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. Nick has coached extensively in film, television, and for national and local theatre companies such as Sydney Theatre Company, Opera Australia, Company B Belvoir, Ensemble Theatre, State Theatre Company SA, QTC, Old Fitzroy/Red Line Productions, and the New Theatre. He has also worked extensively in voice over, and voice over training. He is an Associated Teacher of Miller Voice Method (mVm) having been mentored during a residency at UNC Chapel Hill’s Professional Actor Training Program (North Carolina, USA). While there he served as an assistant teacher to the MFA acting students and vocal coach for PlayMakers Repertory Company. He is currently completing formal Teacher Certification in mVm. He holds an MFA (Voice) from NIDA, a Graduate Diploma from University of New England, and a BA (Performance) with Distinction from Western Sydney University (formerly known as Theatre Nepean, UWS). He is currently the co-ordinator of both the Voice and Accent & Dialect programs for the Bachelor of Music Theatre at University of Adelaide’s Elder Conservatorium. For full credits and to find out more, head to www.nickcurnow.com Nick has been a proud member of MEAA / Actors Equity since 2002.

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