Actors
Voice and Speech
The artist’s body is their instrument. The artist’s mind is their tool. The artist's voice is the link.
An athlete trains, not only by playing sports, but by developing fundamental skills. As actors we can’t only put in the work for an audition or rehearsal. We need to stay creatively and critically engaged. Everything begins with breath; it becomes impulse, which becomes thought, which becomes action, which leads finally to communication and language.
It takes regular practice and training to keep the link between each step strong and flexible. That gives us the opportunity to play with texts you’ve always been interested in, projects you’re developing, and language you love but never get to embody. It’s the play, exploration, and curiosity that draws people like us to this work in the first place. Here is where we exercise and maybe even rediscover that sense of curiosity and play.
Imagine how free you would feel in your next engagement if through your somatic work you were more in touch with your unique rhythms and impulses. The more you know yourself and your instrument the more you’ll find freedom in your art.
What people say
“Working with Jillian Courtney is always a treat. She is an empathetic and kind coach who is excited to work with what you have and help you continue to grow. Before working with Jillian, I was self-conscious about the tone and pitch of my natural voice. Jillian took this in stride and encouraged me to bring my natural voice to our work. Then, she gave me exercises to help me build the voice I have into an even stronger tool. I recommend Jillian to anyone who has been made to feel like their voice isn't enough - she will remind you that your voice is your own and help you learn how to treat it like the invaluable tool it is.”
Amy Helms, Actor
“I was preparing to perform my solo show at The Goodman Theater in Chicago, but having a hard time consistently accessing my full voice. Jillian, with keen insight on anatomy and sensitivity to an actor's process, was able to pinpoint where the tension in my body was restricting my accessing my full voice. Through a series of exercises, Jillian was able to help me find ease and more fun using my full range of vocal power.”
Antonio Edwards Suarez, Actor
Acting/Audition
Acting is a collaborative art. We don’t act in isolation—we act in response. You can’t do your best work alone in front of a ring light and neutral backdrop.
That’s where our work together begins. Collaboration is at the heart of it. I’ll ask questions, dive into the text and context, get to know your character and your point of view. From there, we’ll work physically— attuning to what arises in your body, uncovering subtle impulses, and bringing them to the forefront with curiosity and play.
We’ll work and rework, play and adjust, exploring how shifts in perspective open up new possibilities. By the time you land on a take that feels alive and authentic, you’ll be ready for whatever comes next. When the director says, “Let’s try something different,” you’ll already have planted the seeds of a new exploration. You’ll be responsive, flexible, and fully prepared to meet the moment.
What people say
Jillian creates an environment that feels both safe and creatively freeing! She guided me through an exploration of the text using rhythm, emphasis, and physicality to discover my own unique voice, point of view and connection to the material. I really appreciated her ability to break down the scene and offer specific and playful suggestions that allowed me to be in a space of discovery and curiosity, rather than overwhelm. She helped me build the world of the scene and embody the character in numerous ways before landing on one choice. Ultimately allowing me to deliver a much more grounded, nuanced and uniquely me performance.
Geri. C-A, Actor/Director/Producer
Dialect
Do you have an audition coming up that calls for a specific accent?
Is there a dialect you’re always being asked to perform?
Or are you currently working on a show and could use a little dialect support?
Having a “good ear” isn’t always enough—and not knowing how to physically reproduce sounds doesn’t mean you have a “bad ear”! Like any skill, some people have natural aptitude, but when you break it down and practice the components, everyone will improve.
That’s where I come in. Together, we’ll analyze the dialect and identify the key sound shifts from your way of speaking. I’ll show you how those sounds are created physically and create targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles till they become easy and natural. Once you can make the sounds, then we connect them to genuine expression.
If you’re working on a character, we’ll weave the accent into their personality—so it becomes an integral part of who they are. If you’re not working on a specific role, we’ll explore expression and flow through fun, conversational practice.
What people say
I recently worked with Jillian as an accent coach for a French speaking role at The Metropolitan Opera. Her instruction was invaluable. Her simple, clear and technical directions made the accent placement easy to sense and repeat. In just a few sessions she transformed my French dialect and gave me the confidence I needed to speak the text fluently. I can’t recommend her highly enough.
Tina Mitchell, Actor/Acting Professor
Contact
Take the first step! Let’s have a chemistry call. Share what you’re working on and how you’d like to grow.