Maya Hawke and KJ Apa Say Voiceover Work Brings Out the Good, the Bad and the ‘Cheesy’ in Their Jobs as Actors (Exclusive)

**Maya Hawke and KJ Apa Discuss Voice Acting for ‘The Summer Oath’**

Maya Hawke and KJ Apa are lending their voices to a new Audible Original titled *The Summer Oath*, a project that draws inspiration from William Shakespeare’s enduring play *Love’s Labour’s Lost*. In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, both actors delved into their experiences with voiceover work, highlighting the contrasts with traditional on-screen performances.

At the age of 27, Hawke expressed her enthusiasm for voice acting, describing it as a liberating experience that allows for a greater exploration of diverse characters. “I find it really freeing and a great way to test out and experiment with different kinds of characters and identities that maybe you don’t always get permission to take on,” she explained. Hawke appreciates that voice work provides an expansive platform to delve into the many facets of personality, noting that performers often find themselves pigeonholed into specific roles in film and television.

In contrast, KJ Apa, also 28, reflected on the reduced pressure that comes with voiceover work compared to the intensity of being on a movie set. “What excited me about it was that there was less pressure,” he remarked. “It was a breath of fresh air to be able to step into a studio and just have fun.” Apa noted that while he takes the role seriously, the experience was uniquely enjoyable, especially for a project with such an extensive storyline.

Set against the backdrop of a summer getaway in the Hamptons, *The Summer Oath* tells the story of romantic author Livia Gaines, who escapes for a break with friends under a no-romance pact. However, chaos ensues as old feelings resurface alongside the pressures of professional deadlines. The narrative promises to encapsulate the complexities of modern love, making it an ideal subject for the duo.

Hawke and Apa collaborated with a talented production team including Claire Friedman, who created, wrote, and directed the project. The cast also features other notable voices, such as Milly Alcock, Ego Nwodim, Alexandra Shipp, Gavin Casalegno, and Peri Gilpin.

During their conversation, the actors shared insights into the challenges of voice acting, including the necessity for exaggeration. Hawke admitted, “You have to do things with your voice that might be cheesy,” while Apa acknowledged the need to perform in ways that differ from typical on-screen instincts. “There are moments of overdoing it,” he said, adding that this approach is vital for conveying emotion through audio alone.

Their enthusiasm for one another’s work played a sizeable role in their decision to collaborate on *The Summer Oath*. Apa noted that his desire to be part of the project sprung primarily from Hawke’s involvement, to which she reciprocated the sentiment. Their mutual admiration is evident, as Apa described himself as a fan of romantic comedies, a genre he feels is particularly enjoyable and engaging.

Moreover, both actors have aspirations tied to this project. Hawke mentioned that being part of *The Summer Oath* has inspired her to pursue more romantic comedies, revealing, “I’ve always wanted to do a romantic comedy, and since recording this, I’ve done two.” She believes that projects such as this can serve as stepping stones toward greater opportunities in the film industry.

As the conversation wrapped, both actors expressed their excitement about the overall story and the fun they had in the recording studio. The dynamic between their voices, combined with the thematic elements of love and friendship, sets the stage for an entertaining experience for listeners.

*The Summer Oath* is now available on Audible, inviting audiences to immerse themselves in a story that promises both heart and humour. For those looking to experience the voices of Hawke and Apa in a fresh narrative, the audio adaptation offers an intriguing literary escape.