How Accents Work: Two Sessions with Nick Curnow

Details

  • 18 May 2022 - 25 May 2022
    12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Online
Applications Open 12 May 2022 10:00 am
Applications Close 25 May 2022 8:00 am
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Synopsis

What are accents? What are dialects? Why do these things matter when we're talking about communication between people, or delivery of intent as actors? What are we actually doing when we attempt to speak in an accent not our own? These two sessions will equip you with a new understanding of how human beings experience language and the sounds of speech, and thereby how we can approach the task of learning to speak in any dialect or accent we may be asked to. Part One will explore what our task is, and how our human brain functions in this process, including why this is not something every one of us easily or instinctively do. Part Two will lay out for you a specific routine and technique for analysing and examining any pattern of speech (accent/dialect) with a view to embodying it with integrity. We aim to elevate the skilled mimic to the level of technician. Come with your curiosity and your passion! Please note: this workshop will be in two parts on Wednesday May 18 and Wednesday May 25, both from from 12pm -1pm Aus Syd/Melb time or 2-3pm NZ time.  Whilst it is preferable that you attend both it is not essential.  

Host(s)

  • Nick Curnow

    Nick is an actor, director, and voice & dialect specialist with 20 years’ experience in the industry. He has coached extensively in film, television, and national and local theatre companies such as Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, Company B Belvoir, Ensemble Theatre, STCSA, QTC, Red Line, and the New Theatre. He has also worked extensively in voice over, and voice over training. He holds an MFA (Voice) from NIDA, Graduate Diploma from University of New England, BA (Performance) with Distinction from Western Sydney University (formerly Theatre Nepean, UWS), and is a Certified Teacher of the Miller Voice Method (mVm). Acting credits include Jumpers for Goalposts, My Night With Reg, Fully Committed, Wittenberg, Take Me Out, and The Boys in the Band. Recent dialect coaching credits include feature films The Enforcer, Interceptor, and Outback. He has just finished three years as the coordinator of the Voice and Dialect programs at Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium’s Bachelor of Music Theatre (ECMT). Nick has been a proud member of MEAA since 2002. Check out all his credits at www.nickcurnow.com

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