About Me

    I was born into the tradition of theatre, opera and performing and it remains a great passion to me. I have spent years training my own voice, and have enjoyed over 30 years as a professional actor, singer and recording artist. I have had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in the business and have been lucky enough to have played at top venues regionally and in London’s West End theatres. During the nineties I retrained as a voice and accent coach on the UK’s foremost vocational course for professional voice teachers at The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama and have since gone onto working in Film, T.V., and Theatre both internationally and in the UK – and taught at Drama schools and Universities in London, Guildford and Chichester including The Royal Central School and becoming Deputy Head of Voice Studies at Mountview Academy Of Theatre Arts.

    The ethos behind my work is drawn from a diverse background of teaching influences including Cicily Berry, Kristan Linklater, Michael McCallian, Barbara Houseman, Patsy Rodenburg, Jo Estille, The Alexander Technique, and Roy Hart. Although my teaching keeps me incredibly busy I still find time to pursue my acting and singing career. I am also a member of these renowned organisations:

    As an actress/singer – she has been involved in many show and films on productions such as Chess, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, The Rocky Horror Show, The Class of Miss MacMichael, Les Miserables, Merrily We Roll Along, House Of Obsession, As You Like It, A Lover And His Lass, Fears Miseries of The Third Reich.

    People that Dee has worked with include Glenda Jackson, Oliver Reed, Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Elaine Paige, Trevor Nunn, Stephen Sondheim, Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus, Cameron Mackintosh/The RSC, West Yorkshire Play House, Birmingham Rep, Babel Theatre Co and Jericho Productions to name but a few.

    Classes for Actors, corporate speakers, or anyone!

    I hold sessions in London and Brighton or I can travel anywhere to accommodate groups at your office or rehearsal studio (fee’s for travel outside of London/Brighton are negotiable). Sessions are on a 1- 2 -1 basis or in groups. Length is an hour individually, or tailored to your requirements as a group, day or half day sessions or a course over several weeks (discounts are available for courses of 10 sessions). You are also welcome to bring your own recording equipment to record the sessions to refer back to. Exercise material is provided for you to take away.

    View My Full CV

    My Top Voice Tips

    tip 4

    Steaming your voice either with with a bowl of hot water (no added oils etc) and a towel over your head and the bowl and breath in the steam. If necessary invest in a professional steamer for the voice (available on line)

    tip 2

    If your voice is tired the most effective remedy is “rest it completely” which includes talking on the phone.

    tip 1

    Water is essential for the body and the vocal folds, it should be room temperature and definitely not ice cold. Recommended Intake for women is 1.5litres/ men 2 litres. If physically exerting yourself then increase this.

    tip 3

    Soothing a tired voice – Warm water with Honey (preferably Manuka), lemon and fresh ginger slices.

    Recent Work

    Work 6

    Hershey’s – I had a great time working with a group of English actors who required a General American accent for a new Hersheys commercial for USA TV.

    (Apr 19)

    Work 7

    Bud Light

    (Jan 19)

     

    work 1

    Ella Balinska Charlies Angel Reboot – Kristen Stewart. I had the pleasure of working with Ella ahead of her new role in Charlie’s Angels reboot later this year.

    Read more

    work 2

    The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson – Another great opportunity and pleasure to work with some of the cast/actors ahead of their new play ‘The last temptation of Boris Johnson’.

    (May until June) – Read more

    Work 3

    Chichester University student musical: Lucky Stiff – I’m currently coaching for the Chichester University student musical, called Lucky Stiff. They need English, New York, General American, and European accents.

    (May 19)

    Work 4

    I am very pleased to congratulate ‘Fejiro Emasiobi’ one of my recently graduating students from GSA who has joined the cast of All About Eve.

    (May 19) – Read more

    Work 5

    Just finished working on two plays at GSA -‘ Boudica’, Directed by Trevor Rawlins and ‘Table’, Dir by Grainne Byrne  – which required approx 10 English and European accents.

    (Mar 19) – Read more

    Testimonials

    Gx

    Dear Dee,
    Thank you so much!
    Well!  We did really well I think.  The accents were a massive part of it and I thought they got to a very good place.  They were absorbed into the piece – which is the best compliment I think.
    Their second night, seen by Dom Rouse, Jaq Bessel and Trevor  Rawlins, was stupendous – the best they did. I was delighted.
    So, it was great working with you Dee  I hope we get to do it again.
    Have a lovely Easter

    GX, Gráinne Byrne

    Katrarzyna Deszcz

    Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Dee Forrest as a voice and accent coach and a director’s assistant. I have worked with Dee on four plays that I was directing at GSA.
    She provided the highest standard of professional support for me as the director. Her work with my actors massively improved their performances. With each production, she delivered what was necessary for each specific project and also for each actor. All of them received clear and precise notes and, if needed, areas to work on to improve their accent or vocal use. The actors clearly respected her expertise and style of coaching which clearly fed greatly into all their performances. What I really appreciate is her way of co-operating with a director, she is happy to input possible ideas and thoughts about the accent or voice work, where requested, and follow a director’s needs at the same time, she contributes to the rehearsal process with great dignity, professionalism, and humour. Working with Dee Forrest is also a great pleasure.

