Speech Arts & Drama

What is Speech Arts & Drama?

Speech arts and drama training truly exemplifies the benefits of arts education. It is both a remarkable artistic endeavor and a fundamental, empowering life skill. It is founded on two main areas of study: training the speaking voice, and performance and presentation in such forms as verse-speaking, acting, storytelling and public speaking. Students gain a deep appreciation of literature and the power of language, and develop clear thinking and speaking abilities that they will carry into every aspect of their lives.

Speech arts and drama is for everyone; it is a boost for shy children, a haven for children that love literature, and a magical outlet for children that are driven to perform. it gives students the confidence to speak, to communicate, and to be heard. The confidence and ability it offers its learners is a gift they will benefit from for the rest of their lives. 

Private Instruction

Private lessons are available for children ages 4 and up. Our private lesson program sets the standard across Canada, with a reputation built over a century. Our curriculum is multi-dimensional and programs are tailored to meet the needs and interests of each student. Development of vocabulary and reading comprehension skills, skill in improvised and prepared performance, creativity and confidence are all outcomes of our program.

Performance opportunities include recitals, Presentation MRU (the Conservatory's non-competitive speech and drama festival), and the Calgary Kiwanis festival. Many of our students participate in the RCM examination system, marking their progress with an annual graded exam.

Please call the Conservatory office at 403.440.6821 or contact the Speech Arts & Drama coordinator for placement. 

Group Speech Arts & Drama programs

Group classes are an excellent introduction to the Speech Arts & Drama program and provide a safe, supportive and creative atmosphere in which reluctant and eager performers achieve their best.

Students learn to use their voices: to speak clearly, to be heard, and to speak with expression and energy. Confidence, a love of language and an appreciation for the art of speaking develop as students work in the program.

Our group programs are suited for children new to speech arts and drama, as well as those with experience. Our small class sizes (5-10 children) are designed to suit children of particular age ranges. Children may enter the program at any age, and will find the classes challenging and fun.

Workshops

Build your voice, explore the classic forms of Reader’s Theatre, Story Drama and Choral Speech, have fun and let your imagination soar. These unique performance-based workshops are designed to build skills and creativity.

Our faculty

The Speech Arts & Drama program at the Conservatory is the largest in Canada, with faculty and programs recognized as the finest in the nation. Our teachers are professional speech instructors with backgrounds in speech, voice, literature and drama.