Current Production: Everything is Illuminated at Book-it Rep (Ukrainian Dialect)

Do you have an upcoming audition that requires a dialect – or several dialects? A coaching session is an important part of preparation, so that you feel ready when you walk in the door. I can also gear a session towards how to learn any dialect, for the many times we find ourselves on our own as performers.

Marianna has a degree in German and spent man years in Vienna, where she taught topical ESL in high schools on a Teaching Fulbright and tutored individuals. This background, in addition to her graduate acting training gives her a unique view into, and a great sensitivity around, the subject of dialects and accent modification. If you’re an ESL speaker interested in accent modification, click here.

“I was cast in a juicy comic role in a feature as a native German speaker, and I really wanted to nail it… Marianna went through all my lines with me…and helped me polish up the entire performance… with notes, pronunciation guides, and a couple of recordings for reference. By the time I got on set, I was absolutely confident in my dialect.”
— Marty K, actor

A one-on-one session may include:

  • preparing the monologue or call-back sides, beginning with a focus on the text

  • outlining the individual sound changes

  • explanation and exploration of mouth posture

  • listening to samples of native speakers

  • coaching with a focus on character and story-telling, and how the the dialect informs or
    is informed by these factors

  • recommendations on community resources available to Seattle actors.

 

Individual or small group coachings available. Please use the contact Marianna form for consultation information,  rates and availability.

Select dialect coaching credits:

Chaldea(Web Series)- World of Chaldea dir. Peter Adkison December 2016, Relativity- Taproot dir. Scott Nolte September 2017, The Invisible Hand- ACT dir. Allen Nause September 2014, Angels in America (assistant coach)- Intiman dir. Andrew Russell July 2014, The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay- Book-it Rep dir. Myra Platt July 2014, Carousel- 5th Ave (Rising Star Project) dir. Mat Wright February 2015, A Christmas Carol- ACT dir. John Langs December 2014, Appalachian Christmas Homecoming- Taproot dir. Scott Nolte December 2014, Lost in Yonkers- SPU dir. Candance Vance November 2014.

Individual or small group coachings available. Please use the contact Marianna form for consultation information,  rates and availability.