About
I am a New York City based actor, singer, director, and a voice/dialect coach. I have coached actors On and Off Broadway. Currently I serve as the Chair of Voice and Speech at Circle in the Square Theatre School, as well as teaching at the Syracuse University/Tepper Program in NYC (B.F.A), PACE University (B.F.A.-Film/TV/Commercial/Voice Over), The Linklater Center for Voice and Language.
Resume
Education
M.F.A. Southern Methodist University
2004
Professional Actor Training Program
As an MFA Acting student at S.M.U, I studied the Stanislavski based acting system. Character study through Classical, Modern, and Contemporary Scene Study, and Ensemble driven works. Voice, speech, and Movement classes included Linklater, Alexander, Le Coq, Commedia and Character Masks, European Clown, Gymnastics, Circus Trapeze and Juggling, Tai Chi, and Stage Combat with Hand to Hand and Rapier and Daggers.
B.F.A. Central Michigan University
2001
Majors in Acting and Vocal Performance
Graduating with a Double Major in Theatre with an emphasis in Acting, and Music with an emphasis in Vocal Performance. The Music degree consisted of 5 years of private Classical Singing lessons, and several classes in Music Theory, Music History, Sight Singing and Ear training, and Opera Performances.
Designated Linklater “Freeing the Natural Voice” Teacher
2012
Linklater voice work is an integrated approach to voice and bodywork. Although most people are born with the ability to express themselves freely, tension and stress over the course of a lifetime, debilitates this ability and limits the potential strength of one's vocal aliveness, and clear articulation. My goal is to revitalize and restore that birthright.
Certified Colaianni Speech/Phonetic Pillows Practitioner
2014
Louis Colaianni Speech work grows seamlessly out of Linklater voice work: Focusing on--Empowerment and Identity through an experiential study of Phonetics.
Professional Experience
Theatres, Universities and Studios:
- Private Voice Studio in NYC
2020 - Present
- Syracuse University/Tepper Program B.F.A. Dialects
2015 - Present
- The New Group Theatre, NY, NY
2005-2017
- Liverpool Playhouse, Liverpool, England
Fall 2010
- Schoenfeld Theatre, NY, NY
Winter 2010
- The Beckett Theatre, NY, NY
2010- 2019
- New Brooklyn Theatre hosted at Irondale Center, NY, NY
Summer 2015
- Schoenfeld Theatre, NY, NY
Winter 2010
- PACE University
2013 - Present
- New York City Conservatory of Dramatic Arts
Summer 2021
- Circle in the Square Theatre School, NY, NY
2014 - Present
- The Linklater Center
2012 - Present
- Lee Strasberg Institute of Film and Television
2018-2019
- The Hagen Institute: HB Studio
2013-2015
- Montclair State University, Montclair, NJ
2008-2013
Portfolio
Most recent Performance Art works
“Dans L’ombre: in the shadows”
Created the Devised Music-Theatre-Music “Dans L’ombre: in the shadows” one-woman show combining Classical Music/Opera/Poetry and Butoh Dance which was performed at the Midland Center for the Arts, and in a Salon performance in Charlotte, NC.
Click here to listen to Performances
“A Fireside Celtic Christmas”
Developed “A Fireside Celtic Christmas” an evening of Music and Poetry with instrumentalists Henco Espag (Piano), Laura Dadap (Cello), and Chihiro Shibayama (Percussion) performed at The Farm Soho in NYC.
Click here to listen to Performances
“Hymn to Life”
Performed in “Hymn to Life” a Devised Physical Theatre/Interdisciplinary Ensemble Composed by David Skeist, and performed in VASTA’s Identity Cabaret in Seattle, WA singing “La Vie En Rose.”
Click here to listen to Performances
Testimonials
Services
Open to collaborate as a Performance Artist and Director
As a Performance Artist it is my desire to collaborate with fellow artists as an Actor, Singer, or Director. My passion is to create performance art that integrates imagery, text, music, voice and movement, multimedia, poetry, and song, as well as, classical, modern, and well-written contemporary plays, voice-overs, film, and television.
Click here to see my Theatre Resume
Voice, Speech, and Dialect Coach
- My goal is to unlock the uniqueness of one's individual and identifiable voice and dialect, and strengthen their access to powerful communication. The speech work continues seamlessly from the foundational voice work, and builds into transformational World Dialects.
- Clients have included a wide range of professionals: teachers, advocacy, public speaking, politicians, corporate executives, children, Broadway/Film/Television for performers, and any person with the desire to build confidence in speaking.
Click here to learn more
Contact
Email:
diannacortezvoice@gmail.com
Call:
+917-597-1401