Voice Actress Alicyn Packard On Getting Her First Gig To Writing For Shows

You’ve been hearing her voice for years!

You may have heard Alicyn, given that she is known for voice acting in shows that we know and love! Her credits include everything from ‘The Tom and Jerry Show” to “Rugrats” to even “Yokai Watch”.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Alicyn about joining the WGA, ‘Alicyn’s Wonderland’, and more!

You’ve been in the performing arts all of your life, what inspired you to take this path?

A: “Honestly, I couldn’t be more grateful that I’ve been able to craft a career doing what I love. I always knew in my heart that pursuing a career as a performer would offer the greatest challenge, but also the greatest reward. Coming face to face with the fear of rejection has allowed me to grow not just as an artist but as a person. When you turn toward fear in life, it’s a very liberating path for there’s freedom in not letting fear control you. It’s an ongoing challenge but one I’ve come to embrace. The road less traveled may be rocky, but I find there are better views along the way.”

You went on to voice characters on some shows such as The Tom and Jerry Show, Rugrats, Yokai Watch, Space Racers, and Man with a Plan. Did you ever expect to do voice overs for these shows?

A: “No, I never expected to be a voice actor! When I was growing up I was a fan of Rugrats and The Tom and Jerry Show, but I didn’t understand for a long time that there were voice actors behind those characters or that it was a career. And growing up in a small town in Massachusetts, being an actress in Hollywood seemed so out of reach. I attended Emerson College in Boston where I was cast in 14 student films and nominated for an award for Best Actress. Then I started to wonder, “Huh, maybe this is possible?

When I moved to Los Angeles to give acting a shot, I attended a voice actor panel and signing. I remember thinking that the people on the panel were the kindest, most talented group of actors I had ever met. Voice Actors like Fred Tatasciore and Keith Ferguson inspired me to give it a try and when I booked my first gig, Voice Actress Katie Leigh said, “Come on in! There’s plenty of room for everyone!” My career path was unexpected, but I’ve been blessed with such kindness and inclusion along this path, I wouldn’t have it any other way.“

You are a member of the WGA Animation Caucus and have written for such shows as Barbie: Dreamtopia and Poppy Cat. What made you decide to be a member of that organization?

A: “I am beyond honored to be a member of the WGA Animation Caucus. As soon as I met their qualifications, I eagerly joined. To be able to attend WGA events and meet other animation writers has been an amazing experience. Animation writers are a certain breed and I feel right at home among their presence. It’s as if we’ve not only refused to grow up, but also found a way to make a career out of it. I highly recommend the organization for any animation writer who qualifies.”

When you are writing for a show what is the hardest part for you in terms of writing a script?

A: “As someone with ADHD, my biggest challenge is staying focused on the task at hand. However, I don’t believe this is only a limitation, I also feel that my neuro-divergent way of thinking adds to my creativity. In school, I struggled with certain subjects, while excelling in other areas. Nowadays, there is so much acceptance for diverse ways of thinking. We don’t all think alike, but we don’t have to! As an adult, I understand my limitations, and call in support when needed. I also know that I am extremely social and make friends easily, so I do my best to focus on my strengths. Humans are meant to work in tandem, so it’s exciting to find collaborations where together we elevate the work.”

You host and produce a weekly interview show and podcast entitled Alicyn’s Wonderland in which you interview some of the biggest talents working in animation and games. What made you want to start Alicyn’s Wonderland?

A: “I rebooted Alicyn’s Wonderland during 2020, after feeling a disconnect from my community due to the COVID19 pandemic. At that time, I was enjoying not being on social media, but as the months wore on without any in person interaction, I found myself deeply craving connection. Creating the show was a way for me to connect with my colleagues and have something positive to put out in the world, when people really needed a distraction from the negative news coming out daily. It also gave me purpose at a time when I was working less and allowed me to amplify the voices and creative work of those I admire. Now, seeing the show evolve to where we are today, more than 60 episodes in and with a thriving community of people who watch weekly, I know I made the right decision.”

Do you have an interview that stuck out to you the most for Alicyn’s Wonderland?

A: “One interview that really stands out was my interview with Voice Director Kristi Reed. I am a big fan of Kristi and her work with Cartoon Network & Netflix really inspired me. I was surprised to learn how much of Kristi’s mindset she credits to her daily meditation practice. Kristi has a history of lifting others in the industry up. To meet someone you admire and then find out there are even more reasons to appreciate their work and life blew my mind. I hope to one day leave a legacy like the one Kristi is creating.”

You were previously nominated for three Voice Arts Awards. Did you ever expect to be nominated for those awards for your work?

A: “It was such an honor to be nominated for an award celebrating the best voice over talent in the world! I was really surprised and incredibly honored to see my work recognized in that way. It’s not something I expected at all, but something I am very grateful for. Voice Acting can be a very behind the scenes career, so to see what SOVAS has created by acknowledging voice actors is very cool. It’s a great time to be in this industry.”

Do you have anyone that you look up to as a woman in the Entertainment industry?

A: “There are so many but for the sake of time, I’ll say Chris Nee, who has created numerous shows that leave a positive spark in young minds. Shows like  Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Ridley Jones and Ada Twist are helping children everywhere to see themselves represented on the screen. She also has a way of working in social emotional learning in a way that never seems forced. When I see my son play after watching a Chris Nee show, he is gentle, kind and creative. So both on a personal level and professional level, Chris is someone that inspires me.”

 Photo Credits

 1) (blue background/lama shot)– Robyn Von Swank

2) (grey background)-Cathryn Farnsworth 

Kylie Montigney-Music/Entertainment Editor– Kylie has been a Host/Producer for over a year with her Podcast Talk of Fame at only 14 years old. Kylie enjoys talking to all her guests that are in the Entertainment industry and learn more about their journey to where there are today and to inspire young girls & woman to feel represented in the media.