Dialects 1
Once the actors’ voice has been freed from personal habits and speech patterns, it is now fully available to take on the broad range and dynamic possibilities of other voices. One reason, aside from their dedication to training that British actors are taking American roles, is their incredible command of dialects. Our work in Dialects 1 is dedicated not just to dialect technique, but wedding a vocal pattern to a deep, rich connection to text. Common pitfalls in adopting an accent are a sacrificing of personal connection (acting the accent), and also a lack of specificity and consistency which can make a dialect sloppy and amateurish. Dialects are an important aspect to transformational character work, which is the highest form of acting. How do you combine craft and technique while also adopting a voice and speech pattern which is not your own? How do you do this without losing your ability to listen, respond and achieve, and without sacrificing what the playwright or screenwriter has created?
Most actors, when confronted with the demand of a dialect, just wing it. They watch a few movies and cobble something together that sounds fake, inconsistent, and not true to the integrity of the dialect. It’s one of the biggest giveaways that we are watching an amateur, someone who has not mastered their craft. If you listen to any serious, successful actor discuss their process, the voice of the character is often the starting point for their interpretation. If an actor can learn a solid way to approach any dialect, it will provide consistency and authenticity. The best actors can fully disappear into a role, where the actor is no longer recognizable, it is only the vividness and richness of the character that an audience sees. A mastery of the vocal instrument makes this possible.
Dialects 1 is an introductory dialect class which will cover some of the most frequently requested accents: Standard British, American Southern, Parisian French, and West African French. Additionally, you will work on an independent dialect of your choice, tailored to your interests and possible casting opportunities. You will be given the precise tools to develop an accent with nuance, artistry, and clarity. Not only will you gain familiarity with a number of dialects, but you will leave with a template for studying and approaching voices other than your own. You want to be an actor who can take into account the rhythm of speech, particular environmental factors, and important insights into the origin of the accent.
Dialects 1 is a 10-week course with 10 classes.
FEDRA RAMIREZ
Fedra is a voice and dialect consultant as well as a professional actor based in New York. She has particular insight into the demands and expectations that actors face when challenged with dialects. The ability to approach any dialect with a consistent and reliable process will add to the diversity and range of the roles an actor can pursue. Fedra’s expertise lies in perfecting dialect that is both supported by the text and also meet the demands and the vision of the particular project in question.
STUDENT TESTIMONIALS
“I was placed in the intense reigns of Charlie Sandlan. I became a better artist, actor, friend, sibling and daughter because of the studio. Even now, I crave the studio every day. What I learned is present in my work every day. I truly believe in everything they stand for.”
Jes Macallan
“Maggie taught me that I could control my work, my acting, and to throw all of the bullshit out that I had in my head about ‘what I should be doing’ and to just listen and respond honestly, in the moment. She gave me a craft. She is, quite simply put, THE BEST.”
Leslie Bibb
“Maggie Flanigan taught me the true meaning of artistry, passion, and professionalism. I am certain that I continue to work as an actress because of my training with Maggie. At every audition and every performance, her guiding voice is with me. It is a gift beyond measure.”
