How can I learn to do an American accent for free?

• 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

• 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!