Episode 5: Dialects, Accents, and the Politics of Speech

Dialects, Accents, and the Politics of Speech: A conversation with Robin Christian McNair and Kate Udall (Part II)
Robin and Kate are both passionate about the need for actors to work on their voices. In this episode our conversation centered around accents and dialects. They talk about how stereotypes and cultural norms/expectations affect how we talk and how that impacts us as actors. Advice from Robin includes, “I’m more interested in you speaking the truth than having a pretty voice. Leave out the judgement.” While Kate adds, “Shame is the great destroyer of talent.”

Robin Christian-McNair teaches voice full time at UNCSA's School of Drama. Before coming to the school she taught at the Actors Studio, Rutgers, Syracuse, and Purchase College Conservatory. In her teaching, Robin focuses on freedom of breath, body and self expression. She trains actors to always acknowledge and honor their cultural heritage.
Kate Udall is a visiting professor at UNCSA's school of Drama where she is teaching voice. She has worked in many regional theatre productions around the country and performed in several off Broadway shows. On screen she has appeared in Blue Bloods, Law & Order, and had a recurring role on Daredevil.
Both have studied voice under Kristin Linklater who states, "If you’re holding your breath in any way, part of you is absent."

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Find out more about Actors Group: https://www.actorsgroup.net/

Connect with Robin Christian McNair:
https://www.uncsa.edu/faculty-staff/robin-christian-mcnair.aspx
on IG at: @profrobinjo

Connect with Kate Udall:
http://www.kateudall.com/

Find out more about Kristin Linklater:
https://www.linklatervoice.com/linklater-voice/who-is-kristin-linklater

Resources for accent and dialect work:
International Dialects of English: https://www.dialectsarchive.com/

Paul Meier: https://www.paulmeier.com/

Gillian Lane-Plescia http://www.dialectresource.com/