Phonetics for Actors

Today’s actors are increasingly required to perform in many accents. Phonetics for Actors teaches actors how to learn accents accurately and quickly.

Instruction is given by Benjamin Cannicott Shavitz (PhD), a language expert with deep knowledge of how foreign accents work, the many varieties of native English accents, and how all accents are created using different configurations of the vocal tract.

“[Phonetics for Actors] gave me a systematic approach to learning new accents. My Scottish accent is more accurate and authentic from 12 weeks [of Phonetics for Actors] than other accents that I have spent years informally learning. Thank you [Phonetics for Actors], I look forward to continuing to learn with you down the road!”

- Selim T.

“[Phonetics for Actors] was a very thorough introduction that made a lot of sense. I've used the info working with dialect guides for various accents. I appreciated that [Phonetics for Actors] focuses on sounds made in English-language dialects and information most pertinent to performers. And [Phonetics for Actors] provides good references for further study.”

- Lesley T.

About

Phonetics for Actors offers dialect coaching that provides actors with a fundamental understanding of how accents work. Phonetics for Actors not only teaches actors how to perform accents, it also teaches actors how to learn accents systematically, quickly, and accurately. All instruction is given by a former college professor with a PhD in linguistics. The ability to master new accents is vital to actors’ ability to play many characters presented on today’s stages and screens and Phonetics for Actors develops that ability in its students.

My Story

Phonetics for Actors is taught by Benjamin Cannicott Shavitz, a former professor at Hunter College in New York City who taught classes on how English works and how to understand English’s many forms. Ben has developed his dialect coaching using his advanced knowledge of how language works and his personal use of that knowledge for learning accents. As a lifelong lover of theater, television, and film, and an experienced educator, Ben works to support the beauty of performance by empowering actors with knowledge.

Donate Your Accent

Any student who donates their accent to Phonetics for Actors can receive their first dialect coaching session free. Donating your accent to Phonetics for Actors is a great way to help make sure that the accents used on stages and screens are authentic and not caricatures. Donating your accent makes the world of performance better.

Benjamin Cannicott Shavitz

Invest in your talent and make performance beautiful for everyone.