The "Continental" Accent

Haneen Arafat · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007, 13:36 (GMT) Post subject: The "Continental" Accent

Periodically I see, and/or recieve, requests for auditions with a "Continental" accent. Not British, not North American...but something else. I've trained in theatrical dialects, and I'm pretty good at mimicking anything after listening to the IDEA site. Until now, when someone asks for "continental" I've just been punting and going for something that sounds like Dutch...but I also haven't booked any of these gigs. Does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach it, or examples of demos that show it off well?

Thanks!

Diane Havens · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007, 14:23 (GMT) Post subject:

I'd go for something more vaguely French than Dutch. They are probably not looking for anything too specific with those broad directions.

Robert Jadah · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007, 16:23 (GMT) Post subject:

I, too, twitch when I see those leads, Haneen.
Not only does 'Continental' describe my shirt size, but I always hope my Norwegian/British/Quebec-Canadian self most certainly qualifies.

Judging by my success rate, we can cross those off the list, too.

Luxemburgian, maybe?

Vernacular On!

Lee Gordon · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007, 18:45 (GMT) Post subject:

Hey, North America's a continent. slash

Bob Bair · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007, 19:21 (GMT) Post subject:

Try an Antarctican accent. Just say everything through chattering teeth.

Haneen Arafat · Posted: Sat Dec 22, 2007, 23:43 (GMT) Post subject:

Very clever suggestions, all.

I live in Jersey, and while I often think our state's accent has great depth and charm, it remains undiscovered outside the Bon Jovi fan base.

Maybe I'll follow Diane's lead and steer a little French. Oui Oui?

Diane Havens · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007, 01:52 (GMT) Post subject:

Well, now, Robert -- Norway, the UK, and Canada are not considered continental -- not to say each one is not perfectly lovely nonetheless!
The continent refers to the European mainland, of which, in my opinion, the most beautiful language is French -- though Italian might come in a close second. In cuisine, "continental" refers to a French/Italian influence. So, why not in language too, eh?

So, Haneen -- I live in Jersey -- whuduhyamean "accent"? Ok, Bon Jovi. And whuddabout Springsteen?

Haneen Arafat · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007, 14:37 (GMT) Post subject:

The difference between Springsteen and Bon Jovi? One wears dirty jeans and one wears tight jeans. Ha!

Really, the only thing I can tell you for sure, is that Jon has no sense of humor. [/img]

Diane Havens · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007, 14:47 (GMT) Post subject:

And Jon's a trifle younger. Very cool pic!

Haneen Arafat · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007, 15:12 (GMT) Post subject:

It's a bit off topic, but I thought a Jersey girl would appreciate it.

Bob Bair · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007, 19:46 (GMT) Post subject:

I always immediately think of Christopher Walken's character on SNL of "The Continental".

Haneen Arafat · Posted: Sun Dec 23, 2007, 22:07 (GMT) Post subject:

Oh, that's good.

Dan Carboni

http://youtube.com/watch?v=6rk8fcoFlos&feature=related

Here is "The Continental".
Give 'em your best Walken

Deby Cedars · Posted: Wed Feb 13, 2008, 23:12 (GMT) Post subject:

Thanks Dan....nice to see a neighbor on the boards...

What a job.....Can you imagine getting paid the big bucks to throw champaign at Christopher Walken ........sign me up!

Thomas C. Gass · Posted: Thu Feb 14, 2008, 12:04 (GMT) Post subject:

Haneen

I suppose the wish for a "continental" accent mostly comes from voice-seekers in Europe, right? Since I also do a lot of producing I know, that European customers like neither a straight forward American nor British accent (the one with the "stiff upper lip" Wink

So they are looking for something "in between". The official term used to describe this "accent" here is therefore "Mid-Atlantic" - or in other words, a rather neutral English, but definitely not influenced by any foreign accent (like dutch, french a.s.o.)

Thomas