"For the first time, I was able to do the scene, and not just do the accent."
- Matt Mundy, NYC Actor

Whether you need to quickly acquire a dialect for an audition, work towards mastery for an upcoming production, or work long-term on developing a dialect repertoire, we'll work efficiently and thoroughly, making sure you're confident with every step.

> FAQs ABOUT ACCENTS & DIALECTS
What's your method?
What accents do you teach?
Which accents should I learn?
How much time does it take to learn an accent?

Q. WHAT'S YOUR METHOD?
A. First, we talk about several factors: your character's language, class, education, location, etc. Once we determine the basic framework for the accent, we might begin with listening to a native speaker. You listen for broad strokes -- the sounds you hear, the words they use, what you think the rhythm sounds like. Above all, we strive for authenticity and specificity.

Then we begin with placement, where the accent "lives" in your mouth. We start with your placement and move step by step to a new one. We then work through phonetic substitutions, or sound changes, applying each one to words and phrases. Don't worry if you don't know the IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) -- I'll help you find your own annotation.

Then we work on rhythm and intonation. I like to think of every accent as a ball that has a certain weight and a certain bounce or way of moving. We start to physicalize the accent so you have a visceral sense of its weight and musicality.

Lastly, as we apply the accent to a scene or monologue, we work on making the work invisible, the final, most thankless part of accent work. You never want the accent to be the point of the scene, and we work on making it seem effortless and natural. Also, if it's a thick accent, we may work on making sure it's comprehensible to American ears. And we may talk about what you can do to adjust the accent in the audition or rehearsal room in order to take direction smoothly and not feel "locked in."

You'll get a full packet of phonetic substitutions, suggestions for film/TV viewing and radio, and information on where to find other native audio. Since we're in New York City, one of the world's great cultural melting pots, I also point you towards neighborhoods and bars/restaurants/stores where people with your dialect might live and work.

Q. WHAT ACCENTS DO YOU TEACH?
A. I've taught everything from South African to Iraqi to Japanese, but the ones I am asked for most often include:

Q. WHICH ACCENTS SHOULD I LEARN?
A. Unless you are working on a role that requires a specific accent, it's a great idea to learn new dialects simply to expand your abilities. If you do dialects well, you already have a major advantage when it comes to getting work. In general, all actors should have a Standard British and some form of American Southern. Beyond that, do the following to find your accents.

1. Start by looking at your own heritage. Where is your family from? Learn those dialects first that are already a part of your history. They will be easiest for you to pick up and you will use them the most.
2. Then take a look in the mirror. Where does it look like you could come from? Be generous but reasonable. Make a list. If you’re not sure, look up pictures of natives online or check in a tourist guide. Do you look like any of them?
3. Then think about accents you want to learn because you’re interested in them. This can include anything! While you may not use them much in your work, learning any new way of speaking hones your articulators and expands your understanding of culture and language, so go to it!

Q. HOW MUCH TIME DOES IT TAKE TO LEARN AN ACCENT?
A. Depends how far you want to go. You can get a quick fix for an audition in an hour, but to be fluent in a dialect requires consistent practice in listening and drilling. You are working to capture not only the individual sounds, but the dialect's overall rhythm, pitch, placement, and intonation. You must work until the accent is in the "muscle memory" of your mouth, so you don't have to think consciously about it when you're acting. Remember, the way you speak is a core part of who you are. The same is true for your character. It needs to be "your" language. Here are some ways you can test for fluency:

1. Can you flawlessly read a passage of unfamiliar text cold and out loud in the dialect?
2. Can you converse spontaneously in the dialect without having to focus consciously on the sounds and rhythm?
3. Can you converse convincingly with a native speaker? Can you "pass"?