Strategies for Guiding Actors’ Accent and Linguistic Needs in the Twenty-First Century

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article provides specific strategies for guiding actors’ accent and linguistic needs in the twenty-first century. With the continued growth of globalization and cultural exchange, which is increasing the awareness of diversity in the human experience and identity, the methods of actor training and coaching need to become increasingly intersectional. This article supports this idea and explores detailed language that coaches and instructors should avoid in actor and voice training, since such language has historical ties to social structures and ideas from European colonization. The strategies offered in this article outline why certain language is problematic and damaging to actors, and these strategies additionally outline how to conduct microinterventions in order to change microagressive language and behavior. All of which can foster equitable and healthy relationships between teachers and students and coaches and clients.