GRAEME MALCOLM, Actor (Public Theater, Broadway's "Equus," "Translations")
When I needed some dialect guidance, at short notice, Amanda was there. Always fully focused, extremely specific, and patient. And everything she said made a difference. Yes, Amanda is as generous a teacher as she is a person. Of course, she is also a tremendous performer herself, and that means she knows where you are coming from, and respects where you wanna go.
MIKE TIMONEY, NYC Actor (Off-B'way's "Three Movements")
A member of our show's production staff came up to me after the performance one night. He said "Mike, someone asked us just now how we were able to find a Russian actor to play that part ...your part!" (smile) Thank you, Amanda!
PAM CLINE, Mother of 11-year old Maddie
I was referred to Amanda for her assistance in helping my daughter project her voice. Amanda established a rapport very quickly and made the sessions entertaining and highly effective. It was exciting to see my daughter’s confidence grow in her speaking ability and she loved working with Amanda so much that she practiced every day. Amanda not only taught her how to project her voice, but also how to breathe properly and how to relax prior to an audition. My daughter booked two commercials as a result of working with Amanda – we are so excited and would recommend Amanda to anyone needing voice and diction work!
POLLY MCKIE, Actor, from Scotland
Amanda is a wonder and a delight! She is intelligent, gifted, precise, clear: a born teacher! Her ear is so finely tuned that she picks up on even the tiniest detail in accent reduction work. I have worked with her to develop a convincing American accent, and I have received so many compliments. I was so thrilled when my singing teacher (who has known me for 4 years) asked me to speak the lyrics to a song in an American accent. She was very pleased and said that what she liked the most and what surprised her the most was that "It sounds like Polly, still...just American". She then said "That Amanda must be a GREAT teacher!" How right she is! My standard American accent has taken on a new life and Amanda has managed to build my confidence and encourage me in every way possible.
SARAH NATOCHENNY, NYC Voice Actor (Pokémon, regional spots)
Amanda is changing my life, one dialect at a time. I am an actor/voice actor (lead voice on "Pokémon" for over 3 years), and over the last several months, have studied over 10 domestic/international dialects and random variations of each. Her coaching method is incredibly effective, and she is a personal pleasure to work with...it feels like play, when actually...it's work. She has a marvelous ear herself, which is of utmost importance, and can perform all the dialects herself to perfection! Actors/voice actors simply must study dialects, and Amanda is the #1 coach in my book who can give us these tools, that put us a level above other actors. Amanda, you have a rare and amazing talent, and I consider myself very lucky to be learning from you. Thank you for helping me find my inner Beyoncé. I knew she was in there somewhere.
CHARLOTTE SCHIOLER, Actor/Dancer, from Denmark
Before starting accent reduction I was afraid it would constrict me, but I’ve discovered the opposite. Through my sessions with Amanda, I’ve come to experience the American accent as a dance. Every movement with the “speech muscles” is like a movement in dance and the more you get it right, the more pleasurable it becomes. When you find the right “supports”, you can bounce off on them. It’s a very physical sensation. As an actress it’s equally important that Amanda herself is one, because she understands the interplay between the rhythm of the language and the intention behind a phrase. Amanda is a delightful person to work with. I look forward to every session. She really goes in depth and is very meticulous.
Finance Professional, NYC
Amanda has an amazing ability to integrate and reconstruct languages in a complicated context and transform them in a clear and precise way to achieve one's purpose without distorting the full meaning one intends to convey. Amanada has this super hearing ability that no mistake can escape her. Her talent in distinguishing and communicating the differences in languages and dialects is impressive. Nevertheless, she is very easy to work with, making the learning process exceptionally fun.
DIANA RUPPE, NYC Actor (Atlantic Theatre Co., "Law & Order", La Jolla)
You'll be happy to know that the dialect coach on the play here at La Jolla Playhouse didn't have to teach me any of the sound changes in the old New York dialect. I already knew them thanks to all of our hard work. It appears to be paying off! Thanks so much!!
DAVID PERLMAN, NYC Actor (national/european musical theatre tours, NYMF)
Amanda is everything I could ask for in a dialect coach! I began lessons with her in the hopes of learning a few dialects that could help me expand my possibilities as an actor. With each new dialect, Amanda not only teaches me the vowel/consonant substitutions, but she is able to communicate the more subtle changes that each dialect demands, whether it be a change in placement, tone, or way of thinking. I marvel at how specific and clear she is and at how easy she makes it. Amanda is (at least) doubly gifted in her talents for dialects and for teaching; I highly recommend her.
