Mastering An American Accent
This step-by-step guide to learning and practising an American accent is for anyone who wants to use a General American accent with confidence in auditions and performance.
Inside, you’ll find an easy-to-follow breakdown of the fundamentals required for the accent – including the shape and position of the mouth; vowels and consonants; rhythm; stressing; pitch; pace and more – as well as structured drills and exercises to build on and consolidate what you’ve learned, using extracts from contemporary American plays.
The book is supplemented by dozens of online audio clips of General American voices, recorded by native speakers, so you can listen to the target sounds and repeat for practice. Also included are tips on fully integrating the accent into your performance, as well as a series of vocal warm-ups.
Published by Nick Hern Books
BUY THE BOOKThe Compact Guides are pocket-sized introductions for actors and theatremakers, each tackling a key topic in a clear and comprehensive way. Written by industry professionals with extensive hands-on experience of their subject, they provide you with maximum information in minimum time.
Luke Thallon
This book will sit well-thumbed next to any and every American script that comes my way.
Rebecca's work has changed my perception of what I can do as an actor and consequently, in quite a tangible way, my life.
Lydia Wilson
My sessions with Rebecca are an anchor for the entire rehearsal and performance process. Rebecca engages holistically with how psyche and context inform the way dialect is shaped. Her deep knowledge of acting technique makes working with her nourishing all round. Rebecca's work is highly practical, and on top of all this, we have a laugh.
Patsy Ferran
Because of Rebecca Gausnell I can confidently say my American accent is the best it’s ever been. Whether it’s technique or ‘the feel’ of an accent - Rebecca will have constructed a varied, comprehensive and accessible toolkit that will no doubt provide full-proof gems to guide and refine your American accent. I highly HIGHLY recommend.
Ed Skrein
Rebecca has been a revelation for me. Her approach to teaching involves visual, audio, physical, and emotional techniques that have helped me so much and got me to a place where I feel comfortable and confident when on set. She has been irreplaceable … and she makes it fun! Very grateful.
Lisa Vicari
Rebecca is not only an extremely pleasant person, but she takes time for her clients and works precisely to get the best out of you. Through my work with her, I even landed my first English job!
British Theatre Guide
Detailed and specific... the exercises are clearly described and valuable, and the voice recordings that accompany the book are very useful for illustrating what is being described in words... a worthwhile investment for someone seeking to expand their voice and accent skills or about to go into rehearsal.
