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Dialect Coach

What does a Dialect Coach do?

A dialect is a form of language that is specific to a geographic region or a community of people. A DIALECT COACH is someone who teaches the ACTORS a dialect when the production calls for it. DIALECT COACHES are usually knowledgeable about multiple dialects and are experts in working with ACTORS in order to healthfully produce the sounds an ACTOR has to make in order to make a dialect sound natural. They are typically hired as freelancers.

Skills

Knowledge regarding linguistics, phonetics, and vocal placement | Mastery of dialects | Teaching | Proficient in the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) | Patience

Pathways

Performance | Degree in linguistics, speech therapy, speech sciences, theatre, and/or voice

How to become a Dialect Coach

Many colleges and universities offer degrees and concentrations in linguistics, speech sciences, and vocal technique; however, there are very few universities that offer a degree in dialect coaching. Those looking to become dialect coaches on Broadway should enroll in workshops and courses that focus on the study and teaching of dialects, be attentive to the way people talk around them, sign up for private coaching with a professional dialect coach, or be in rehearsal rooms for shows that involve dialects.

Union/Professional Organization Affiliations

Resources

New York Times’ “The Accent Whisperers of Hollywood”
Patricia Fletcher’s Classically Speaking: Dialects for Actors

American Theatre Wing’s “Dialect Coach”

UConn’s “Teaching Accents and Dialects”