I'm in the play Mame, I am Ralph Devine, a snobby, rich husband from conneticut. I don't have a snobby accent

Question

I think i have to clench my teeth and sound snobby and junk ya know. It's just I'm from Pennsylvania, not Connecticut. Help

Answer 1

Make sure when you are talking to people you are talking down to them because you always think you are better. Act like they are wasting your time but always take your time saying what ever it is you need to say. Also, try speaking more through your nose to give it an annoying kick.

Answer 2

Someone else mentioned Thurston Howell III from "Gilligan's Island," which is sort of the quintessential comedic version of this type dialect. However, you should confer with your director, and find out whether he wants something that cartoon-ish, or whether he's in the market for something more precise and appropriate to the region.

If the latter, then you need to find a good dialect book or some tapes to listen to. Jerry Blunt's book "Stage Dialects" is excellent, but I'm not sure that he goes into detail about this partciular region (there's also a sequel volume entitled "More Stage Dialects").

I recommend David Alan Stern's "Acting with an Accent" series of tapes (google the title, and you'll find them), and I'm pretty sure he does this sort of New England thing.

Good luck.

Answer 3

Before you speak - especially in your opening speeches - make a sound - could be clearing your voice - could just be a hooty sound - something to indicate the superiority from which you look down on the rest of the world. Any time you speak to someone and use the word "You," pause before saying it.

And if there is anyone on stage who is not your social equal (ah but who could be YOUR social equal?), treat them like a lugage porter at the train station - for them you don't need a snooty accent, just act like a drill sergeant and bark your commands.

And stand up straight. If you ACT snooty, most people won't notice if you don't SOUND snooty.

Break a leg.

Answer 4

Hello

Yes, Thurston Howell is a Cliche, but Mrs. Howell isn't...

Try Mrs. Howell, but with a manly pitch...that should fit Ralph Devine just fine..

Check out the movie, although I don't recall if it's just Mame, or Auntie Mame......

Answer 5

The clenched teeth, Thurston Howell accent is kind of cliche unless that is what your director is asking for. Lower your pitch, slow your speech and articulate precisely.

Answer 6

Cross your arms and hold your chin up. For snobby people, the chin or nose usually leads.

Look down on people when you talk to them, and be thinking "Im better than they are" while you deliver your lines.


Good luck!! =)

Answer 7

Give it a new twist - lisp. Seriously, it might make you famous.