DialectArts: theater / film / tv / auditions / public speaking / voice & embodiment

Click Here for Downloadable PDF of Extensive DialectArts Resume

DialectArts is my versatile coaching practice that offers personalized instruction across a wide range of disciplines. I work with individuals and groups of all ages in the areas of Acting, Shakespeare, Public Speaking (for non-actors), Dialects and Accents, Voice & Embodiment, and coaching for Corporate Executives. My experience comes from my comprehensive BFA and MFA in Acting with focuses on classical, experimental and social justice theater; 12 years of teaching artist and coaching work with ages 8 and up, from NYC/Tri-State Area, the cadets at West Point, to San Francisco. Adaptable to various contexts, my coaching serves 1) ongoing acting, dialect or any related area of study, 2) play readings or workshops, 3) fully staged productions, 4) audiobooks, and 5) auditions for theater, film, and TV.

What sets my approach apart in the coaching industry? I focus on expanding the creative potential and skill of each individual, rather than merely seeking a "right" answer or "fixing" problems. Whether I'm coaching dialects for a play or guiding an actor through an exercise, I design my work around the unique needs of the person or production, ensuring a tailored, dynamic experience. For example, when coaching dialects for a play, I prioritize consistency across the ensemble, while also supporting the director’s vision for both Character and the World of the Production.

Voice & Embodiment

January 21st || Strengthen Your Salty Voice, voice & embodiment workshop || Cape Ann Museum || in collaboration with Lanes Coven Theater Co

1:1 Voice/Embodiment Coaching Feedback

“I am exploring ways to luxuriate in my sound. A phenomenon I had never heard before working with Lily. She is a gem and I am so fortunate to train with her.” — LEAH YOUNG, NYC actress

Dialect Coaching

Productions:

Shining City by Conor McPherson || DUBLIN IRISH, Irish Rhetoric, Vocal Clarity, Pace, Adjustment for American Audiences || dir. Tony-Elias Choufani & Brandi Simmons || Sihr Theatre

The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde || BRITISH RP, Enunciation/Vocal Technique for Outdoor Theater/British Rhetoric || dir. Myself || Lanes Coven Theater Co

The Dumb Waiter by Harold Pinter || COCKNEY, Enunciation/Vocal Technique for Stage, British Rhetoric || dir. Myself || Lanes Coven Theater Co

Translations by Brian Friel || DONEGAL IRISH, BRITISH RP, Irish Gaelic pronunciation, & Vocal Technique || dir. Trudi Olivetti || Marblehead Little Theatre

FunnyHouse of a Negro & Movie Star by Adrienne Kennedy || POLISH, GEORGIA SOUTHERN, BRITISH (RP) Dialects & Vocal Technique || dir. Alice Reagan || Barnard College

Salt Water People reading || BONAKER Dialect Researcher & Coach || American Lore Theater, Wall Street Journal || Oyster Bay Historical Society

Motherly Love, Or the Lies of A Cell reading || SCOTTISH Dialect || dir. Molly Rose Heller || Primary Stages

Mothman reading by Charlotte Ahlin || APPALACHIAN, SWEDISH Dialects || dir. Kathleen Capdesuner || American Lore Theater at City Lore

The Tallest Man in the World by Ailis Ni Riain || IRISH Dialect & Poetic Rhetoric || dir. Ran Xia || The Tank see blog review by Emily Cordes on Theatre Is Easy

1:1 Dialect-Coaching Feedback:

Click Here for a Downloadable PDF of Feedback from my Clients & Collaborators

RP BRITISH, BREATH, & EMBODIMENT

“What I initially thought was support and instruction in the RP British Dialect, evolved into a discovery of my voice, an introduction to presence for me, and exposure to culturally relevant actors who are doing what I envision myself doing. Lily is compassionate, generous, and intentional and tailors lessons to what you don’t even realize you need. Breathing is now part of my acting life and daily life without abstention. And as for my voice-I am exploring ways to luxuriate in my sound. A phenomenon I had never heard before working with her. Lily is a gem and I am so fortunate to train with her.” — LEAH YOUNG, NYC actress

FRENCH

“Lily is masterful in identifying the key sounds of a dialect, so that you can hear them and learn to produce them yourself. I had to do a French Accent for a “Blacklist” audition and I had very little time to prepare. Lily demo-ed key characteristics for me to follow, and clearly differentiated them from my own vocal tendencies. It resulted in a director's session for the show!" — ADRIANNA MITCHELL ( Broadway: Fat Ham, “Snowfall.” )

SCOTTISH

“Working with Lily on was beyond helpful! Lily not only clearly articulated technical aspects (breaking down vowels, sound placement, etc), she was willing to get curious with me. She was a patient listener and teacher, and built my confidence with the dialect quickly. — MADALENA PROVO

SWEDISH

“The actor’s nightmare—I was given less than 24 hours notice for an audition in an accent I had never worked on before and was very unfamiliar with. I thought, "Great---well, I'm going to totally bomb this." Lily came in and instantly helped me feel at ease. We covered sounds and melody together in a way that supported my acting instead of covering it. With Lily's help I got a callback!” — RIVKA BOREK. (Regional: Indecent, SF Playhouse; Hamlet (opposite John Douglas Thompson), American Conservatory Theater.)

BRITISH ESTUARY

“Lily was so on point—she helped me solidify my audition in such a short amount of time, would recommend her to anyone!” — ESTHER CHEN (Golden Shield, Manhattan Theater Club)

BRITISH ESTUARY

“Lily helped me integrate the dialect into my work in such a way that freed me up to focus on the acting, and not the technicalities of dialect.” — BRONTE ENGLAND-NELSON (B’way: Three Tall Women)

Shakespeare Self-Tape Coaching:

“Lily coached me on an audition for Two Gentlemen of Verona-- it was my first time touching Shakespeare in 10 years and I booked the part! She was super fun to work with, relaxed, and really inspired confidence. She thinks about everything, from voice to physicality to intention to historical context. She gave me so many fun things to play with, in a way that was supportive and generative. I can't recommend working with her highly enough! Also, I really appreciated that Lily knew when I had gotten “the take.” I have a tendency to just keep recording over and over again, and at a certain point Lily was like, “Nope, you got it!” And she was right. Shows what an eye and ear she has and also saved me so much time and energy trusting I was in good hands.”  — SARAH TODES (owner of NYC’s Puppetsburg)

MFA Audition Coaching Success Stories:

Currently at Columbia University for her MFA in Acting, BRIANNA DEMILIO

Audition Coaching:

“Lily is very detailed, with feedback and crafting that leads to specific work. She’s very kind and warm, and made me feel relaxed, free and safe.” — KADEEM ALI HARRIS (B’way: Thoughts of a Colored Man, TV: “Harlem,” “City on a Hill.”)

"Lily is sharp, insightful & kind with her feedback. She creates a space where you feel safe to play and fine tune what you're working on! — ADRIANNA MITCHELL (B’Way: Fat Ham)

“An incredibly warm, gentle presence to work with. Lily always creates a safe space to experiment & play. Her sharp eye allows her to take what you are already bringing to the work and refine it; making you more specific and more YOU, which is absolutely invaluable to me. Highly, highly recommend!” — AMANDA LEA MASON (B’way: Elephant Man)