1. Overview
Rebecca Shoichet is a Canadian voice actress and singer, widely recognized for her extensive contributions to English dubs of Japanese anime and various original animated productions. Her name is pronounced Shoichetshoy-ketEnglish. She is particularly known for her work with Ocean Productions in Vancouver, where she has voiced numerous characters. Among her most prominent roles are Sota Higurashi in Inuyasha, Nana Osaki in Nana, and Mayura Labatt in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED. In the popular My Little Pony franchise, Shoichet provides the singing voice for Twilight Sparkle and the speaking and singing voice for Sunset Shimmer in the My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic series and its spin-off My Little Pony: Equestria Girls. Beyond voice acting, she has performed as a vocalist in several local Vancouver bands and is involved in theater productions and voice-over instruction.
2. Early Life and Background
Rebecca Shoichet's early life and relocation to Vancouver were foundational to her career in the entertainment industry.
2.1. Birth and Upbringing
Rebecca Shoichet was born on February 16, 1975, in Canada. Her formative years were spent in Victoria, British Columbia.
2.2. Move to Vancouver
In 2000, Shoichet relocated from Victoria to Vancouver, British Columbia. This move proved significant for her professional development, as Vancouver is a major hub for the voice acting and animation industry in Canada, particularly for companies like Ocean Productions, with whom she would frequently collaborate.
3. Voice Acting Career
Rebecca Shoichet has an extensive career in voice acting, encompassing a wide range of animated media, including Japanese anime dubbing and Western animation.
3.1. Anime Dubbing
Shoichet has made significant contributions to the English dubs of numerous Japanese anime series and films, primarily through her work with Ocean Productions.
3.1.1. Anime Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002-2004 | Inuyasha | Sota Higurashi, Eri, Enju, Sōten, Jippō, Lady of the Infant's castle | Took over the role of Sota Higurashi from Saffron Henderson |
| 2003 | Boys Over Flowers | Shigeru Okawahara | |
| 2004 | Mobile Suit Gundam SEED | Mayura Labatt | |
| 2004 | Hamtaro | Prince Bo | Original video animation 4 |
| 2004 | Popotan | Nurse, School Girl B | |
| 2005 | Star Ocean EX | Yuki | |
| 2005 | Tokyo Underground | Chelsea Rorec | |
| 2005 | Hikaru no Go | Yuri Hidaka, teacher | |
| 2005 | Starship Operators | Minase Shinohara, Dita Markov | |
| 2006 | Elemental Gelade | Rasati | |
| 2006 | Powerpuff Girls Z | Annie, Sedusa, Ken's mother | |
| 2006 | Shakugan no Shana | Rinne | |
| 2006 | .hack//Roots | Saburo | |
| 2007 | Ayakashi: Samurai Horror Tales | Osode Yotsuya, Jirokichi | |
| 2008 | Galaxy Angel X | Bomb, Reiko, Toshio's mother | |
| 2009 | Nana | Nana Osaki | |
| 2014 | Little Battlers Experience | Eeny | |
| 2016 | Beyblade Burst | Akio | |
| 2017 | Beyblade Burst Evolution | Clio Delon |
3.2. Animation
Shoichet has lent her voice to numerous Western animated television series, specials, and web series.
3.2.1. Animated Series Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | Fantastic Four: World's Greatest Heroes | She-Hulk, Squirrel Girl | Episode: "The Cure" |
| 2009 | Astonishing X-Men | Agent Brand | |
| 2009 | Kid vs. Kat | Lorne, Dr. K | |
| 2010-2019 | My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic | Twilight Sparkle (singing voice), Night Glider, Sugar Belle | |
| 2012 | The New Adventures of Peter Pan | Mrs. Darling | |
| 2012-2017 | Maya the Bee | Willy, Princess Natalie, Zoot | |
| 2014 | Sabrina: Secrets of a Teenage Witch | Spella | Episode: "Spella" |
| 2014 | Littlest Pet Shop | Featured Singer | 4 episodes |
| 2015-2017 | Bob the Builder | Mila (US), Betsy (US) | |
| 2015 | Strawberry Shortcake's Berry Bitty Adventures | Apple Dumplin', Berrykin #2, Berrykin Tester #2, Rabbit, Postal Bee | |
| 2015-2019 | Supernoobs | XR4Ti, Mrs. Chihatte, Waitress, Toy Puppy Button Doki, Ms. Roachmont, Emma #2, The Operator, Cheerleader | |
| 2016 | Da Jammies | Lady Lark | 2 episodes |
| 2016 | Beat Bugs | Connie | |
| 2017 | Tarzan and Jane | Jane | Netflix series |
| 2017 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls television specials | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) | |
| 2017 | Chuck's Choice | Lady, Girl #1, Cheerleaders, Ashley, Ms. McFarlane, Girl Student | 4 episodes |
| 2017 | Super Monsters | Molasses the Sloth | |
| 2017-present | Enchantimals | Sage Skunk, Caper Skunk, Bren Bear, Bear Bestie, Preena Penguin, Jayla Penguin | |
| 2017 | My Little Pony: Equestria Girls Canterlot shorts | Sunset Shimmer | |
| 2017 | My Little Pony: Equestria Girls web series | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice), Customer, Band Member, Security Guard | |
| 2018-present | Tobot | Ding-yo eomma (Mrs. Park) | |
| 2018-present | Corner Gas Animated | Shirley | Episode: "Rum Punch" |
| 2018-2019 | Littlest Pet Shop: A World of Our Own | Udder Chaos, Ferocious Fran, Scapper #4, Wisteria, Stage Manager Spaniel, Frankie Puffer, Lola Sandloach, Bebe LaPoodle, Celestine Slothing | |
| 2018 | Dinotrux | Rexxie | Episode: "Opposites" |
| 2018-present | Super Dinosaur | Mom | |
| 2019 | Molly of Denali | Dr. Antigone | |
| 2020 | The Last Kids on Earth | Evie Snark | Episode: "Stay Tuned" |
| 2020-2021 | My Little Pony: Pony Life | Twilight Sparkle (singing voice), Pulverizer | |
| 2022 | Team Zenko Go | Kat | 6 episodes |
3.3. Film Voice Work
Rebecca Shoichet has also contributed her voice talents to various animated feature films and direct-to-video or television films.
