Let me start by saying that the more versatility an actor has can only provide him/her more opportunities. You certainly can get work with an accent, but it will limit the jobs you can get.There are only a few movie stars that have done quite well with an accent, such as Antonio Banderas, Penelope Cruz, and Holly Hunter.
In general, it helps to be able to learn to speak without accents or regionalisms (such as a Southern, a Boston, New York or Midwest American regional accent). Anna Torv and John Noble, the two leading actors on the J.J. Abrams series "Fringe", are both from "Down Under" (that's Australia, people!), yet they speak with neutral American accents on the show.
A Speech Coach or Voice Coach can help you learn to speak without your accent - you can find them on our website in our RESOURCES under CLASSES.
DICTION is the important thing to remember if you intend to keep your accent or regionalism. If you have an accent, we MUST understand everything you say! The Casting Director or Director will appreciate it, as well as the author whose words you are saying!
Remember, just because you have learned to speak without an accent doesn't mean you must live the rest of your life without it. Use it at home, use it with your friends, just leave it at home when attending to your business.