    Katarzyna Deszcz
    Theatre director/Poland

    Laura Crowhurst

    Thank you for all the training you have given me. It has made me clearer, more confident and able to breathe!

    Laura Crowhurst – BA student

    Ruby Wang

    Dee really helped me transfer my skills as a graduating Barrister to a fully fledged Barrister in the London Crown courts of the Old Bailey and Snaresbrook. After a Judge had mentioned my need for some help vocally I found Dee who she helped me enormously with my depth of tone, gravitas, and vocal and physical command when addressing the Judges and Jury. Dee also worked on my clarity and style of delivery and this all increased my confidence to such an extent the Judge, who had advised me to seek help, congratulated me on my transformation. I would not hesitate to recommend her to colleagues and others needing vocal coaching.

    Ruby Wang – Barrister

    Annie Ullrich

    Dee is an amazing person who creates a safe environment during lessons and takes time to get to know her student. Her step-by-step approach helps you not feeling overwhelmed or stressed. I learned a lot about the English language and it’s pronunciation, and the exercises are not only for the acting profession. I loved working with Dee and will hopefully continue taking lessons with her in the future. I strongly recommend Dee to everyone who’s looking for a wonderful and experienced voice coach.

    Annie Ullrich – Actress

    Jakie Knowies

    Thank you for providing me with this wonderful experience… it has been challenging, demanding, thorough, enjoyable and truly invaluable – your support, expertise, inspiration, such enthusiasm, and commitment – it’s been amazing.

    Jackie Knowies – PGMA Student

    James Oakley

    I got in touch with Dee as I wanted to improve my public speaking for various engagements including speaking to large audiences. In less than 3 months the focus on not only pitch and tone, but also breathing and delivery improved my public speaking dramatically and I continue to do the exercises we worked on together over a year later with success.

    James Oakley – Media/Marketing

    About Me

    I was born into the tradition of theatre, opera and performing and it remains a great passion. I have spent years training my own voice, and have enjoyed over 30 years as a professional actor, singer and recording artist.

    Read more

    I have had the privilege of working with some of the biggest names in the business and have been lucky enough to have played at top venues regionally and in London’s West End theatres. During the I retrained as a voice and accent coach on the UK’s foremost vocational course for professional voice teachers Central School of Speech and Drama.

    The ethos behind my work is drawn from a diverse background of teaching influences including Cicily Berry, Kristan Linklater, Michael, The Alexander Technique Roy Hart. Although my teaching keeps me incredibly busy I still find time to pursue my singing career, performing an extensive Jazz repertoire. I am also a member of these organisations:

    I work mainly in drama training, and the film and theatre industry. Over the years I've been involved in many well-known shows and films such as Chess, Oklahoma, The Sound of Music, The Rocky Horror Show, The Class of Miss MacMichael, Les Miserables, Merrily We Roll Along, House Of Obsession, As You Like It, A Lover And His Lass, Fears Miseries of The Third Reich.

    People that I've worked with include Stockard Channing, Azure Skye, Matthew Goode, Sean Brosnan, Glenda Jackson, Oliver Reed, Timothy West, Prunella Scales, Jonathan Pryce, Elaine Paige, Trevor Nunn, Stephen Sondheim, Benny Andersson & Bjorn Ulvaeus, Cameron Mackintosh/The RSC, West Yorkshire Play House, Birmingham Rep, Babel Theatre Co and Jericho Productions to name but a few.

    View My full CV

    Classes for
    Actors, corporate speakers, or anyone!

    I hold sessions in London and Brighton or I can travel anywhere to accommodate groups at your office or rehearsal studio (fee’s for travel outside of London/Brighton are negotiable). Sessions are on a 1- 2 -1 basis or in groups. Length is an hour individually, or tailored to your requirements as a group, day or half day sessions or a course over several weeks (discounts are available for courses of 10 sessions). You are also welcome to bring your own recording equipment to record the sessions to refer back to. Exercise material is provided for you to take away.

