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frequently asked questions

For actors seeking immediate audition coaching, please call me at (818) 465-8430 and leave a voicemail; I will get back to you ASAP.

  • What are your Private Coaching rates?
    For actors seeking Dialect and Accent coaching and Accent Reduction work, my regular rate is $100 USD per hour for a virtual session. ​ 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.
  • Do you offer In-Person coaching?
    I am not offering in-person private coaching at this time, as online coaching offers greater flexibility and reduced costs for both myself and my clients. Exceptions can be made when working on-set for theater and film productions.
  • 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 also require pre-payment when purchasing sessions in bulk to receive the 20% bulk discount. ​ I accept payment via Credit Card, Venmo, PayPal, Cashapp, Zelle, and Apple Pay. I do not accept checks or cash.
  • 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. ​ Missed sessions with no notice will be charged for the full cost of the hour ($100 USD), or count towards any pre-purchased package. A session is considered "missed" if you do not enter the Zoom session within 10-minutes of the agreed upon start time of our session.
  • How are coaching sessions conducted?
    All sessions are held via Zoom. I am not currently offering in-person private coaching, except when on-set for theater and film productions.
  • Do you offer any discounts?
    Yes! If you pre-purchase 5 or more 1-hour coaching sessions, you'll automatically receive a 20% discount. I also occasionally offer sales throughout the year; be sure to sign-up for my newsletter to be notified.
  • What are your working hours?
    My working hours are subject to change, but typically between 10am - 6pm Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. Exceptions can be made for last minute audition coaching depending on my availability.
  • Do you offer group classes?
    I am not offering group classes at this time.
  • 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. If learning the IPA sounds too intimidating, don't worry -- I can teach you accents without you having to learn how to utilize the IPA.
  • How long does your IPA approach 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 IPA methodology to coach with me . . . though it does help! If you are seeking immediate audition coaching, please call me at (818) 465-8430 and leave a voicemail--I will get back to you ASAP.
  • 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!
  • Do you work with young actors?
    I love working with young actors, and I am licensed to do so through the State of California (California Child Performer Services Permit #CPS-000236791). 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. However, my long-term IPA approach is very technical. For that reason, I typically do not teach it to actors under the age of 12. ​
  • What is Accent Reduction?
    Accent Reduction (a term I personally despise) is the process of learning to speak with a more neutral speaking voice, be it for personal or professional purposes. Many people with regional accents of English choose to adopt a more "General American" accent (or British "Received Pronunciation") Regardless of your goal, my aim is to help you view your voice as an asset, not a liability. Click here to learn more.
  • 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 modify your natural speaking voice.
  • What are the steps involved with Accent Reduction?
    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 getting to know your natural speaking voice, learning the individual sounds of the target accent, vocal exercises, reviewing recordings of your voice...and lots of homework! Adopting a new accent can be 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. Think of it like working with a personal trainer; you might only do so once a week, but you'll take those lessons with you every time you workout.
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