Voices Behind the Narrative with Robert Clotworthy, Lynnanne Zager, Bill Ratner and Mary Ellen Lord

Voiceover Lab

Los Angeles

Voices Behind the Narrative with Robert Clotworthy, Lynnanne Zager, Bill Ratner and Mary Ellen Lord

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

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Monday, August 31, 2026

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SYNOPSIS

With the proliferation of visual and audio content across an ever-expanding range of broadcast and streaming platforms, narration has become an increasingly vital and popular genre of voiceover. More than simply accompanying images, a great narration voice can shape a story, establish tone, create emotional connection, and bring content to life.

This panel brings together luminaries in the world of narration who will share their insights into both the artistic and business sides of the genre. From developing an authentic and compelling narration style to navigating the evolving marketplace and building a sustainable career, our panelists will offer perspectives drawn from their experience at the highest levels of the industry. The conversation will inform, inspire, and empower voice actors looking to explore or elevate their work in narration voiceover.

Moderated by Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab Co-Founder, Paul Pape


PANELIST'S BIOS

Robert Clotworthy

Robert Clotworthy is one of the most sought-after narrators on television, best known for his work on The History Channel’s hit series Ancient Aliens and The Curse of Oak Island.. His captivating voice caught the attention of George Lucas, who chose Robert as the narrator for the Emmy-nominated documentaries Empire of Dreams: The Making of The Star Wars Trilogy and Star Wars: The Legacy Revealed.. In 2017, Robert's exceptional talent was recognized with the prestigious SOVAS Award for Outstanding Narration, Best Voiceover, for his work on "Ancient Aliens". The award was presented at New York’s iconic Lincoln Center, cementing his reputation as a leading voice in the industry.

Lynnanne Zager

Lynnanne Zager is one of the industry’s most respected voice actors, teachers and casting directors. She has cast and directed ADR voices in numerous films. How to Train Your Dragon, Dreamworks’ The Wild Robot as well as Kung Fu Panda 4, Orion and the Dark, SpongeBob Squarepants Sponge on the Run, Dreamworks' The Boss Baby movies, Captain Underpants, Penguins of Madagascar, Mr. Peabody and Sherman, The Book of Life; 20th Century Fox and Sony Pictures Animation Hotel Transylvania 2

Lynnanne is extremely proud to be the narrator of Investigation Discovery's Deadly Women for 14 seasons, narration in the Avatar movies and of her computer voices such as Dharma in LOST, numerous Star Trek movies, Men in Black 3, Beverly Hills Cop 3, Doom Patrol, Criminal Minds and the GPS voice in The Office driving them into the lake - to name just a few! 

She is proud to be a master teacher at NYU Tisch School of the Arts’ Graduate Acting Program and mentoring young voiceover actors at the SAG-AFTRA Foundation’s Don La Fontaine VO Lab in Los Angeles and the New York Voiceover Lab in New York City.  

Bill Ratner

Bill is one of America's most-heard voice actors on movie trailers, TV programs, promos, documentaries, commercials, games, and cartoons.  He is the voice of “Flint" on G.I. Joe, Robot Chicken, and Family Guy. He is in the 20th season as narrator of “Air Disasters” on the Smithsonian Channel. Bill is a nine-time winner of The Moth StorySLAM, where his stories are featured on National Public Radio. Additionally, he serves on the Advisory Board of the SAG-AFTRA Foundation's Don LaFontaine Voiceover Lab.

Mary Ellen Lord

Mary Ellen Lord is a prominent voice agent and Vice President at SBV Talent, specializing in representing voiceover artists. With extensive experience in the entertainment industry, she plays a crucial role in managing talent and facilitating opportunities in various media sectors.

Paul Pape, Moderator

Paul Pape is one of the co-founders of the Don LaFontaine Voice-over Lab. A  35-year veteran with over 8000 credits, his corporate spots include SONY Electronics, FOX Sports, the Environmental Defense Fund, IMAX,  Lexus, AARP, Electronic Arts and Gillette. He has been one of the main voices for the last four Democratic Presidential campaigns and has also voiced  hundreds of spots for Senatorial, Congressional and Gubernatorial candidates.  A top ADR performer as well, Paul has worked on over 140 television series, in addition to having contributed to countless major films and animated features.


REQUIREMENTS

Check the Cancellation Deadline (see above).

Members are allowed to bring 1 guest.

This is in person and at the:

Meryl Streep Center for Performing Artists (SAG-AFTRA Foundation)
5757 Wilshire Blvd. - Suite PH1
Los Angeles, CA 90036

Participants are expected to be present for the entire program. See Duration above.