Pamela Vanderway's Lounge Discussions

I have not done accents for many years, when I was young and did Stage Acting I felt there was too much “Mystical Unicorn” attitude to being “Able” to deliver accents .......No “Guru” is needed to pull off an accent! Listen to children mimicking each other (who all have different accents).... Its natural and spontaneous. I did manage to pull off Cockney/Scottish/Tennessee for up to an hour, but enjoyed impersonating the characters without concentrating too much on myself. I don’t think people should veer towards OR against accents, try out different options using a walkman, the results may be surprising!

I don't think its something you need to get rid of necessarily, especially if it adds to your overall "likability." Don't change who you are. I do, however, think it might be useful if you had some variety in your stable, and were not solely dependent on that one accent for work.

Guys, she won't "lose" her accent but have the ability to turn it on or off. That opens up roles. I've played Italian, Southern, Armenian, Russian and Spanish. It takes work but it can be done.

I think in Hollywood you should, but as a person I think you should not. However, with an accent you do get type cast. I know with Dutch (I am one) you will get German roles. Only when you are really good in hiding your accent (Ruther Hauer, Carice van Houten and Famke Jansen) you get the bigger parts. It really depends on what your wishes are, I think.

Aren't you working in France?

Hi Jac,

When it comes to casting in North America there is a growing need for diverse performers with different backgrounds. Definitely don't lose what makes you unique. It's not as though you have to lie about who you are or head into a Zoom meeting with a Casting Director or Director putting on an accent that isn't natural to you. And if you see a breakdown looking for actors who can speak French, or speak with a convincing French accent then obviously that role was made for you.

I took a class with a reputable Casting Director about and a half year ago and she noticed that a number of her students were Latinx. She recommended that although their language and accent can be a HUGE plus when it comes to casting certain roles, they should work on learning how to speak with a convincing transatlantic accent as well. This would open up more casting opportunities for them.

When you're interacting with fellow professionals and slating before your audition, always be you and be natural. Once you're auditioning/performing you may take on the dialect that is natural to the character (which may be a straightforward transatlantic accent, may be US Georgian accent, may be a thick Boston accent).

Have fun with it! There are a number of great accent tutorials on YouTube that can be very helpful. Bien amicalement à vous!

Hi Pamela!

Hi, Gigi!