A conversation by two bilingual English-language speakers (a voice coach and an actor) on ways to enhance accent learning for second language speaking actors. We will be reflecting on the challenges L2 actors face when training and working in English and how we can move forward to create greater inclusivity in accent training and coaching.

Sterre Maier is a Dutch voice specialist with extensive experience in theatre, education and voice coaching, having taught and directed in South Korea, Costa Rica, the Netherlands, Romania, Bulgaria, Mexico and the UK. She gained a BMus in Musical Theatre in the Netherlands and has an MA in the Practice of Voice and Singing from the Guildford School of Acting. She specialises in voice and identity and is currently Joint Head of Voice at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts in London.

Jenru Wang, a BFA graduate in Film Acting, began his career in Taiwan’s film and theatre industries before earning an MFA in Voice Studies with distinction from The Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in London. He has extensive experience working in theatre, film, and video game recordings, including My Neighbour Totoro with the Royal Shakespeare Company and AAA game projects. Passionate about East and Southeast Asian accents, Jenru focuses on coaching and promoting authentic representation. He has served as Head of Voice at Fourth Monkey Actor Training Company and taught at several leading drama schools. Currently, he is Senior Voice Tutor at Mountview and continues his professional development under the mentorship of Kay Welch.