How can I learn to do an American accent for free?
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I am an actor wanting to put more accents on my CV, I can o variations of British (I am British) but would love to learn American, it'd be really useful. I know you're all ...show more
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Answer:
Well....let me see if I have anything for you....I spent part of my twenties as a struggling actress in Los Angeles, - and I had to study with limited funds. (Those were some of the best years of my life - and I hope that you are having a wonderful time these days yourself.) OK...here we go: #1.) You usually can't get something for nothing, but that doesn't mean you need to spend money. Figure out what you can do in return for some dialect coaching. (Make a list - What you may be able to do or teach in exchange? Make your lessons a fair trade. Be creative.) #2.) Once you have thought up some things that you have to offer a prospective dialect coach, use your network of friends - and their friends: As an actor, you are most likely constantly on the go - to auditions, classes and part-time survival jobs. Tell your friends that you are looking for an American born actor/dialect coach but that you have no budget. Get the word out in a safe, community friendly way. Actors are usually happiest when they are working, and teaching an American dialect to a Brit is a challenge many American actors will enjoy. If they have teaching talent and are trying to break into coaching, they may want to use you as their first success story! (In the 1980s, when I was in my 20's in Los Angeles, I got some private coaching on an upscale British accent because I was lucky enough to be introduced to a fairly established actress who had recently moved to the US.) She charged me a token $10 per hour lesson, simply because she was between projects and wanted to fill her time in a constructive manner. You may have the good fortune to find a similar situation. If not, you will still very likely find an acceptable one. Here are some general thoughts about what you need: #1.) I would suggest that you avoid strictly phonetic methods. It's better and faster to simply train your ear and train your voice. (Attacking a dialect through strict phonetics is like trying to walk while looking at the bottoms of your feet.) Likewise, I would not advise that you work alone because you will miss things that a coach will catch and correct. #2.) I think that you must find a coach who was born and raised in the US. Not just any American, but someone who is either an actor or a an instructor in a related field. #3.) Be aware that American English has many nuances depending upon the geographic location, the educational level of the speaker, and even their generation. (If you hear my teenage daughters talking to their friends, their inflections differ from mine.) #4.) Work on varied material - certain words will simply come out "British" more easily than others - particularly if you are having to concentrate on more than just your dialect. #5.) If you are really serious, choose a dialect coach where there is no chance for a physical attraction to happen in any direction. Dialect work is a one-on-one private session intensive. You will be looking and listening to each other a great deal - lots of eye contact, lots of talk, lots of staring at each others' lips. You want soundwaves in the air, not sexual chemistry! #6.) Record every session. Do your homework in between lessons. Avoid portraying easy stereotypes. It's exciting for me to have the chance to talk to an actor who is dedicated to learning his craft perfectly. Anyone who chooses acting follows their heart along fascinating path that is fraught with obstacles and disappointments - but also one that will lead you to treasured moments and experiences and friendships that will be yours for a lifetime. I hope that my advice helps you find the training you need. Remember: Always keep your dreams bigger than your fears! Here's to your success!
LRA2RTT6X2PFIJWYRR6KUSCBLM at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source
Other answers
You could try a frontal lobotomy
mosquitobill
What you are really saying is:- - I've never been good at accents, but I want to be good at accents - I'm not prepared to pay a few quid for a CD which will help me in my acting career Why don't you stick to the things you are good at, and concentrate on doing them well?
Andrew L
1. get into the character of a dumb person 2. say things like hey y'all and howdy partner and yes mam and practice a stupid nick nolte laugh that sounds like "shiit" 3. to perfect 2, watch steve coogan in this clip.... hey presto! southern american!
a mouse is not a hotel
I would try to find Americans to speak to on a regular basis, the most common accent here is north inland, no not Chicago,but Ohio, Indiana, southern Illinois. It took me years to get it (I am Southern by birth) But I got it by talking and listening and repeating the words.
shakesdesign
Get some American friends on Yahoo Messenger or MSN and chat regularly. Hopefully, some of their voice intonnations will rub off on you. Have a look at the site listed below. Good luck!
Lolly9
You haven't mentioned what region of the UK you are from. Surely in this cosmopolitan and culturally diverse nation there are Americans where you live, they may be working in shops or stores or even in the acting business. What about your local university? Put up an advert on a university noticeboard with a contact number. But don't limit yourself to just Americans. Here's a great opportunity to learn accents from right across Europe from West to East. Good Luck! http://www.speakmoreclearly.com/downloadamericanaccent For about £20, this is probably good value for money. I used "learning an American accent" as the search criteria.
Rob K
watch lots of through the key hole with lloyd grossman
Ryder
you can practice with me for free.
missy
That is easily sorted skype with americans. The easiest way to learn an accent or a launguage is conversing in it regulary. And if you really need help, email me, I know alot of americans.
chryzoa
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