SERVICES              Public Speaking 

Availability

Zach has a full-time job  at Marymount University, coaches theatrical productions, and teaches regular classes and workshops in the DMV, therefore most private coaching availability falls on weekday evenings and weekends.

Clients can expect Zach's availability to change from week to week and he usually schedules meeting to meeting to accommodate the often equally busy schedules of his clientele. 

​​Summary of Services

Zach is an expert at helping voice users unlock their full vocal potential and offers a variety of standard services as well as creative approaches to voice and speech communications.  The following list reflects Zach's interests and teaching proficiencies, but is by no means exhaustive.

Voicework
Zach is a certified Fitzmaurice Voicework® teacher and holds an MFA in Voice and Speech Pedagogy from Virginia Commonwealth University.  and has studied a wide range of other voice methodologies.  The primary goal for most public speaking and voiceworkintegrate body, mind, and breath.  Some of the other methods he employs include exercises and concepts from Patsy Rodenberg, Arthur Lessac, Kristin Linklater, Frankie Armstrong, and Janet Rodgers.

Dialect Modification
The philosophy behind dialect modification (rather than reduction) is a focus on adding to your skills as a speaker rather than reducing your sound options in any way.  With hard work and dedication Zach can help you expand your dialect options using concepts proven techniques pioneered by Dudley Knight and Phil Thompson.  By focusing on code-switching and increased flexibility in the articulation of sound, clients can expect to increase their speech choices beyond simply mastering a General American Dialect.

Accent Acquisition
Using Knight-Thompson speechwork, Zach can coach individuals or full theatrical productions in the acquisition of any accent or dialect.  Zach uses a combination of phonetic sound changes and oral posture to help clients acquire dialects quickly and accurately.  *Knowing phonetics is not a requirement to learn a dialect, Zach can adapt strategies to coach clients of all experience levels. 

Public Speaking
Zach has taught numerous university level public speaking courses where the focus has been on learning solid presentation skills that can be applied to a wide range of public speaking situations.  An individualistic approach can help clients improve on areas like managing stage fright, speech development, and integrating technology (i.e. microphones and Powerpoint).

Monologue/Scene Coaching
Zach has performed, studied, coached, and taught a range of performance styles that he draws upon to ensure you put your best foot forward at big auditions.  His approach emphasizes technique based acting training in the spirit of Konstantin Stanislavski, Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, and provides actors with effective tools for living truthfully as their characters.  

Text Analysis
Using tried and true script analysis techniques, Zach can help clients unlock and deepen their comprehension and interpretation of the written word whether it be dramatic texts, poetry, classical text, or speeches.  Have no fear of Shakespeare! 

More...

If you have an interest that doesn't quite seem to fit within these categories please feel free to reach out to Zach directly via the contact page to discuss how private coaching or classes might help you reach your individual voice, speech, or acting goals.  Zach may also be able to refer you to other experts in the field if your needs are beyond his scope or experience.

Rates

Free Consultation

Your initial consultation is Free!  A 10-15 minute phone call prior to your initial session will serve to establish flexible goals and a realistic timeline for achieving them.  This is also an opportunity for you to ask questions and determine if Zach's style of teaching/your style of learning are in alignment.  Additionally, the exact cost per session will be confirmed during the initial consultation. 

Private Session​ (1 on 1)

The standard rate scales from $60-$120 per coaching hour based on  the content area and amount of preparation required outside of the coaching session.   Please note this does not include any related travel which must be negotiated separately.  

Group Session (2 or more students)

Group rates are typically determined based on the number of participants.  Generally, the larger the group (up to 15 max) the less each individual will pay.  

Minimum per student: $20 

Maximum per student: $40

On Set/Production Coaching

Minimum- $750 per day (8 hours) or $100 per hour

Maximum- $1000 per day (8 hours) or $200 per hour

Online Coaching(Private, Groups, and Production)
Most services are available virtually and carry identical rates to in-person work.  

Zach is available to work with private clients, groups, and productions over a range of online meeting platforms including Skype, Facetime, Zoom, Google Hangouts, and a traditional phone line.  

Travel

Travel is nearly always an option, however an additional fee will apply.  Most travel in the Greater DC area  carries a  flat $30 fee that will increase if your location of choice involves more than a 30 minute commute.  

Travel outside the DC area is also a possibility, but associated travel fees would need to be negotiated on a case-by-case basis. 

Coaching Packages 

Clients can purchase a modestly discounted coaching package in increments of 3, 4, or 5 block sessions.  Payment for the  package is due during the first meeting and must be paid in full to take advantage of any discount.   Sessions will be honored for one full calendar year from purchase and there will be no refunds for any unused  sessions. 

Cancellation/Late Policy

Scheduling conflicts arise over the course of most training relationships, therefore it is good practice to articulate the following policies to support a fair and healthy respect for each other's time. 

I require 24 hour advance notice for any cancellations or rescheduled appointments.  This allows the opportunity for someone else to utilize the time you had reserved.  

If you are unable to give 24 hours advance note, then you will be charged 50% of the appointment's total fee.  This amount must be paid prior to your next scheduled session.  

Arriving late will typically result in a shortened session, particularly true if there are appointments following yours.