Are you wanting to learn an English accent? This class will cover the most prevalent English accent in modern times – Estuary.

That’s right! It’s called Estuary. Estuary is a modern English sound that has a range wide enough to allow for patterns that reflect high socio-economic and lower socio-economic levels. Sometimes you will hear the term “Modern Received Pronunciation” – that’s part of Estuary, in some schools of thought. At the other end of the spectrum are sounds that are closer to what we, in the States, think of as being more Cockney.

If you are an actor and would like to increase your versatility and knowledge when it comes to specific choices appropriate for characters from England, this is YOUR CLASS! We will focus primarily on Modern Received Pronunciation (Kiera Knightly) but will also touch on more Cockney influenced Estuary (Ricky Gervais).

This level one class will cover all elements of the accent, including the physical shaping of the sound, several patterns in pronunciation differences, and rhythm and melody. We will also discuss, briefly, how to bring in a light or strong version of the accent and discuss how to make sound choices appropriate for the character or real life situation.

You will experience work that supports your professionalism when it comes to acquiring English accents in a way that is free of judgement, full of specific technique, and playful inquiry! The English know how to do a good American accent – isn’t it time we match that? I mean… they are taking American roles but Americans aren’t taking so many English ones. The difference – the time spent in training!!!

You will receive homework each week to progress on your journey towards acquiring an Estuary sound. So, the next time you get asked to audition with an English accent you will know precisely how to make choices that are intelligent and accurate! You will have tools you can begin to immediately apply!

Not an actor but want to learn the accent? COME! It can be fun to learn different accents for travel or for… fun! All who have a desire to learn are so very welcome!

**Though seven weeks may sound like a long time, in reality it will be a very thorough first step towards acquiring an Estuary accent. Expect to come away with a lot of information, and practice, to continue your journey through your own exploration or through further study with a teacher. It is a beginner course. A very, very good beginner course. It will challenge you and, hopefully, allow you moments to begin to feel very proud of your ability to achieve a modern Estuary accent.

Class size is kept very small. Register early to guarantee a spot.

Investment –

Early Bird Rate – $210 (7 classes – $30/class) By October 5th

Regular Rate – $245 (7 classes – $35/class) After October 5th

Student/Low Income 20% off with code STUDENT20

Melissa Grogan is a Vocal Expert with 18 years teaching experience. She is an Associate Teacher of Fitzmaurice Voicework, has studied Knight-Thompson Speechwork, Presence with Patsy Rodenburg, and Body-Mind Centering at the Body-Mind Centering Institute and with Bonnie Bainbridge-Cohen. She is currently pursuing a certificate as a Somatic Movement Educator, and has certifications as a yoga teacher and pranic healing practitioner. She has worked in film and TV, most notably as the Dialect Coach for the AMC series The Son, starring Pierce Brosnan. Clients have included yogis, Somatic Therapists, actors such as Kyle Chandler (Wolf of Wallstreet, Super 8), Dr. Victoria DeFrancesco (MSNBC), Craig Nigh (Breaking Bad), Yoga and Voice teachers, and people looking to express their True Self.

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