By Rachel Donnelly — In a recording studio last year, Italian-born actress Tullia Ferraro likely had no idea her voice would soon transport thousands of listeners to a rich sci-fi universe. Yet that’s exactly what’s happening with her compelling portrayal of Queen Aliyah in the immersive audiobook series “Journeys.”
“Voice acting opens up storytelling possibilities that screen work just can’t capture,” Ferraro explained during a recent interview. “With ‘Journeys,’ I get to bring this entire universe of separate homeworlds and ancient traditions to life using only my voice—it’s been such a rewarding creative journey.”
The series, set in a modern Egyptian Empire where men and women dwell on distinct homeworlds and unite only briefly to uphold a fragile peace, follows the strong-willed Queen Aliyah as she challenges centuries of tradition. Currently available on the project’s official website and Spotify, rumors suggest it’ll expand to additional platforms in the coming months.
Ferraro’s journey to this role wasn’t overnight. She first stepped into professional acting at 18, playing Sandra Carbone in Andrea Castoldi’s film “Non Si Puó Morire Ballando” – a performance that hinted at her natural talent. Her educational background includes a 2015 graduation from Milan’s Caremoli Studio Academy. There, she honed her craft under several mentors, including Director Andrea Castoldi, “Rai” Radio Speaker Ermanna Mandelli, and the somewhat intimidating Award-Winning Actress Sara Ricci.
“I joined the Journeys project last year as the lead actress,” Ferraro shared. “What really drew me in was Aliyah as a character—this queen who carries such strength but has these vulnerable moments too. I love how she feels this pull toward Earth’s mysteries while dealing with all the politics between these divided worlds.”
“Queen Aliyah carries the hopes and dreams of an entire empire on her shoulders,” Ferraro noted when discussing her character. “Each decision she makes affects countless lives across multiple worlds. That responsibility is a burden, but it also becomes her source of determination.”
Throughout the series, listeners experience moments where Aliyah’s mere presence captivates all around her, her gaze unwavering as her heart swells with gratitude for the loyalty and devotion of her people. Ferraro’s nuanced voice performance brings these emotional moments to life, allowing listeners to feel the queen drawing strength from her people’s unwavering support – strength she’ll need to face the challenges ahead.
This impressive performance didn’t emerge from nowhere. Ferraro’s decade-long acting career, which began in the sunshine of Italy, eventually led her to pack her bags and dreams for a more challenging move to the United States. There, she recently collected her BFA in Acting for Film from the New York Film Academy in Los Angeles – and not just any graduation, but with Summa Cum Laude honors (no small feat for anyone, let alone someone working in their second language). While there, she trained under Emmy Award-Winner Michael Laibson for Television Acting and picked up voice-over techniques from Emmy Award-Winner George McGrath, who also specializes in Sketch Comedy.
The “Journeys” series offers listeners an immersive sci-fi audio experience where cinematic soundscapes, commanding performances, and a stirring musical score thrust the audience into royal courts and interstellar battlefields. The storyline follows Queen Aliyah as she embarks on a quest to unearth her people’s forgotten bond to Earth – a controversial endeavor that places her at odds with the iron-willed Senator Rhem, while finding support from the fearless Admiral Meryetisy.
“Voice acting for ‘Journeys’ has been a unique experience,” Ferraro shared. “Creating a character that audiences can only hear rather than see presents different challenges and opportunities. I’ve enjoyed exploring how Queen Aliyah’s voice can convey both her strength as a leader and her more vulnerable moments.”
This monthly immersive audiobook series features narration by Lisa Swinton and Mike Cotton, accompanied by a full cast and presented in Cinema Sound Audio. Each episode plunges listeners deeper into political intrigue and hidden ancestral legacies, as Queen Aliyah’s daring pursuit of truth threatens to unravel the empire’s tightly woven fabric, risking civil upheaval and unlocking secrets that could reshape the galaxy.
While Ferraro’s performance in “Journeys” showcases her voice acting talents, her dedication to developing her craft extends far beyond this project. On Tuesdays and Thursdays, you might find her attending workshops to refine her already impressive range of skills. Her professional training reads like a theater program: Classical Theatre, Improvisation, Meisner Technique, Voice-Over, and Combat for Film. Beyond the studio and stage, she’s accumulated an enviable list of personal talents – singing (apparently quite well), songwriting during late nights, piano playing, horse riding on occasional weekends, skating, swimming, and diving.
This commitment to continuous growth has made Tullia Ferraro an artist worth keeping your eye on. Those interested in experiencing her work firsthand can visit her personal website, while those curious about both her professional journey and personal life will find her Instagram filled with behind-the-scenes moments and glimpses into her world beyond acting. Her expanding repertoire of performances is well documented on her IMDB profile. The ‘Journeys’ project has likewise earned its own IMDB page, reflecting its growing impact.
As Queen Aliyah’s story continues to unfold across the stars, Ferraro’s distinctive voice guides listeners through an epic tale of duty, discovery, and destiny. For this Italian-born actress with global ambitions, the journey has only just begun.