CAITLIN DAVIS, NYC Actor
I just wanted to let you know that I was cast in "The Christmas Carol" at the Hanover. Thank you for all of your help with the accent!
SANDRA ROQUE, Actor, from Portugal
I'd like to say (again) I think you're an amazing teacher (at such a young age!), not only because of your knowledge but - the most important thing for me - you're a wonderful "communicator": you know how to convey the material to different people in the way that best reaches each one; you're "welcoming" - even very shy people feel safe. And you're "fresh", in the sense of being a "light soul" (something I haven't found so often in NY, I should say), nice to be around. Thank you for all that.
DAVID MUSKAL, Global Marketing Director, from Israel
I moved to the United States in order to complete my studies and begin a career in marketing. Amanda worked with me twice a week on accent reduction, presentations and grammar. The tools that she gave me greatly improved my ability to be competitive in the workplace and helped enhance my communication and interactions with clients and business associates. As a director of global marketing, I employ her tools and techniques on a daily basis. I am very grateful for having the opportunity to have been taught by such an effective teacher. Thank you Amanda!
LUIS TORRES, Washington D.C. Attorney, from Peru
I have enjoyed working with Amanda Quaid on accent reduction, and I highly recommend her to other professionals for whom English is not their native language. I think Amanda has a number of strengths. First, she is very knowledgeable of the subject matter and highly skilled in accent reduction; in particular, with the methods set out in Edith Skinner's book, Speak with Distinction. Second, Amanda has a vast knowledge of English and of American culture, which make her classes a rich learning experience. Third, Amanda's familiarity with other languages, in particular romance languages, enables her to clearly illustrate the specific differences between English-based sounds and romance language-based sounds. Last but not least, Amanda is a very patient teacher. I highly recommend her.
JULIA WOLFERMANN, Actor, from Germany
Being German and wanting an acting career with a broad spectrum on an international basis made me need a speech coach who is culturally open, empathetically skilled and also technically precise. Amanda is even more than that! Besides her skills and knowledge she is also a reliable and wonderful human being. Did you know that Germans hardly use voiced consonants? I didn’t either, but Amanda did! I can’t wait to work with you again, Amanda.
SASHA ANDREEV, NYC/LA Actor (Guthrie Theatre, Host for HGTV)
I consulted with Amanda in preparation for an audition which required me to speak in a Standard British accent. Although the audition came about on short notice, Amanda graciously and productively allocated her time to teach me the the basic tools necessary for analyzing and pronouncing the text. Her approach is clear, constructive and customized to the individual student. Working with her for only an hour, I was not only able to immediately apply her teaching to the given text, but retain those techniques for the future. I highly recommend Amanda as a teacher for anyone looking to improve their dialect skills.
OLGA KOSHELEVA, Actor, from Latvia
There are no difficult sounds when talent is involved. And Amanda definitely has this blessed - from the foreign student perspective - ability to connect you to a sound and find a way to make it effortless for you. Even if you struggled for years with "th", "ing", or "r", the list can continue depending on the country or state of origin, the truth is you can do it and she will show you how!
J. RABB, United States Department of the Army Headquarters, Washington D.C.
Ms. Quaid's professional instruction has dramatically improved my briefing structure and content while working in federal service. I am more assured and confident in my delivery while at the same time, able to adjust to on-the-fly questions by my superiors without getting (or sounding) nervous. As a younger and less experienced civilian working for the Army, it was gratifying to develop techniques that could round out and improve my professional delivery. Ms. Quaid's lesson plan and friendly demeanor helped me to attain just that! Thanks!
RITA LITTON, ACTeen Inc. Director
Amanda Quaid is a marvelous speech & voice instructor...warm, sensitive, and nurturing. Her skills are first rate, and her positive attitude and gentle guidance make her a wonderful role model for our ACTeen students."
JOHN FICO, NYC Actor (Flea Theater, NYFA)
I wanted to let you know about my audition for Cat On A Hot Tin Roof. It went very very well - The dialect was almost perfect - natural and light with just a few inconsistencies. If I had gotten everything perfect, it would have been stiff. Part of why it went so well was our work together - it really helped my confidence to know that I was in good hands. And regarding our last coaching together to prepare for the Ellis Island audition: I was called back. So thank you!
