What is a dialect coach?
A dialect coach helps actors learn a new dialect or accent for a part or just to expand their repertoire.

Why would I need to use a dialect coach? Can't I learn a new accent or dialect just as easily by myself?
Like many things, it sounds easier than it is! Once you start trying to do it by yourself, this becomes evident. It's hard to know when you've got it right and when you're just reproducing a tired stereotype. Friends and family may think your dialect is perfect, but that doesn't mean that a director will, or that a native speaker of that dialect in your audience will either. A dialect coach provides expert suggestions and feedback so that you know you're doing the best job possible.

Unlike many other dialect coaches who have a background in drama, my background is in linguistics. My area of expertise is phonetics and phonology. I can explain the differences between dialects to you in a very precise and clear way. I also understand a lot of the traps that are involved in a learning a new dialect and can help you overcome them.

Recent dialect coaching projects for the stage include:

• British North Country
• Australian
• French
• Belfast
• Brooklyn
• Liverpool
• Yiddish
• Standard British
• North Carolina Appalachian