3.3.1. Feature Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Ratchet & Clank | Stanley's Mom, Ship Computer | |
| 2017 | My Little Pony: The Movie | Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) |
3.3.2. Direct-to-Video and Television Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Inuyasha the Movie: Swords of an Honorable Ruler | Eri, Sōta | |
| 2006 | Inuyasha the Movie: Fire on the Mystic Island | Kanade, Asagi | |
| 2008 | Silent Möbius | Nami Yamigumo | |
| 2008 | Silent Möbius 2 | Nami Yamigumo, Louie | |
| 2012 | Journey to GloE | Wartsenall | |
| 2013 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) | |
| 2014 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rainbow Rocks | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) | |
| 2014 | Barbie: The Pearl Princess | Queen Lorelei | |
| 2015 | Barbie & Her Sisters in The Great Puppy Adventure | Tiffany | |
| 2015 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Friendship Games | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) | |
| 2016 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Legend of Everfree | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) | |
| 2017 | Sinbad: A Flying Princess and a Secret Island | Latifa | |
| 2017 | Sinbad: Night at High Noon and the Wonder Gate | Latifa | |
| 2018 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Forgotten Friendship | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) | |
| 2018 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Rollercoaster of Friendship | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) | |
| 2019 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Spring Breakdown | Sunset Shimmer, Twilight Sparkle (singing voice) | |
| 2019 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Sunset's Backstage Pass | Sunset Shimmer | |
| 2019 | My Little Pony Equestria Girls: Holidays Unwrapped | Sunset Shimmer | |
| 2019 | Super Monsters Furever Friends | Molasses the Sloth |
4. Singing Career
In addition to her voice acting, Rebecca Shoichet has a notable singing career, performing with musical groups and as a featured vocalist for animated characters.
4.1. Band Performances
Shoichet has been an active singer in the Vancouver music scene, performing with several local bands. These include Mimosa, Side One, and Soulstream. She has showcased her vocal talents in various live performances with these groups.
4.2. Featured Singing Roles
A significant part of her singing career involves providing featured vocals for characters in animated productions. Most notably, she is the dedicated singing voice for Twilight Sparkle in the My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic series and its associated films and specials. She also provides the singing voice for Sunset Shimmer in the My Little Pony: Equestria Girls franchise.
5. Theater and Other Activities
Beyond her extensive work in voice acting and singing, Rebecca Shoichet has engaged in theater productions and contributes to the education of aspiring voice actors.
5.1. Theater Productions
Shoichet has participated in local theater productions in Vancouver, including performances at the Vancouver Playhouse. Her involvement in stage work demonstrates her versatile performing arts background.
5.2. Teaching and Instruction
Rebecca Shoichet shares her expertise with the next generation of voice actors as a part-time instructor at On The Mic Training, a voice-over training school located in Vancouver. This role allows her to mentor and guide aspiring talents in the industry.
6. Notable Roles and Franchises
Rebecca Shoichet is particularly recognized for her impactful contributions to several key franchises and for specific character portrayals that have garnered widespread recognition.
6.1. My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic and Equestria Girls
Her most prominent and widely recognized work is within the My Little Pony franchise. She is celebrated for providing the singing voice of Twilight Sparkle, one of the main characters in My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic. Furthermore, she voices the popular character Sunset Shimmer in the spin-off My Little Pony: Equestria Girls series, also performing her singing voice. These roles have established her as a beloved figure among fans of the franchise.
6.2. Inuyasha
Shoichet's role as Sota Higurashi in the English dub of the acclaimed anime series Inuyasha is another significant contribution. She took over this role early in the series' run, becoming a consistent presence in a long-running and popular anime.
6.3. Nana
Her performance as the lead character Nana Osaki in the English dub of the anime series Nana is also highly regarded. This role showcased her ability to portray complex and mature characters, further solidifying her reputation in the anime dubbing community.
7. Assessment and Legacy
Rebecca Shoichet's career as a voice actress and singer is notable for her consistent and versatile contributions to the animation industry. Her work, particularly in popular franchises like My Little Pony and significant anime dubs such as Inuyasha and Nana, has left a lasting impact on audiences and the voice acting community. Her ability to embody diverse characters and provide compelling vocal performances, both speaking and singing, has established her as a respected and influential figure in Canadian voice acting.