Meet Margoth Barrera | Voice Over Actor and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Margoth Barrera and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Margoth, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a creative career because, honestly, I don’t think I ever had a choice. Creativity has always been a part of who I am and how I operate through life. It’s been an integral part of my identity. I’ve never been able to comprehend how anyone can be bored, when you have your imagination as a resource. From a young age, I found that creativity provided a space to explore and understand the world around me in a way that nothing else could. As a child, I carried a notepad everywhere I went – I was always drawing or writing short stories. I constantly immersed myself in books, losing myself in a world of imagination.

I was fortunate to grow up in an environment that nurtured my creativity. I grew up dancing, singing, and acting, and I was even selected to paint a mural alongside a few of my peers in elementary school.

It was this desire to craft stories and create that led me to pursue a career in film and television production. I dabbled in many departments within the industry, from producing and directing to casting and managing. Although I have thoroughly enjoyed (and continue to enjoy) every aspect of my career, I felt I had not found my fit. However, along the way, I re-discovered my deep connection with acting as I stumbled upon the world of voice over. Voice acting felt like that last piece of the puzzle. It was that “aha” moment that I had been waiting for.

Through voice acting, I’ve re-connected with the type of creativity, curiosity, and play I enjoyed so much as a child. I get to have fun for a living; getting paid for it is the bonus!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am a Mexican American voice actor and producer. I believe my bi-cultural and bilingual perspective truly sets me apart. This rich blend of life experiences fuels my creativity and allows me to bring different points of view into my performances. I infuse a lot of my personality into my readings and character interpretations, bringing warmth, humor, and wit while connecting with my audience in a familiar way. I truly love having the ability to just play.

My journey in voice-over began five years ago when I took a leap of faith and ventured into this new field. I dedicated myself to training, and once I felt prepared, I began auditioning and booking jobs. Although I faced a few setbacks, I refused to let them discourage me. I continued learning about the industry and exploring different areas of voice acting, all while working through these personal challenges. The most valuable lesson from this experience is that you should never give up on what makes you happy. If I am going to invest so much of myself into a career, it might as well be one that truly fulfills me.

I am incredibly proud to share that I was recently selected as a finalist for not one but two fantastic opportunities at the That’s Voice Over! Conference hosted by the Society of Voice Arts. Along with six of my peers, I was chosen from over a hundred demo submissions to perform under the guidance of DreamWorks casting director Ania O’Hare. As part of DreamWorks’ 7, I had the privilege of performing in front of a live audience and experiencing firsthand what it’s like to be directed by Ania. To say that this was one of the most surreal, exciting, and incredible moments of my life would be an understatement — I’m still pinching myself!
Additionally, I was selected as one of the top five finalists for the Audio Description Audition Jam, where I competed on stage in a live audition with my talented friends. I learned a tremendous amount from this incredible experience. I am immensely grateful for these once-in-a-lifetime opportunities and cannot wait to see what this year has in store for me.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was in town, we would start the day by going to brunch. Picking the spot would be the toughest because there are so many great places to eat, and let’s face it, there is not enough room or time to eat at all of them. Some of our favorites are MexCocina (Burbank), Aeirloom (Toluca Lake), Penny Oven (Eagle Rock), and Alcove (Los Feliz). After a nice meal, we would pick an area around L.A. to explore, walk around, and visit local shops. We would have coffee and catch up before heading home to prepare for the rest of the night. We would either grab some delicious Sonoran-style tacos at Sonoratown and go to an LAFC or Dodgers game.

If she were to be here for a week, we would visit museums and maybe catch a show at the Bowl or the Pantages. The beach is always a must for a nice outdoor day. We would also indulge in a little self-care and visit a spa or get a facial.

Oh and there must be some Karaoke, of course!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
To focus on one or a few people who have impacted my life feels nearly impossible. I recognize that my success, both personal and professional, is a reflection of the incredible people in my life. I am grateful and blessed to be surrounded by their love, support, and encouragement. In order to keep it somewhat short I will focus on the big three.

I want to start by honoring my grandfather’s memory, who has been one of my biggest inspirations, both creatively and personally. His kindness, joy, and zest for life are unparalleled. My grandfather had an extraordinary outlook on life; he viewed challenges not as obstacles but as opportunities to find creative solutions. He saw beauty, found gratitude in everyday life, and was a captivating storyteller! His legacy has shaped how I pursue my passions, express myself, and view life.

My mom has also played a significant role in my success. From a young age, she recognized my creative interests and enrolled me in classes while encouraging me to participate in activities that nurtured those passions. She always cheers me on, offers advice, and prays for me and my goals. I am genuinely grateful to have someone who believes in me so strongly.

Last but most certainly not least, my incredible husband! He truly is my partner in everything I do. He is my sounding board, voice of reason, and tough love when needed. He is by my side, supporting and persuading me to follow my dreams.

Ok, I thought I was done but I promise these are my last shoutouts –

I want to give special thanks to my voice over mentors Kelly Moscinsky of The Voicecaster, and Martha Escobar of Taller de las Voces, for imparting their knowledge, wisdom and for pushing me beyond my limits!

Book Shoutout: The War of Art, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck

Website: https://www.margothbarrera.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/margothbarreravo/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margoth-barrera/

Image Credits
Headshots by Justine Joy Photography