BB Exclusive: Sarah Natochenny Talks Bringing to Life “Pokémon” Master, Ash Ketchum

“Pokémon” is a staple in so many households. From anime shows to video games, the world of “Pokémon” has someway impacted all of our lives.

We had the amazing opportunity to speak with Sarah Natochenny, the voice behind everyone’s favorite “Pokémon”, Ash Ketchum. Ash has been the lead in a number “Pokémon” related movies and TV shows and since 2006, Natochenny has been the voice behind the character.

In our chat with Natochenny, we discuss how she landed the role, preparing to play the character, her non-profit, “Voices for Fosters”, the Holidays and so much more. You can check out the interview below.

How did you come to be the voice of Ash?

“I auditioned! In my teens, I studied acting for four years at the Lee Strasberg Theater Institute in New York, then went into improv at the UCB and Magnet Theaters. The audition came through, and after a few callbacks, they offered me the role.”

Were you a fan of the “Pokémon” series before joining the show?

“Yes! I started watching it when it first came to the States. I wasn’t allowed to play video games as a kid and saw the cards as something to collect and admire more than anything, but I loved the show!”

Were you a bit nervous when you first landed the role of Ash?

“Absolutely. I had to learn a new technical skill, dubbing, while matching the voice and essence of a famous character. The only way to learn was on the job…and it was my first ongoing job on a TV series. Fun and Scary!”

Ash has grown so much since you first took on the role in 2006, has your voicing him changed as well?

“The changes that you hear in my voice aren’t really intentional. I follow what happens to Ash, and over time, I let his voice settle into a place that’s physically comfortable for me. He shouts a lot, so I have to preserve my voice”

Click under the jump to check out the rest of our interview with Natochenny. “Pokémon” is currently in its 22nd season on DisneyXD.

Photo credit: Noa Griffel

Can you tell us a little bit about the animated movie being released in 2020?

“It’s a CGI remake of the very first “Pokémon” movie, and it’s absolutely beautiful!”

Does your preparation for the character change depending on if he is appearing in a movie or the TV show?

“Not really. The hours on the movie are longer and I get a bit more precious about my performance. I make absolutely sure my voice is in top condition for the movie, but I do a fair amount of vocal primping regardless.”

How is voicing a character in a show like “Pokémon” different than voicing a character in a video game?

“Video games tend to have long lists of single lines of dialogue to deliver. There’s typically more shouting and action in video games, so it’s harder on the voice. I can record Pokémon for four hours straight. A strenuous video game might see me tire after two. I usually hear my scene partners on Pokémon, so I’m not speaking into the void, which is often the case with video games.”

What made you want to get into voice acting?

“It wasn’t something I was striving for, but once I started doing it, I quickly realized this is some of the best acting work you could hope for. I’m not limited to playing my look, my age, my weight, or my gender. I don’t get up at 3am to be on set and in make up for four hours at 5am. That’s also wonderful, and I do miss that work. But voice work is a blessing, especially in animation. I get to craft an entire world in my head and perform within its context, knowing that I have only my voice to carry the scene. It’s a great challenge, and one that I love dearly.”

Is there a character that you have always wanted to voice and not had the opportunity to yet?

“A dangerous question! I do think I have a pretty fantastic Minnie Mouse – any ladies of that era would be a joy and a privilege. Ursula from The Little Mermaid, one day. Any character that comes from the mind of Mike Judge, any day.”

You are one of the founders of “Voices for Fosters”. Can you tell us a little about the non-profit and what made you decide to help bring the non-profit to life?

“Voices For Fosters came to life after Pokémon director Lisa Ortiz and I recorded an episode of the show in which a Pokémon passes away. We were both dealing with recent loss of our cats, and I, a life-long cat enthusiast, had never even heard of fostering! I started asking around and doing research online – foster programs were growing at most shelters, and I understood that they were the best way to keep animals out of shelters and off death row.

My mom and I have fostered over 100 cats and kittens over the last two years. It helped us grieve the loss of my grandmother better than anything else we could imagine.

We are currently in the R&D phase, and any funds raised are donated directly to 501c3 rescue organizations, with a few exceptions for rescuers we know very well who have not yet received that status, but engage in rescue full time.

There are some hurdles in convincing the public that fostering is a great idea. Some folks need time after their pet passes – I fostered a very skittish adult cat immediately after my 17 year old passed, and he ended up staying with me for 15 months, until we found the perfect adopter. They are both so happy now, and though we bonded, it brings me great joy seeing them on social media. The way I see it, you’re not replacing your pet, you’re filling the void left behind after they pass. That love needs a home.

Fostering literally saves lives – every healthy animal you take home frees up a space at a shelter for an animal who may be suffering, sick, freezing or injured, or all of the above. The programs are robust enough to ask you what cases you’re willing to take on, and no proper shelter will ever leave you with an animal indefinitely.

Oh, the Voices part! Well, a lot of voice actors foster! It’s perfect for folks who have the flexibility to work from home a lot. Doug Stone organized us all to participate in an auction raising funds for Kitty Bungalow, a wonderful rescue in LA – 222 items in total, and all are available! Bidding ends December 20th!

https://www.biddingowl.com/Auction/index.cfm?auctionID=19699

With the Holidays right around the corner, are there any plans or traditions you are looking forward to?

“Giving, giving, giving. More than I can afford, usually. Then in January, I work like crazy to compensate! Am I doing that wrong?”