew of the U.S.S Vasa would rather gossip than keep their ship ready for the incoming battle. I had the privilege of playing Starlek, a medic who likes to keep to themselves. Now that I've told you about it, click below and indulge yourself!
Interesting Tales Coming Soon!
WE'VE ONLY JUST BEGUN!
As you can see, this marks the beginning of where my news updates will be. I don't have anything juicy to share quite yet, but don't worry. Finding the right words to say and the right job (or role) to accept takes time. Check back again in the near future and you may get a surprise!
Have any thoughts to share or wanna stay connected? Click below.