The Actor's Dialect Coach

frequently asked questions

Coaching for Actors

GENERAL QUESTIONS

What is your Private Coaching rate?

My rate is currently discounted to $125 USD per hour for a virtual session. Half-hour sessions are $75, though I typically only schedule full hours. I am not currently offering in-person private coaching.

Rates for on-set film coaching, theater productions, and educational workshops vary depending on your specific circumstances.

To discuss your needs and get a quote, contact info@actorsdialectcoach.com.

When is payment due, and how can I pay?

Payment is due immediately following your session. I do not require pre-payment unless you have a history of rescheduling your session, running late, or miss a scheduled coaching.

I accept payment via Credit Card, Venmo, PayPal, Cashapp, Zelle, or Apple Pay. I do not accept checks or cash at this time.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

If you need to reschedule or cancel your session, I require at least 24 hours notice. Changes with less than 24 hours notice will incur a $20 fee.

If you do not show up to a scheduled coaching, I will require payment of the full rate of $125 for the hour before further sessions can be scheduled.

How are coaching sessions conducted?

All sessions are held via Zoom. I am not currently offering in-person private coaching.

Do you offer Private Coaching packages?

While you are welcome to purchase multiple sessions at a time, I do not offer a blanket discount for purchasing sessions in bulk. I usually run a sale once or twice a year offering discounts on bulk purchases, so be sure to follow me on social media or sign up for my newsletter to be informed.

When are you available?

My working hours are subject to change, but typically between 10am - 6pm Pacific, Monday through Friday. I can occasionally make exceptions for last minute audition coaching or for those in other time zones, but it depends on my schedule.

QUESTIONS ABOUT

DIALECT & ACCENT COACHING

FOR ACTORS

What is your approach to teach actors how to teach themselves dialects?

My specialty lies in teaching actors the how to unlock the power of International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to teach themselves any dialect or accent they wish.

This process involves learning the IPA symbols associated with a "General American" dialect, learning how to chart the changes into a new dialect or accent, and applying said changes to your script. It's a highly academic approach that requires time and effort to master. Whether you already have a natural ear for accents, or you don't even know where to begin, my IPA method can help.

Simply put, with enough mastery you can literally write the dialect down on the page.

How long does your method take to learn?

On average, students learn the basics required to start using my approach in about 10 lessons. True mastery, though, takes ongoing dedication to the art. I've been utilizing a version of this approach for over a decade, and I learn something new every day.

What dialects and accents do you teach?

To date, I have coached actors on over 45 different dialects and accents of English. With my approach, there is no dialect or accent that is off limits. Even if it's a dialect I've never had the pleasure of teaching, with enough notice I can learn it in time to teach it to you.

Some of the most popular dialects and accents I coach include:

General American
British Received Pronunciation
American Southern
Australian
New York
Boston
Irish
Scottish
Estuary English
Cockney
French
German
Russian
...and many more!

Can you teach me an accent quickly for an audition?

Of course! While a single coaching session won't make you a master of any given dialect, I can help you make confident choices in your audition. As an actor myself, my teaching style is incredibly actor-friendly.

You do not need to have previously learned my methodology to coach with me

. . . though it does help!

How can I book you for an audition coaching?

Click here to schedule an audition coaching, or send me an email directly to info@actorsdialectcoach.com. Be sure to include relevant information, such as what dialect you need to prepare and when your deadline is.

Can you listen to my audition and give me feedback?

Yes! My "Dialect Review" service is great if you don't have the time or budget for a coaching session. I will listen to your performance and send you detailed feedback.

Send your video/audio file via WeTransfer to info@actorsdialectcoach.com and I will reply with feedback.

For "Dialect Review" I charge $30 per 3-minutes (or fraction thereof) of video/audio reviewed per individual audition, and an additional $10 for each additional minute. I guarantee a 24-hour turnaround or there's no charge!

My young actor loves to do accents and silly voices – can you teach them your IPA approach?

I love working with young actors!*

However, my long-term IPA approach is very technical. For that reason, I do not teach it to actors under the age of 12. I understand that your 10 year old may do exceedingly well in school, and they may in fact do well with my approach – but I would hate to get in the way of their natural language development skills.

I will happily coach actors as young as 8 years old a dialect or accent for an audition or production, but realize your results may vary at such a young age.

QUESTIONS ABOUT

AMERICAN ACCENT ACQUISITION

What is "American Accent Acquisition"?

Many people with regional accents of English choose to adopt a more "General American" accent (or British "Received Pronunciation") for personal or professional purposes.

Commonly referred to as Accent Reduction or Accent Modification, I prefer the term "American Accent Acquisition" as I do not aim to "reduce" anyone. My aim is to help my clients view their natural voice as an asset rather than a liability, while teaching them the skills necessary to speak with a more region-less accent.

How long does the process take?

Results will vary based on your English fluency, your natural ability, and the amount of practice you put into it. Most of my clients start to see results after their first few sessions.

Actors tend to have a slightly easier time acquiring a new dialect or accent than non-performers due to their exposure to vocal training. However, if English is not your first language it will take time and effort.

Regardless of your background, after coaching with me you will begin to have an understanding of the work necessary to permanently adjust your accent.

What are the steps you will take to teach me an American Accent?

You are an individual with a unique voice, and as such I do not offer a one-size-fits-all approach.

Generally our sessions will focus on voice analysis, learning the individual sounds of the dialect, vocal exercises, reviewing recordings of your voice... and lots of homework!

Acquiring a new accent is a lengthy pursuit, and as such most of the work is done outside of our time together, meaning my goal is to give you the tools necessary to continue your dialectical journey independently.