FAQs

What is covered in a dialect session?

I focus on the 5 elements of a dialect:

  • Vowel/Consonant Sound Changes
  • Sound Placement
  • Pitch and Speech Pattern
  • Blending
  • Idioms/Characterization

In a session, I will teach you the above elements of a dialect using practice exercises, physical improvisation, songs and TV/Film/Stage sides.

How long is a dialect session?

Audition coachings can be 30 mins or 1 hour.
In Audition coachings, we work solely on audition materials covering the 5 elements of a dialect: sound changes, sound placement, pitch and speech pattern, blending and idioms. The majority of a session is spent finding the balanced combination of character and dialect.
2-3 pages of sides = 30 mins
4-10 pages = 1 hour

Regular dialect sessions are 1 hour.
Regular dialect sessions cover the 5 elements of a dialect: sound changes, sound placement, pitch and speech pattern, blending and idioms. Also included are details of the geographic region, historically how the dialect developed and gender/age/race distinctions with a focus on character. I pull current TV/Film/Stage scripts to use in dialect sessions as a vehicle to combine the dialect with characterization. Scripts are pulled based on dialect but also factoring an individual actor’s type, genre, age/race and emotional state of the character in the scene.

What are your Rates?

Rates vary depending on dialect and time frame and if you purchase an individual session or a package of 2, 3, 4 and 8 sessions. Rates are the same in person or online. Additional fees apply if I travel to your location for our session.

What is the Cancellation Policy?

You’re an actor-- auditions happen and I want to support every professional opportunity you receive. If for any reason you need to reschedule, please contact me via email at least 8 hours prior your scheduled session to reschedule. If a session is cancelled less than 8 hours in advance, the client forfeits the payment and appointment time.

Which forms of Payment do you accept?

I accept cash, personal check, PayPal and Venmo.

Are dialect sessions in person or online?

Both!
I live in Studio City and have sessions in my home office.
If you do not live in Los Angeles, we can do our session via Skype or a private online room. Many of my international clients coach this way-- it’s best to be on a laptop or IPad and not your phone for Skype sessions.

Can you tape my dialogue in the dialect?

I prefer not to because I wouldn’t want any vocal choice I make to influence your character work.
HOWEVER, if you are an established client and you do not have time to coach, I can record your script on MP3. Please email me for availability and rates for this service.