DAYA MENDEZ, Actor, from Bolivia
Determination and patience are Amanda's most important traits. Having Amanda as a diction coach has had a deeply positive impact on my confidence when it's time to audition and perform. As an actress, especially a Bolivian actress whose native tongue is Spanish, to speak clearly is incredibly important. Thanks to Amanda's work I can deliver my lines with clarity without losing my interpretation of the piece. I'm still me but clearer!!!
ALAN BLUESTONE, NYC Stage Manager
I can't imagine a better organized, more disciplined or more comprehensible approach to accent work than what we were given. A must for anyone who is ever called on to do an accent either an "instant" approximation for an audition or callback or as a basis for further refinement and individualization for a role. Your preparation, obvious talent for both accents and teaching, and sense of fun was very much appreciated by me -- and everyone else. (I know, I asked!)
MARIA BUTTAZZONI, Actor, from Brazil
I really liked your dialects class, the energy of it, safe environment to try without being embarrassed. And the patience and dedication you give to each one of the students. I think you have an amazing talent. Even when we were repeating stuff as a group, you were able to distinguish who was making a mistake and correct it.
SHANA WIERSUM, NYC Actor (Judith Shakespeare Co.)
I came to Amanda to get a crash course in the French dialect for an audition. I was very impressed by her knowledge not only of many different dialects, but also regional differences between French accents. I tend to get overwhelmed and frustrated when I don't get something right quickly, but she remained patient, supportive, and encouraging. By the end of our session, I felt very confident. I knew that if I practiced what she taught me, I would be successful in my audition, even if I didn't get the part. Incidentally, the director said I did very well on the pronunciation – and she spoke fluent French. I highly recommend Amanda to anyone who desires to learn a new dialect – I know I will return.
LESLIE RICHARDSON, NYC Actor
You are a superb teacher and I really enjoyed your classes. You are very clear and give helpful directions. You are friendly and can relate to the young actor better than some older teachers. The packets you create are very helpful and give us something concrete to guide us in future dialect work. Thank you!
MATT MUNDY, NYC Actor
Amanda's techniques allowed me to hear, feel, understand, and (most importantly) correctly repeat my learned accent. Not only did she recognize my weaknesses (the tripthongs of Standard British, for example), but she had the tools and resources to address them such that they are now my strengths. All this is to say that the confidence instilled by her meticulous step-by-step approach gave me permission to “forget” I was speaking with an accent and concentrate on my given audition piece. For the first time I was able to do the scene, and not just do the accent.
FLORENCE ANNEQUIN, Dancer, from France
I tried to improve my speech since my arrival in New York four years ago. I was very fortunate to be recommended to Amanda for private coaching. My speech patterns have improved tremendously both in my everyday life and working on personal projects. Amanda has been extremely clear and specific to explain every sound helping me find them in my own body. Classes combine professionalism and a friendly atmosphere.
ANNA ANTONOVA, Singer, from Russia
I just wanted to tell you how grateful I am for the work that you've done with me. My manager keeps telling me that my accent is decreasing everyday. And what's even better, is that I met my agent (who usually resides in LA, but came to NY for a week), and she told me that she is not hearing an accent at all (even though she heard that I have a bit of an accent). Again, thank you so much for yor help.
TAO GUO, Actor, from China
English is my second language. Though I've learned it for many, many years, I've never made so much progress in my English speaking as I've made since I took lessons from Amanda. Her teaching is structured, and the instruction is very clear and precise. She is very patient. And it's so much fun learning from her.
ALAN MCNANEY, Actor (MFA Brown-Trinity)
I worked with Amanda on Berliner dialect. She came to rehearsals and took notes on my performance, or lack thereof, with the accent. Her knowledge was extensive, and she paid such close attention. The individualized and specific notes she gave nightly were incredibly helpful. The work helped me enormously to express the character as I wanted to.
CAROLINE HEWITT, Actor (Theater at Monmouth)
The manner in which Amanda teaches is incredibly supportive: she guided and corrected me without ever making me feel that I had said something silly or strange. She shared her knowledge in a way that made me feel my successes and failures were valid and reasonable. She seems to realize that to speak in an unfamiliar dialect is to take a risk—and at all times during our brief session I felt that she fully supported the risk I took and would guide me to find the right sound. I never doubted her complete mastery of the dialect we were working on. I look forward to any future chances I may have to learn from Amanda.
AVI BALOUKA, Real Estate Agent, from Israel
I found Amanda on the internet. From the first moment we met I felt comfortable. I have been in New York a few years now from Israel and wanted to improve my accent. My accent is getting better every week, and I'm happy that I have Amanda to work with. She is a great teacher and a great person.