Dialect and Accent Development

American Accents A Step-by-Step Approach for Actors from Canada
(Book & 1 tape)

by David Alan Stern, Ph.D.

Program Overview/Description

Though American and Canadian standard dialects are quite similar, there are times when Canadian actors must create a more distinctly American speech presence. Learning to speak American English naturally is becoming increasing popular with actors from Canada, especially as the US stage, film, and television industries present such significant increases in dramatic opportunities. Dr. David Alan Stern’s series highlighting American accents for actors from Canada has become the premiere acting tool in the Canadian actor’s accent arsenal.

Learn the resonance, lilt, rhythm, and pronunciations of American dialect, then integrate your knowledge into phrases, sentences, passages, and finally, into your own speech.

Bottom-line, speaking with an accent that sounds real to native speakers expands your audition potential. Make sure you learn your new dialect from a proven professional.

Want extra practice material? See Dialect Monologues by Karshner and Stern. Dr. Stern demonstrates 13 popular speech patterns and provides you with the transcripts and CD to read along and hone your new accent talent!

David Alan Stern, Ph.D. has taught thousands of actors and broadcasters to put on foreign accents and regional dialects. He’s worked in Hollywood since 1980 as an accent and dialect coach for the motion picture and television industries. He has served on the faculties of both Wichita State and Penn State Universities while his directed learning system is used in over one thousand college theatre programs and by professional actors around the world! Among his students are Mike Farrell, Jack Klugman, Edward James Olmos, Bronson Pinchot, Lynn Redgrave, Forest Whitaker, and Michael York as well as Oscar Winners Geena Davis, Olympia Dukakis, Sally Field and Julia Roberts.