Patricia Fletcher

Eddie Guttman

Two faculty members at The New School for Drama received Readers’ Choice Awards in Backstage’s recent survey. Dialect teacher and voice coach Patricia Fletcher was named Favorite Dialect Coach. A former actor, Fletcher believes that when it comes to dialects, less is more. “What surprises people, really,” she says, “is the variety within the dialect that depends on the particular character you’re playing, what happens in the scene, and where that person is in the whole economic strata.” Fletcher applies this philosophy in teaching MFA in Acting students at Drama. She is also known for customizing her approach to the students in her classes, making sure that everyone is progressing at the same rate and that no one feels left behind.

Drama music accompanist Eddie Guttman was surprised to be selected as Favorite Accompanist because, he says, “the less somebody has to say about you as an accompanist, the better. In a way, you don’t want to be noticed. You just want the vocalist to shine and let them get the compliments.” Guttman assists in Drama’s voice classes and provides individual class and coaching sessions; he has also served as accompanist for Lincoln Center’s Meet the Artist series for more than a decade.

“He takes an interest in his students and really cares about them,” notes Drama alum Rachel Dorfman. “He’s available all the time to answer questions, a fantastic artist, and a great teacher.”

Each year, Backstage surveys its readers and asks them to select their favorites in categories such as acting coaches, headshot photographers, and talent agencies, as well as bars, bookstores, and places to shop for clothes.