Resume

DARREN MARLAR, VOICE ACTOR

Darren Marlar is an award-winning voice actor, film actor, and popular podcaster.  His home voice over studio includes a sound-treated room, Neumann TLM-103 microphone, Icicle XLR preamp, iMac computer, recording into Adobe Audition software.  You can hear recent auditions and projects in his Auditions Blog, or get updates on what he’s currently working on in his the Work Blog.  To contact him, you can email darrenmarlar@gmail.com, or visit the Contact page on this website.

Awards & Recognitions…

  • Top 10 Finalist for “Storyteller/Drama” category in the “People’s Choice Podcast Awards“: 2019, 2021, 2022 for the Weird Darkness podcast
  • Covered in a five-page story by Podcast Magazine in their March 2020 issue
  • Darren Marlar’s narration of “The Tell-Tale Heart” won Bronze at HEAR NOW Podcast Palooza, 2020
  • (2019) Named one of the “Best 20 Storytellers in Podcasting” by Podcast Business Journal
  • (2015) “Best Supporting Actor’ nominee for “I’m No Hero” – Laugh or Die Comedy Fest
  • (2015) “Best Supporting Actor” winner for “M3ntal State 2” – Prairie State Film Festival
  • (2015) “Best Supporting Actor” winner for “I’m No Hero” – Geek Out Film Fest
  • (2014) “Outstanding Radio Commercial” winner – Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters
  • (2014) “Best Supporting Actor” nominee for “Whom I Fear” – Short Bus Film Festival
  • (2014) “Best Supporting Actor” nominee for “Whom I Fear” – Chicago Indie Horror Film Festival
  • (2014) “Best Supporting Actor” winner for “M3ntal State” – Prairie State Film Festival
  • (2012) “Best Actor” nominee for “Hand of Glory” – Prairie State Film Festival
  • (2012) “Best Actor” nominee for “Hand of Glory” – Chicago Indie Horror Film Festival

Voice Acting & Narration…

Television, Movies and Webisodes…

<–(LEFT) COMEDY/COMMERCIAL  ********* (RIGHT) DRAMATIC/SERIOUS–>

RADIO…

SHORT ON-AIR DEMO: http://bit.ly/iIqjzr
LONG ON-AIR DEMO: http://bit.ly/mekWiJ
STATION IMAGING DEMO: http://bit.ly/mGFVbp
PRODUCTION DEMO: http://bit.ly/jdIzd0
VOICE OVER DEMO:  http://bit.ly/kD4AI8

September 2021 – Present: Weird Darkness Radio Show (Syndicated)

  • Host/Producer: 2-hour weekend radio show distributed to approximately 40 radio stations (as of June 2023) through the Radio America satellite network.

March 2012 – July 2022: Salem Radio Chicago

  • Morning Host, WYLL: Program host in-between block programming, voice over for commercials, Power Charge Promos.
  • The Word In Praise, WYLL: Host weekly two-hour Christian music show.
  • CRD Radio Mall on WYLL and WIND: Co-host of weekly show promoting ChicagoRadioDeals.com
  • 30K: Guest on the “180 With Karl Clauson” radio show on WYLL.

January 2013 – October 2016: Creation Moments Minute

  • Host/Producer: Daily sixty-second national feature aired on radio and web stations and YouTube.

June 2011 – March 2012: Morning Show Host / Creative Services, WGEZ

  • “Marlar in the Morning”:  Upbeat, fun, entertaining morning show, personal appearances, emcee duties, on-location broadcasts, etc.
  • Creative Services:  Oversee all station production/imaging.  Write copy, organize outside and in-house voice talent, work closely with sales, programming and promotions.

November 2009 – March 2011: Syndicated “Darren Marlar Radio Show”

  • “Darren Marlar Radio Show” (a.k.a. “Marlar24Seven.com”): Syndicated, pre-recorded radio show in voice-track format.

2009 – 2012: ONAIRprep.com

  • ONAIRprep.com: Daily radio show prep collected, organized, and written distributed to stations around the world, including audio features like “Power Charge Promos”, “Daily Dose of Weird News” and “Creation Moments Minute”.

June 2004 – January 2010: Morning Show / Creative Services, WQFL

  • “Marlar in the Morning”; Creative Services.
  • Collision of Comedy: Created and organized twice-yearly standup comedy event as a cume-builder for WQFL-FM.

1999 – Present: Owner / Talent, Marlar House Productions

  • Voice overs for all manner of productions.  Movie trailers, whiteboard videos, YouTube narration, explainer videos, TV/radio commercials, video games, etc.

August 1999 – June 2004: Program Director / Morning Drive / Creative Services, KCWJ

  • “The Rude Awakening” and “Daily Dose of Darren” morning shows; Creative Services Director
  • Program Director: aircheck talent, jock schedules, lead meetings and brain-storming sessions, work closely with sales and promotions, music director responsibilities.
  • Music Director: create format clocks, handle song rotations, weekly reporting list, daily music logs, etc.

December 1996 – August 1999: Network Operations Manager, Bott Radio Network

  • Network Operations: Oversee and coordinate all aspects of BRN’s Operations, Traffic, and Production Departments for their network of mid-west stations (KCCV-FM/AM, KSIV-FM/AM, KQCV-FM/AM, KNTL-FM, WFCV-AM, KCVW-FM, KCVT-FM, KLTE-FM, KLCV-FM, KCIV-FM, KCRL-FM).
  • Human Relations: Hiring, training, termination, staff relations, morale, work schedules, internships, etc.  Create and maintain Operations Manual, including shift responsibilities list, satellite schedules, recording schedules, and staff manuals
  • Sunday Songs: Host and producer of Sunday morning music program for network

December 1997 – January 1999: On Air Personality for KFKF

  • Air Personality: Saturday afternoons (#1 Saturday show in Spring 1998).  Midday and Afternoon Drive fill-in

1990 – December 1996: Operations Manager / On Air / Creative Services for KCNW and KCAZ

  • Drive Time Talent; Creative Services
  • Operations Manager: Jock schedules, organize taped and CD programs

Stand Up Comedian

  • (2005-2015) Family-friendly (clean) stand-up comedian.

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