Performing Accents and Dialects in the Theatre

Authenticity, Representation, and Inclusion

Presenter: Marie Ramirez Downing

Co-Presenter(s):
Reilly Milton, Marisabel Flores, Manny DeLeon, Phi Tran

Presenter Status: Faculty

Academic Year: 20-21

Semester: Spring

Faculty Mentor: Marie Ramirez Downing

Department: Theatre Arts & Dance

Funding Source/Sponsor: Koret Scholars Program

President's Strategic Plan Goal: Connectivity and Community Engagement, Diversity and Social Justice, Adaptability and Responsiveness

Screenshot URL: https://drive.google.com/uc?id=1VomubnZ3rAtnW36l_NXYjrZycZe7044z

Abstract:
The theatre is a place to produce plays about the diverse people who populate this world.  The International Dialects of English Archive (IDEA) website was created to be a repository for real people to contribute their accents and dialects for theatrical study. It is used by professional actors, students, directors, and voice and dialect coaches when producing plays that require accuracy and authenticity when telling stories of various regions around the globe. We seek true representation of Mexican and Chicano voices from the northern, central, and southern areas of California. The current database for Mexico and California needs to be updated and expanded.  As Associate Editor for those regions, we plan to collect new accents and dialects that represent and include every unique detail about our subjects and give them a platform to tell their stories through a written and recorded transcription process and eventual performance by our SSU students.