Viva Voz: Ten Days That Transform Voice and Soul
By Rudy Gaskins, 9/21/2025
Attending the Viva Voz Festival once again was nothing short of transformative. As a fellow conference producer, I can attest to the extraordinary level of vision, passion, and logistical mastery required to bring an event of this scale and depth to life. Joan Baker and I were privileged to participate as instructors, focusing on performance and branding, respectively, and also as dual keynote speakers sharing the founding and mission of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences. This marked our third participation in what is now the festival’s sixth year, and the growth we witnessed, from a few days to an immersive ten-day experience, was astonishing.
From the moment you arrive, the warmth and generosity of the Colombian people envelops you. Bogotá itself, vibrant and alive, sets the tone. The festival draws a pan-Latin diaspora with participants from across South America, Mexico, the United States, and beyond, all radiating curiosity, enthusiasm, and a deep love for voice as craft and art. There is a palpable energy in the air, a shared desire to learn, connect, and elevate the field. Every conversation and every interaction pulses with creativity and purpose.
The genius of Viva Voz begins with its founder, Isa Junca. Isa is a rare visionary whose intelligence, energy, and boundless imagination translate into a festival meticulously designed to serve others. Her dream is not simply about creating a conference; it is about creating a living ecosystem where members of the voice acting world can learn, share, grow, and flourish. Every detail, every session, and every interaction is infused with her commitment to excellence and her belief in the potential of every attendee. Isa’s guidance is evident not just in the program but in the care and thoughtfulness with which every participant is welcomed and supported.
The lineup of panelists and speakers is unparalleled. From leading voice actors and directors to producers and innovators in audiobooks, dubbing, and narrative storytelling, each session is delivered with rigor, insight, and a willingness to challenge convention. Participants are prompted to rethink old paradigms, embrace the evolution of voice acting as both art and livelihood, and explore avenues for personal and professional growth they might not have previously imagined. The sessions themselves are immersive, offering not only knowledge but practical tools, exercises, and one-on-one mentoring that leave a lasting impact.
Beyond the intellectual and professional stimulation, Viva Voz’s programming exemplifies the art of experiential learning. Curated excursions to Colombia’s most cherished landmarks, whether historic plazas, museums, or natural vistas, transform cultural immersion into an integral component of the educational journey. Experiencing the culture through the eyes of the hosts and understanding the environment from which Latin American voice artistry emerges elevates comprehension, retention, and inspiration in ways a conventional conference simply cannot.
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On top of our roles as instructors and keynote speakers, we were also invited to present the Best Foreign Performance award during the Viva Voz Award Ceremony. To our surprise, Isa took this moment to honor us with an incredible tribute to the twelve years that SOVAS has spent championing the voice arts community and promoting inclusiveness of all cultures around the world. The ceremony moved us to tears and left an indelible mark on our hearts. It was a profound acknowledgment of shared mission and vision, and a memory we will treasure forever.
From a producer’s standpoint, managing a ten-day festival of this scale with high-level content, hands-on workshops, excursions, panels, awards, and networking opportunities would be daunting for even the most seasoned professionals. Yet Viva Voz achieves it with grace, precision, and an infectious sense of joy. Every moment feels intentional, every connection purposeful, and every learning opportunity deeply considered. The festival does not merely inform or train; it transforms.
What makes Viva Voz truly extraordinary is its heart. Creativity is celebrated, innovation is encouraged, and community is nurtured. It is rare to witness an event that simultaneously challenges participants intellectually, inspires them emotionally, and roots them culturally in the environment from which the art form emerges. For those of us who have spent careers producing conferences and managing the immense challenges of design, logistics, and execution, Viva Voz stands out as a masterclass in crafting an experience that is at once seamless, profound, and unforgettable.
By the end of ten days, you leave with far more than knowledge or skill. You leave with perspective, connection, and an invigorated sense of possibility. Viva Voz is a festival that honors both the craft and the soul of voice acting, and it is a testament to what happens when vision, intelligence, and heart converge in service of a community. For anyone who has ever wondered what a truly world-class, deeply meaningful conference can feel like, Viva Voz is one of the few. ♦♦♦
Rudy Gaskins is the CEO and co-founder of the Society of Voice Arts and Sciences (SOVAS), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting the global community of voice actors and the professionals who contribute to the voice acting industry. I have co-created That’s Voiceover!™ Career Expo and the Voice Arts® Awards . Rudy is an Emmy Award-winning TV producer and documentary filmmaker, with a career spanning PBS, ABC News, NBC Sports, Court TV, and Food Network. His natural talent for advertising led him to become Vice President of Creative Services at Court TV, after which he founded Push Creative Advertising, offering branding services for major global brands such as American Express, Lexus, NBC Sports, Delta Air Lines, Costco, Food Network, BET, and TV One. He has received numerous awards across the media spectrum, including multiple Telly and Promax awards. Under his leadership, SOVAS has been honored with Special Congressional Recognition from the United States Congress, a Certificate of Merit from the New York State Assembly, a City Council Citation from The Council of the City of New York, and the prestigious Barry Cronin Award from the American Council of the Blind for Audio Description Talent Promotion.
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