Voice Coaching for Actors

I have a range of accents: UK, American, and European.

Any accent you require can be covered with enough notice for research. If necessary if English is not your first language we can work on smoothing/neutralising your own accent for greater clarity in communication or for work on a Standard English accent (ST.RP), through original accent material, by ear or through phonetic transcription.

Intonation and Variety

Learn more

Without this our everyday speech can often be flat and uninteresting, with coaching this can be improved, giving your voice colour and impact.

Phonetics

Learn more

I can teach you the International Phonetic Association’s alphabet (IPA) in order to be more accurate in what you can hear.

Diction, Elocution and Clarity

Learn more

Speech faults can be identified and improved. Increase your communication skills and the ability to express yourself through language.

Vocal Extremes

Learn more

In extremely emotional texts you may find when you shout or scream or cry that you are starting to strain or damage your voice. With coaching, I can help you sound authentic but ensure good vocal health.

Sight reading/Audition Technique

Learn more

From the moment you walk through the door make sure you are making the right impact. Learn to come out of the text, communicate better, keep your place and make more effective use of pauses. Practice and improve cold readings skills which are essential to give you the best possible chance of success in an audition.

My Approach

I like to tailor the sessions to the needs of the client and not one approach fits all. I need to find out what the client wants to achieve and whether this is realistic for them? I am there to support and encourage the actor or client and help give them confidence in what they want to achieve.

With Theatre, Film and TV work I need to understand what the Director/Producers need, what their vision is for how the actors need to sound, what accent, and whether vocal use fits the style and period of the project.

See Full CV Here

Voice coaching for Actors.

I’ve put together answers to some of the most common questions clients often have about voice coaching. For anything else please call 07957 211065 or email me at contact@yourvoicecoach.co.uk

Questions answers

Who have you worked with?

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 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 and 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.

Is voice coaching only available in London & Brighton?

Voice coaching can take place at a location of your choice for a negotiable fee, so is not limited to London and Brighton.

Do you voice coach via Skype?

Yes, Skype voice coaching can be arranged.

My Top Voice Tips

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

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.

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

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)

Recent Work

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

Bud Light

(Jan 19)

Gallery

Testimonials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Voice Coaching for Actors

I have a range of accents: UK, American, and European.

Any accent you require can be covered with enough notice for research. If necessary if English is not your first language we can work on smoothing/neutralising your own accent for greater clarity in communication or for work on a Standard English accent (ST.RP), through original accent material, by ear or through phonetic transcription.

Intonation and Variety

Learn more

Without this our everyday speech can often be flat and uninteresting, with coaching this can be improved, giving your voice colour and impact.

Phonetics

Learn more

I can teach you the International Phonetic Association’s alphabet (IPA) in order to be more accurate in what you can hear.

Diction, Elocution and Clarity

Learn more

Speech faults can be identified and improved. Increase your communication skills and the ability to express yourself through language.

Vocal Extremes

Learn more

In extremely emotional texts you may find when you shout or scream or cry that you are starting to strain or damage your voice. With coaching, I can help you sound authentic but ensure good vocal health.

Sight reading/Audition Technique

Learn more

From the moment you walk through the door make sure you are making the right impact. Learn to come out of the text, communicate better, keep your place and make more effective use of pauses. Practice and improve cold readings skills which are essential to give you the best possible chance of success in an audition.

My Approach

I like to tailor the sessions to the needs of the client and not one approach fits all. I need to find out what the client wants to achieve and is that realistic for them. I am there to support and encourage the actor or client and help give them confidence in what they want to achieve. With Theatre, Film and TV work I need to understand what the Director/Producers need, what their vision is for how the actors need to sound, what accent, vocal use fits the style and period of the project.

Voice coaching for actors. Questions answered

I've put together answers to some of the most common questions clients often have about voice coaching. For anything else please call 07957 211065 or email me at contact@yourvoicecoach.co.uk

Who have you worked with?

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 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 and 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.

Is voice coaching only available in London & Brighton?

Voice coaching can take place at a location of your choice for a negotiable fee, so is not limited to London and Brighton.

Do you voice coach via Skype?

Yes, Skype voice coaching can be arranged.

My Top Voice Tips

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.

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)

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

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

Recent Work

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

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

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)

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

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

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)

Bud Light

(Jan 19)

Gallery

Testimonials

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

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

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

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

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

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

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