"The extra push that a coach can offer is not just about sharing the responsibility or accountability, it's also about feeling supported in our efforts to set, reach and celebrate new goals for improvement".  Rosie Berrido, May 2015, New York City

 

I do not advocate getting rid of an accent. Accents can be sexy and that's good, but being understood is not only good - it's Paramount! 

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The two biggest advantages that I offer my clients are:

 

ONE: I am formally trained (Acting, Speech & Diction) with over two decades of experience as a working professional actress in both languages. Having acquired knowledge that one can only come to thru "the doing" and actual experience that gives me the ability to share what works beyond the theory and offer support in a practical, applicable and friendly way both in English and Spanish.

 

TWO: I am not only bilingual but also bicultural and that means that I can identify the challenges quickly from one language to another because I'm completely fluent in both English and Spanish; being bicultural helps me to better explain the differences or equivalents that can be used in substitutions when understanding phrases that many of my clients may, oftentimes, not be completely familiar with because they were not raised in the U.S. (e.i. slang or what the non-accented ear might hear when speaking to someone with an accent.

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Most frequently asked questions.

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Q. As an actor what can I expect from you?

A. I will guide you to:

• Quickly identify conflict and dramatic action in the scene; and important cultural elements, if any.

• Confidently make clear, strong choices and create awareness to showcase  talent more effectively. 

• Stay connected to a truthful moment in imaginary circumstances thru finding viable, useful and clear substitutions, (may include cultural and/or language differences, if needed).

• Safeguarding speech with polished pronunciation and/or accent reduction for intelligibility as needed both for English and Spanish.

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Q. I'm not an actor but I need help with my accent in English, will you still help me?

A. Certainly, I help bilingual industry and business professionals with:

     Identifying key areas in which to improve pronunciation with fluidity and ease and together we:

• Create awareness of how the non-accented ear will hear a foreign accent.

• Pinpoint habits of tongue placement for consonants, vowel stressors and smooth use of diphthongs, triphthongs and stop-plosives  as needed.

• Fun-friendly use of common phrases and specific tongue twisters tailored for rhythm and  cadence in transition from Spanish to English and vice-versa. 

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Q.  Do you have a specific method?

A.  No. Although I do sometimes refer to IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), my extensive training and experience in several schools of acting enhances      and supports the use of  traditional tried and true principles of the craft of acting and formal diction and speech techniques.

 

Q.  Do you work with people other than actors?

A.  Yes. My hope is that anyone who has any connection to a bilingual background, or anyone who wants to improve                                                 diction in English or Spanish; or reduce their accent in either language - actor or not, should be able to access that extra push

      and support  an effective knowledgeable coach can  offer.  I work with corporate professionals; Journalists, Bankers, Nurses,

      Producers, Athletes.

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Q.  How long is your session?

A.  50 minutes.      

 

Q.  How much is a session?

A.  My fees vary on a sliding scale starting at $95 and up per session, and also depending on what is needed. Discounts are                                     available and discretionary for more than several sessions or a small group.

 

Q.  Do you only work with bilingual people or Hispanic-Americans?

A.  Of course not. I work with anyone who needs coaching with acting and diction.  The people that should not

      come to me are those that have absolutely no training in Acting and those who do not have at least intermediate                                                   level command of the language in which they wish to work. You must have basic training level and                                                                        understanding of acting language and technique. I help people improve their diction and pronunciation for better                                                  characterizations and communications skills - NOT to learn a language or learn acting from zero. 

 

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