    My Top Voice Tips

    tip 2

    If your voice is tired the most effective remedy is “rest it completely” which includes talking on the phone.

    tip 4

    Steaming your voice either with with a bowl of hot water (no added oils etc) and a towel over your head and the bowl and breath in the steam. If necessary invest in a professional steamer for the voice (available on line)

    tip 3

    Soothing a tired voice – Warm water with Honey (preferably Manuka), lemon and fresh ginger slices.

    tip 1

    Water is essential for the body and the vocal folds, it should be room temperature and definitely not ice cold. Recommended Intake for women is 1.5litres/ men 2 litres. If physically exerting yourself then increase this.

    Recent Work

    Work 6

    Hershey’s – I had a great time working with a group of English actors who required a General American accent for a new Hersheys commercial for USA TV.

    (Apr 19)

    Work 7

    Bud Light

    (Jan 19)

     

    work 1

    Ella Balinska Charlies Angel Reboot – Kristen Stewart. I had the pleasure of working with Ella ahead of her new role in Charlie’s Angels reboot later this year.

    Read more

    work 2

    The Last Temptation of Boris Johnson – Another great opportunity and pleasure to work with some of the cast/actors ahead of their new play ‘The last temptation of Boris Johnson’.

    (May until June) – Read more

    Work 3

    Chichester University student musical: Lucky Stiff – I’m currently coaching for the Chichester University student musical, called Lucky Stiff. They need English, New York, General American, and European accents.

    (May 19)

    Work 4

    I am very pleased to congratulate ‘Fejiro Emasiobi’ one of my recently graduating students from GSA who has joined the cast of All About Eve.

    (May 19) – Read more

    Work 5

    Just finished working on two plays at GSA -‘ Boudica’, Directed by Trevor Rawlins and ‘Table’, Dir by Grainne Byrne  – which required approx 10 English and European accents.

    (Mar 19) – Read more

    Testimonials

    Gx

    Dear Dee,
    Thank you so much!
    Well!  We did really well I think.  The accents were a massive part of it and I thought they got to a very good place.  They were absorbed into the piece – which is the best compliment I think.
    Their second night, seen by Dom Rouse, Jaq Bessel and Trevor  Rawlins, was stupendous – the best they did. I was delighted.
    So, it was great working with you Dee  I hope we get to do it again.
    Have a lovely Easter

    GX, Gráinne Byrne

    Ruby Wang

    Dee really helped me transfer my skills as a graduating Barrister to a fully fledged Barrister in the London Crown courts of the Old Bailey and Snaresbrook. After a Judge had mentioned my need for some help vocally I found Dee who she helped me enormously with my depth of tone, gravitas, and vocal and physical command when addressing the Judges and Jury. Dee also worked on my clarity and style of delivery and this all increased my confidence to such an extent the Judge, who had advised me to seek help, congratulated me on my transformation. I would not hesitate to recommend her to colleagues and others needing vocal coaching.

    Ruby Wang – Barrister

    Annie Ullrich

    Dee is an amazing person who creates a safe environment during lessons and takes time to get to know her student. Her step-by-step approach helps you not feeling overwhelmed or stressed. I learned a lot about the English language and it’s pronunciation, and the exercises are not only for the acting profession. I loved working with Dee and will hopefully continue taking lessons with her in the future. I strongly recommend Dee to everyone who’s looking for a wonderful and experienced voice coach.

    Annie Ullrich – Actress

    Laura Crowhurst

    Thank you for all the training you have given me. It has made me clearer, more confident and able to breathe!

    Laura Crowhurst – BA student

    Jakie Knowies

    Thank you for providing me with this wonderful experience… it has been challenging, demanding, thorough, enjoyable and truly invaluable – your support, expertise, inspiration, such enthusiasm, and commitment – it’s been amazing.

    Jackie Knowies – PGMA Student

    Katrarzyna Deszcz

    Without hesitation, I would highly recommend Dee Forrest as a voice and accent coach and a director’s assistant. I have worked with Dee on four plays that I was directing at GSA.
    She provided the highest standard of professional support for me as the director. Her work with my actors massively improved their performances. With each production, she delivered what was necessary for each specific project and also for each actor. All of them received clear and precise notes and, if needed, areas to work on to improve their accent or vocal use. The actors clearly respected her expertise and style of coaching which clearly fed greatly into all their performances. What I really appreciate is her way of co-operating with a director, she is happy to input possible ideas and thoughts about the accent or voice work, where requested, and follow a director’s needs at the same time, she contributes to the rehearsal process with great dignity, professionalism, and humour. Working with Dee Forrest is also a great pleasure.

    Katarzyna Deszcz
    Theatre director/Poland

    James Oakley

    I got in touch with Dee as I wanted to improve my public speaking for various engagements including speaking to large audiences. In less than 3 months the focus on not only pitch and tone, but also breathing and delivery improved my public speaking dramatically and I continue to do the exercises we worked on together over a year later with success.

    James Oakley – Media/Marketing

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