Testimonials

‘Through Tess’s work, I was able to unlock the full capacity of my vocal range, in particular the higher, softer resonances. I was able to learn that you can do a great deal by doing very little.’

- Olivier Huband, Actor

“Tess is almost completely responsible for giving me my natural voice back. I will never be able to thank her enough”

- Christian Patterson, Actor and Writer.

I have known Tess for over 25 years. She is the most skilled and insightful voice coach I have ever worked with. She just knows what to do to help, because she is highly intuitive and empathic. Tess works with the whole person and builds instant trust and rapport. Unique, gifted, playful and a joyful human being.
- Pat O’Toole, Theatre Director, Coach and Facilitator.

Tess has a remarkable ability to bring out the best in people, often revealing strengths they didn't know they possessed. She can identify the vulnerability in your voice without causing embarrassment or discomfort, instead empowering you in the process. This requires a special skill, and Tess truly excels at it.

- Rose Ayling-Ellis, Winner of Strictly, and Actor from East Enders.

‘ Tess is a person who embodies the spirit of transformation. I have watched and listened to her work with actors in the many different theatre spaces we have worked in together, and I have seen companies bloom and flower under her care. Tess’s gifts go far beyond those of an excellent voice coach; she has insight, wisdom and a unique sensibility from her group work to the one-on-one; building confidence, security- and joy!'

- Claire van Kampen ARCM,D.Mus: Senior Research Fellow and Creative Associate Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre; Creative Associate Old Vic Theatre

'Tess is a wonderful asset to any company. Her skills and positivity never cease to amaze me. She has a brilliant way of nurturing talent and bringing the very best out of any performer. '

- Carol Pestridge Campbell, Company Manager, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre

'Tess Dignan is a voice coach of vast experience, knowledge and expertise. Having known her as both a student and a colleague, she is someone who brings unique perspective and insight.'

- Paul Harvard, Course Leader at the London College of Music

'Tess has a deep reservoir of knowledge and endless compassion. Highly Recommended'

- Che Walker, Actor, Writer and Director

‘Working with Tess as I rehearsed Antony at The Globe was transformative. Her knowledge of how voice plays in the space is unparalleled and her grasp of the language - and clear love of it - is a huge asset to any acting company.’

- John Hollingworth, Actor (Poldark)

'Tess gives you a voice. Her technical ability coupled with her open nurturing energy and understanding gives you the confidence to open your mouth and speak, like you’ve never before. She gives you the support and tools that directly relate to your needs. She’s the best!'

- Ekow Quarty, Leading Actor

'It is my pleasure to recommend Tess as a Master Voice Teacher. Tess possesses a unique ability to blend technical expertise with a deep understanding of emotional expression, making her an invaluable coach for actors, executives, and individuals alike. Her knowledge of vocal mechanics is unparalleled, and she approaches each client with a personalised , thoughtful strategy that caters to their specific needs and goals.

Tess’s work with actors is particularly impressive. Her keen insights into text interpretation and character development allow her clients to connect with scripts in ways that truly elevate their performances. Additionally, her attention to vocal health ensures that her students maintain a strong, resilient voice over the long term. For business professionals, Tess offers a wealth of expertise in enhancing executive presence and communication. Whether leading a workshop or working one-on-one, she has a gift for helping individuals find and project their most authentic, confident voice.

Tess’s holistic approach, combining vocal technique with personal empowerment, has a lasting impact on everyone she works with. I highly recommend her for anyone looking to strengthen their voice, improve their communication, and unlock their full potential.'

- Claudette Williams. Head of Acting, CSSD.

"It has been a privilege to work alongside Tess for many years, witnessing firsthand her incredible expertise across various professional settings, whether with students, actors, directors, or creatives. Her deep understanding of the human voice, coupled with a boundless passion for text and a profound knowledge of the art of acting, sets her apart. Tess has an exceptional ability to identify the precise solution needed and to articulate it with clarity, guiding others to their own breakthroughs with remarkable skill. Time and again, I have seen people experience transformative ‘lightbulb moments’ in her presence—a testament to her outstanding talent and dedication."

- Peter Bramley. Artistic Director - Pants on Fire Theatre

“Tess is a brilliant collaborator and a sensitive, thoughtful and inspiring voice coach. She’s open to and engaged with the particular needs of the production and the individual actor throughout the process. Our production of Pericles would have been far poorer without her work as a key member of the creative team.”
- Tamara Harvey, Co-Artistic Director, Royal Shakespeare Company.

“Tess Dignan is an exceptional voice coach whose expertise, dedication, and passion for the craft have had a great impact on my development as an actor. Her deep knowledge of vocal technique, combined with her keen understanding of individual needs, makes her an outstanding guide for actors of all levels. She has an incredible ability to identify specific areas of improvement and tailor exercises that feel both challenging and achievable.

One of Tess’s standout qualities is her commitment to fostering a supportive and encouraging environment. She understands the nuances of voice work and its connection to emotional expression, ensuring that each session is not just about technical improvement but also about freeing the actor’s authentic voice. Her approach is holistic, blending technique with practical application, helping me to confidently fill the Globe theatre.

Whether you’re preparing for a specific role or looking to strengthen your vocal skills overall, Tess brings warmth, precision, and a wealth of experience to the table. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking to enhance their voice and presence on stage or screen.”

