Can hundreds of talented, working British actors be wrong?
Not likely.
They prioritize voice work—and that’s one of the reasons they’re so good.
Yet, many American actors skip voice training altogether. Then they wonder why British actors keep landing roles, even ones requiring American accents. But how often do we see American actors successfully playing British roles? Exactly—almost never.
So why is that? Why can British actors seamlessly play Americans while American actors are often discouraged from auditioning with British accents?
The answer: voice work.
Why Voice Training is a Game-Changer for Actors
Actors—British, American, Swahili—who train their voices develop emotional depth, physical connection, expressiveness, articulation, command of language, and overall presence. Simply put, they outperform those who don’t invest in their voice.
How Can You Start Voice Training?
There are many respected voice training methods to explore, including:
My Top Pick: Lessac Kinesensics
I’ve studied many of these methods, but Lessac Kinesensics is my favorite—and the one I find most effective. In fact, I’m currently on the path to becoming a certified facilitator in it.
Lessac training offers deep emotional exploration and body connection while also emphasizing articulation and technical precision—key tools for mastering accents (take that, Brits!).
What is Lessac Kinesensics?
Arthur Lessac developed this system in the 1960s. As an actor and singer, he discovered that using his body and voice in specific ways evoked relaxation and pleasure. Techniques like humming, sighing, floating, shaking, and yawning helped him uncover three key body NRGs (Buoyancy, Potency, and Radiancy) and three vocal NRGs (Consonant NRG, Tonal NRG, and Structural NRG).
Here are examples of these vocal NRGs in action:
- Tonal NRG: Chris Pratt in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 – Notice how he commands the line: “Prepare for a really bad landing!” Zoe Saldana’s scream is another example—powerful yet vocally protected.
- Consonant NRG: Alan Rickman in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows – Rickman’s mastery of consonant energy brings Severus Snape to life.
- Structural NRG: Meryl Streep & Viola Davis in Doubt – Their vocal structure is intimate yet powerful, seamlessly connected to emotion.
The Impact of Voice Work on My Students
When I incorporated Lessac Kinesensics into my classes, the transformation in my students’ acting was undeniable. Before, I simply didn’t have time for it in the curriculum. Now? I would never leave it out.
Voice work is just too important.
If you’re serious about acting, don’t neglect this crucial element of your craft.
Ready to Elevate Your Acting?
At Actors In Action Conservatory, we train actors in movement, emotions, behavior, auditions, script analysis, and scene study—with voice work as a foundational piece. Our actors consistently book roles and sign with top agents and managers in both local and major markets.