Some people are simply born with a creative gene. Chicago native Mikko Monro can be described as such a person.
The multi-hyphenate started her creative journey, and she became an accomplished ballet, jazz, modern, and tap dancer. Soon, the acting bug bit her, and she started in musical theater at ten years old and continued through college. Finding her niche in the comedy space, Mikko studied at Chicago’s famed Second City improv school and soon became a member of the improv/sketch comedy group The Freshmen. The critically acclaimed group worked closely with Jokes & Notes owner Mary Lindsey to create a successful show that ran for three years.
A published author and print model, Monro soon discovered and smoothly transitioned into what would become her full-time profession: becoming a renowned voiceover artist.
For more than a decade, the multilingual voiceover artist has been the voice behind countless national campaigns for brands like American Family Insurance, Cadillac, Comcast, McDonalds, and the University of Chicago.
N’DIGO recently sat down with the versatile artist to learn more.
N’DIGO: In your own words, who is Mikko Monro?
Mikko Monro: Simply put, I am a creative. I am a person who sees the world from various perspectives and adapts to my own. I am a writer, actor, and improv performer. More than that, I am a vessel built off of love, just walking in my blessings daily.
What are three words your closest friends would use to describe you?
Funny. Loving. Protective.
What profession did you dream you’d have as a child?
A pilot and an actor. 1 out of 2 isn’t bad, I guess.
How did you find your way into the world of voiceover?
At the time, I came from the world of improv, sketch, and print modeling. I had my hand in A LOT of baskets. I had choices to make. I was still trying to find my space in the acting world (on-camera, voice, etc.), but realized that I needed to choose a focus and take a leap of faith. I know it sounds cliché, but honing that skill set and staying laser-focused on a goal really did work. 10 years later, it has become my full-time profession.
Please tell us about your “Use Your Voice” voiceover workshops and some of the things participants will learn.
As a person with a distinctive sound, I recognize how important it is to OWN that. I work with aspiring voice actors to help them fine-tune THEIR specific voice through various exercises, cold reading scripts, focusing on diction, and having a ton of fun doing it. We also get into marketing your brand as a voice actor and finding your niche in the field.
What’s the most common misperception you hear regarding your profession?
That voice acting isn’t real acting. That could not be further from the truth.
Outside of your voiceover work, what are some of your other endeavors?
I am finding my way back to on-camera work and really enjoying the challenge. I also have a brand called The Brunchaholics, where I curate themed brunches all over the country—with me cooking, of course. It’s a labor of love that I thoroughly enjoy. I’m also working on a few comedic screenplays I am hoping to produce and bring to a theater or streaming service near you.
What’s something people would be surprised to know about you?
I am a classically trained singer (God bless Norman Malone, Dr. Robert Berthold, and Robert Eric West). I am also a studied and trained dancer and spent most of my childhood and college years doing so (God bless Efe McWorter, Homer Bryant, and Kevin Iega Jeff).
A book that impacted you profoundly?
‘PowerNomics‘ by Dr. Claude Anderson. The book is literally the blueprint for our people to regain and reclaim our communities and the economic structures to do so. He really has put the information in our hands directly. I read it like a syllabus.
What is the best advice for those interested in pursuing voiceover work?
Choose it as a focus! Voiceover is a business, so you have to do the work. Take classes—lots of classes. Be your own audience. Practice and keep learning. Every day. GET OUT THERE!
Favorite quote or affirmation?
I can, and I WILL.
What’s next for Mikko Monro?
Full transparency: To continue to thrive and be successful in a business that isn’t always kind to us. To stay consistent. To book those feature films! To complete my scripts and bring them to life in the next 2-3 years. Keep believing that I can and will do everything I want in this space and thrive in it. Everyday.
For more information on Mikko Monro, please visit www.mikkomonro.com and connect with her on Instagram: @MikkoTheVoice.
