The Accent Retreat

What is it?

Participants will learn how to approach any new accent by breaking it down into simple stages. We will be focusing on Standard English and General American and putting our tools into practice; lots of practice! There is no expectation of any previous accent work, and no pressure to get it ‘right’ straight away. Expect plenty of play, trying on new sounds, listening games and character application.  This retreat will give participants the opportunity to hone a new accent, and get confident using it in their scene work. We will follow a thorough step-by-step approach to accent work, covering all angles. I often hear people say they ‘have a good ear for accents’, or (more often!) ‘don’t have a good ear for accents’. Whichever camp you put yourself in, this retreat will show you that by listening in a different way, being methodical and identifying specific features you won’t have to leave anything up to chance.

What you’ll learn

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We’ve got an exciting combination for this unique retreat

1.  Bella Gibbins who’ll be teaching and supporting the learning and embedding of RP and General American accents whilst

2.  Steph puts her directors hat on and works with you on scenes, approaching text and given circumstances

It will be a practical and embodied process ensuring you leave inspired and confident in yourself, your craft and the accents you’ve learnt and refined.

Along with the studio time you’ll also be invited to join us for wild swims, walks and making dinner on the fire up on the moors.

Steph loves to mix things up so we’ll probably end up doing our scenes out in the wild too, what better way than to drop your learning into your body?

·  Participants will learn how to approach any new accent by breaking it down into simple stages.

·  Focusing on SE and General American and putting our tools into practice; lots of practice!

·  There is no expectation of any previous accent work, and no pressure to get it ‘right’ straight away.

·  Expect plenty of play, trying on new sounds, listening games and character application.

·  You’ll also learn how to hold yourself lightly, to practise kindness, letting go and self care.

What you'll leave with

A solid grounding in Standard English and General American, and an approach you can apply to learning any new accent. Invaluable skills for any actor!

Boosted! Alive! Connected. Inspired.

Confidence in adding a new accent to your CV, ready to play.

What's included

·  Shared accomodation for 7 nights

·  - You can choose course only as an option (this includes using the kitchen with the group) - Or there is one private room available on the farm down the road

·  Food package for arrival evening and first morning and kitchen basics ie tea, coffee, spices, oils etc (the rest you’ll order with local delivery)

·  Expert accent training

·  A beautifully fused coaching experience from the studio into the wild and back again.

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Accommodation

· ​You'll be staying in our custom built studio and retreat nestled in the rolling Welsh countryside.

· ​Sleeping up to twelve people, our accommodation is the perfect place to relax and bond with your group.

· ​We have a patio garden and balcony for moments of calm and boundless countryside to explore. ​​

· Want to find out more about the accommodation?  Click here!

· Getting here is easier than you think. You can drive or we can help with car sharing / collection from Chester/Ruabon if someone's not passing your route. And the T10 bus stops right outside our door!

Payment Options

1) Pay up front via the website.

2) Personal payment plans – If you need a little help, we can spread payments out to make them suit your pocket. Want to set one up? No problem!

Email stephanie@both-feet.co.uk and we can give you a bespoke package.

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Who coaches you

Stephanie Morgan

Cofounder, Company Manager & Coach

Steph is a practitioner with over 15 years’ professional experience in the performing arts. Since 2005, she has worked in theatres across the country as a performer, Venue Technician, Stage Manager, Assistant Director and Director. Most recently, she taught Acting to Undergraduates and Masters’ students at ALRA Drama School and ICTheatre & has been a guest practitioner and lecturer at Leeds Conservatoire. Steph is an INLPTA certified Neuro Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner and an mBIT (multiple Brain Integration Techniques) Master Coach - where neuroscience backs up ancient wisdoms. She integrates all her training into her teaching practice to fuel her passion for creating healthy and happy actors.​  Steph trained in the Meisner Technique under Scott Williams (The Impulse Company) and Keith Farquhar (Moment to Moment) and has been teaching her version for several years. Prior to Both Feet, Steph was the Managing Director of West Yorkshire Theatre Network (2009-2016), which offered performance and networking opportunities, rehearsal space and training courses from internationally renowned artists for thousands of actors across the world.  She also is the founder and creator of Bodlondeb Retreat in North Wales, where our Both Feet Retreats take place.

Arabella Gibbins

Voice specialist, Teacher, coach, singer, performer

Bella is a singing teacher, performer, and voice coach. She trained at The Oxford School of Drama, and later gained an MFA in Voice Studies from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama. Bella is passionate about helping people find their voice, and works with people from all walks of life. She teaches actors in training at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, and runs workshops and one-to-one voice sessions throughout the year. Bella enjoys an embodied approach to voice and accent work, and believes that laughter is the best medicine.

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She's driven by people. Seeing people grow, and facilitating positive change. Helping people overcome barriers that get in the way of communicating clearly, honestly, and fully.