About Rachel

Hi, I'm Rachel Austin—actor, voice director, BBC Radio 4 audio drama director, lecturer and founder of Articulate Manchester Voice Reels.

With 18 years' experience in the industry, I've worked across theatre, television, radio and voice-over, helping actors tell stories through performance. I'm passionate about creating voice reels that feel authentic, contemporary and truly showcase each actor's individuality.

I founded Articulate in 2022 with a simple goal: to offer actors a more personal, collaborative approach to producing professional voice reels. Since then, the business has gone from strength to strength, with hundreds of actors trusting Articulate to create commercial, documentary, character, accent, gaming and animation reels. I'm incredibly proud that much of our work comes through recommendations, returning clients and partnerships with leading drama schools.

Since making my BBC Radio 4 debut in Black Roses: The Killing of Sophie Lancaster in 2010, I've appeared in over 100 BBC audio dramas. That experience has naturally led me behind the microphone, and today I work as both a director and producer, while continuing to perform as an actor. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working alongside some of the UK's most respected performers, including Sir Ian McKellen, Miriam Margolyes, Maxine Peake, Alison Steadman and Glenda Jackson. Working on both sides of the microphone has given me a unique understanding of what makes a performance connect—and what casting directors, producers and directors are really listening for.

Alongside my professional work, I lecture in Voice and Audio Performance at The Arden School of Theatre, work with LIPA on the prestigious Carleton Hobbs Award, and regularly support graduating actors as they prepare to enter the industry.

While voice reels remain at the heart of Articulate, my work extends far beyond them. I regularly direct audio performances, lead workshops and masterclasses, produce original audio drama, and collaborate with universities, drama schools, theatres and community organisations on creative audio projects. Whether I'm directing actors in the studio, delivering specialist training or producing immersive audio experiences, my focus is always on helping people tell compelling stories through sound.

At Articulate, every project is tailored to the individual. From script selection and performance direction to recording at Oscillate Recordings in Manchester's Northern Quarter and the final edit, every stage of the process is designed to showcase your unique strengths and create work that's polished, authentic and industry-ready.

Whether you're recording your first voice reel, commissioning an audio production or looking for an experienced practitioner to direct a workshop or audio project, my aim is simple: to help you tell stories that are heard.

A woman in a light blue striped shirt, baggy beige pants, and sneakers with teal and brown accents is standing on a sidewalk, looking at a device in her hands. She is wearing headphones and has a black bag on her shoulder. Behind her is a beige textured wall with a faded mural of a heart shape, some small plants, and graffiti on the lower right corner of the wall.

you are worth listening to.