- Simon Startin, Actor

‘Tess is so empowering. She hears you, and hears your voice, she lifts you out of the habitual into a higher sphere, with inspiring thoughts, exercises, encouragement, open questions, joy, discussion. She makes you freer, to work in a freer way whilst feeling utterly supported. Tessa never rushes you, she’s there with you, asking the questions, helping you to understand what you’re doing in the wonderful space that is the Globe, how to make it ring with sound. She gets that we all want to push, to overwork, she enables you to let some of that anxious stuff go, to let the text, your body and your imagination free. And she’s a lot of fun too!’
- Helen Schlesinger, Leading Actor

'It was Tess who introduced me properly to the Globe Theatre. That first hour with her on those oak boards, hearing the space ‘ring’ and matching my voice to it for the first time was magical. She knows how personal a theatre space is to an actor and allows you to bring yourself to it, to ‘meet’ it properly. Her exercises are never generic, they are tailored to the individual needs and idiosyncrasies of the space and of you.

Tess doesn’t allow you to get away with anything! Her first priority is delivering the text to the ear of the audience. She listens properly, gets to know your tricks, your habits. She appreciates what you’re trying to achieve and not only gives you the tools to make it happen but to sustain the results. She knows where the voice is produced physically and emotionally but anchoring this, is an enormous amount of experience and technique. I’d recommend her to anyone at any stage of their career.'

- Lizzie Hopley, Leading Actor

'Tess is an extraordinary voice coach. I have had the privilege of working with her for over 10 years and am a better actor because of it.'
- Michelle Terry, Artistic Director, Shakespeare’s Globe.

“I owe Tess a huge debt of gratitude for the work she has done with me. I had always felt inhibited doing voice work, but her skill, openness, and generosity of spirit helped me to overcome that. She has emboldened me and my work, and helped me find notes and colours in my voice that I had previously been too timid use. She is rigorous without being dogmatic, challenging and yet always encouraging - a wonderful teacher.”
- Alfred Enoch (Harry Potter Films)

"THERE ARE LANDMARK MOMENTS IN ONES'S LIFE AND ONE'S CAREER.:
WORKING WITH TESS ON LEAR AT THE GLOBE WAS BOTH.
HER TECHNIQUE IS SCRUPULOUS,DETAILED AND PROFOUND: TESS ENABLED ME TO DISCOVER THAT THE VOICE RESIDES IN EVERY ATOM OF OUR BODIES; SHE ENABLED ME TO LOCATE AND RELEASE IT ; THE WORK WITH TESS WAS THE MOST EXHILARATING OF JOURNEYS,
AND A REVELATION. I CANNOT WAIT TO WORK WITH TESS AGAIN."
- Kathryn Hunter, Multi-award winning Actress and Director.

“Tess Dignan has a mystical affinity with actors. She will change you. “
Matthew Ashforde
Professional Actor of 35 years.

"I have experienced at first-hand the empathetic, liberating and joyful atmosphere that Tess creates in a voice class, and I have witnessed how she is able to vary her approach according to the needs of the individuals.
She engages the body and the imagination so that the participants are able to release their voices and fill any space without effort.
Her knowledge and understanding of the anatomy of voice production means that the safety of the speaker is always paramount in her teaching, and her ongoing openness to new research means that she is constantly finding new ways of helping speakers to give of their best, wherever they have come from and wherever they are going."
- Philip Bird, RSC Actor

"Tess has revolutionised the way I work with actors and is an inspirational teacher and artist. She empowers actors with tools that release their emotional imagination and deepen their work exquisitely. She both inspires bravery in actors and thoroughly dismantles the obstacles that create insecurity. I would recommend any director or actor to work with Tess and experience how she enriches the rehearsal process."
- Josh Seymour, Theatre Director, NT, Chichester Festival Theatre, Orange Tree, Donmar.

"Tess Dignan is truly one of the best there is. I long for another chance to get in a room and work with her."

- Steve Ross, Stratford Festival Theatre, Canada

"Tess has had such a profound impact on my voice as an instrument as well as my soul as an actor.
Working with her has allowed me to retune my voice and access material and connect with audiences differently."
- Houda Echouafni, Actor Globe, NT

"Tess' ability to understand the actor and their vocal needs is second to none. Her knowledge of voice, of the space, of text is the best in the business. Every time I have had the privilege of working with Tess, I come away having felt both seen, and heard, and I'm a great believer that the more I learn about myself, the greater the actor I become. I am so very grateful to have met her."
- Anne Odeke, Actor, Playwright “Princess Essex.”

"If I’m honest I blocked all of Tess’s early suggestions for improving my voice on stage due to lack of confidence. But she is resilient, endlessly knowledgeable and above all else patient and kind. By the time the show went up I was using my full range!

If you want the person who can find the ways to make even the most reluctant of actors use their vocal depth then you want Tess!"
- Vinnie Heaven, RSC Actor Cowbois, and playwright.

"Tess is an exceptional voice coach. I was nervous to perform at the Globe for the first time and fill that huge space but Tess took me from nervous to excited easily! She is able to quickly tailor her approach to the individual actors needs and not only has a wealth of knowledge in terms of technique but is able to work from the actors instincts instead of a “one size fits all” approach. Tess is also such a lovely, warm person to be around and has a naturally supportive and calming presence. I would highly reccomend Tess."
- Jamie-Rose Monk, NT “Midsummer Night’s Dream,” Globe “Princess Essex”.

“Tess is an extraordinary voice coach. Her knowledge, insight and expertise and second to none. Her wisdom, guidance and skill has helped me innumerably. She has unlocked text for me and helped me discover meaning, clarity and interpretation. She has supported me vocally to ensure I can maintain a healthy and strong voice throughout a demanding 6 month run at Shakespeare’s Globe theatre. I am indebted to her”

- Eloise Secker, RSC, Globe actor.