Speech Arts & Drama group classes

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

• "Rhymes and Rhythms" for ages 3-5
• "Act Up! Speak Out!" speech arts & drama for ages 6-11
• Speak Up Make Your Point public speaking for children and teens
• Speechworks enhanced speech & drama training & performance classes
• MRU Conservatory Debate Club
• Speech Arts & Drama for homeschoolers

To register or more information on any of these courses, call 403.440.6821.

Rhymes and Rhythms 

Ages 3, 4 and 5

A Speech and Drama class designed for young children. The developmental approach and small class size encourages young children to develop clear, expressive speech and confident communication. We offer classes for four and five year olds. We are excited to offer a new class for three year olds this fall.

Children develop a love of literature as they explore “rhymes and rhythms” of nursery rhymes and poetry, responding to the literature physically, vocally and imaginatively through movement, storytelling and choral speaking. Drama games and role play activities stimulate the imagination, and promote problem solving and self esteem as children work collaboratively within the group.

The class atmosphere is supportive and dynamic, allowing both shy and confident children an opportunity to learn and grow.

Rhymes and Rhythms is a weekly, one-hour class that runs for 14 weeks, Sept. – Jan., and 12 weeks, Feb. – June. Classes are available on Mondays and Tuesdays (45 minute sessions) or Saturdays (one hour sessions). A new three-year old class will run on Mondays in 30 minute sessions. Students that enroll in the fall semester can continue to develop their skills in the second semester – we offer priority registration to continuing students. New students are welcome to enroll in the winter semester, space permitting.

Schedule subject to change.
Registration begins June 14, 2012.

Back to Top

Act Up, Speak Out!

Exploring Speech Arts & Drama for 6 – 12 Year-Olds

Children have fun, build confidence, and discover the power of the voice and the pleasure of language and literature in the creative, dynamic atmosphere of our Act Up Speak Out program.. Imagination and creativity take centre stage as students explore a variety of contemporary and classic literature through creative drama, improvisation, storytelling, and group performance. The collaborative, encouraging atmosphere is great for reluctant children and soon-to-be stars alike!

Act Up Speak Out classes are offered for 6 – 7 year olds, 8 – 9 year olds, and 10 – 12 year olds in one-hour weekly lessons.

Act Up Speak Out classes run for 14 weeks, Sept. – Jan., and 12 weeks, Feb. – June. Classes are available on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays.

Students that enroll in the fall semester are encouraged to develop their skills in the second semester – we offer priority registration to continuing students.

New students are welcome to enroll in the winter semester, space permitting.

Schedule subject to change.
Registration begins June 14, 2012.

Back to Top

Speak Up Make Your Point classes for children and teens

Public Speaking for 9 – 15 Year-Olds

Speak for yourself with energy, clarity and confidence and develop presentation skills crucial to success in today's world.

Presentations that work! Orderly thinking develops as students learn to formulate topics, organize information and deliver clear, meaningful messages. Effective listening habits develop as students listen to and analyze the work of others. Students will reduce speech anxiety as they develop vocal dynamics and clarity of speech. Students learn to employ important delivery techniques such as use of language, gesture and eye contact to add impact to their presentations. Course work will include preparation and presentation of a variety of impromptu and prepared speeches.

Speak Up Make Your Point is an excellent experience for beginners or children who are nervous about speaking in public. Activities are varied and the environment is positive, allowing students to be creative while developing a versatile and effective personal speaking style.

Speak Up Make Your Point for 9 – 11 year olds, Level 1 is offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Speak Up Make Your Point for 9 – 12 year olds, Level 2 offers students that have taken Speak Up make Your Point – Level 1 for 9 – 11 year olds the opportunity to continue to develop their public speaking skills. Classes are offered on Thursdays.

Speak Up Make Your Point, Level 3 is available only to students that have completed Speak Up Make Your Point levels one and two for 9 – 11 year olds.

Speak Up Make Your Point for teens ages 12 – 15 is offered in an intense six-week session running in January or April. Classes are 1.5 hours and are available on Tuesdays or Thursdays.

Schedule subject to change.
Registration begins June 14, 2012.

Back to Top

Speechworks

Enriched Speech & Drama Training and Performance Class

Speechworks is an exciting opportunity for students to experience the enriched content of private-lesson study in the dynamic atmosphere of a group class. The achievement of excellence in personal performance goals is the aim of the Speechworks program.

The curriculum is directly linked to the RCM Examinations Speech & Drama syllabus, and offers training in a full range of speech and drama skills including voice development (expression and clarity of speech, good posture and breath control); public speaking and storytelling; mime and movement; sight reading and interpretation of a variety of literature including poetry, prose, and drama. Please note: Students who choose to take an exam may be required to register for additional individual coaching sessions with the instructor. Examination fees are not included in the tuition fee.

Speechworks is a performance-based class and students will have opportunities to prepare for events such as festivals and recitals. Registration in these performance opportunities is at the discretion of the student, parent, and teacher. Fees for festivals are not included in the tuition fee.

Students may choose to continue with the program year after year, moving through one grade of the RCM Examinations curriculum per year.

A high standard of work is the goal of these classes and therefore at-home practice is required.

Speechworks classes run for 14 weeks, Sept. – Jan.,  and 14 weeks, Feb. – May. Classes are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Schedule subject to change.
Registration begins June 14, 2012.

Back to Top

MRU Conservatory Debate Club

Debate Skills for School Grades 8 – 10

The MRU Conservatory Debate Club will provide students who are new to debating opportunities to learn the ins-and-outs of parliamentary style debate in an exciting, challenging environment. Work in teams to research, practice and deliver powerful debates on a range of interesting topics.

Students will have the time to polish their speaking skills as well as become quick-witted debaters, while studying with a coach who has more than 15 years of experience teaching public speaking and performance. Guest speakers will enrich the club experience.

Whether you are on your school debate team and looking for a competitive advantage, or are exploring debate for the first time, this club is for you.

Juleta Severson-Baker teaches voice production, drama, theatre history and public speaking to both children and adults. With her enthusiasm for current events, debating expertise and a proven track record as a speaking coach, Juleta is sure to bring the new Debate Club to life!

The Debate Club is a year-long program consisting of a 14-week fall semester and a 12-week winter semester. Students that enroll in the fall semester will have priority registration for the second term. New students may be admitted for the winter semester, space permitting.

Advanced Debate Skills for School Grades 9 – 11

This class is designed for students that have previously participated in the MRU Conservatory Debate Club or have debated for at least one year in a school program.

The Advanced Debate Club allows participants to continue building excellence in their skills.
This is a year-long program consisting of a 14-week fall semester and a 12-week winter semester. Students that enroll in the fall semester will have priority registration for the second term. New students may be admitted for the winter semester, space permitting.

Schedule subject to change.
Registration begins June 14, 2012.

Back to top

 Speech Arts & Drama for homeschoolers

The MRU Conservatory Speech Arts and Drama program offers a multi-dimensional exploration of literature, performance and voice development and is geared at developing authentic and artistic communication skills.

Speech Arts and Drama training provides countless links to Drama and Language Arts curriculum, and can be used to enhance or fulfill learning goals in these areas, and to support learning outcomes across the curriculum.

We offer private instruction and customized group classes for homeschoolers:

Private Instruction: This option provides in-depth, personalized training in speech arts and drama. The one-on-one lesson setting provides an opportunity for growth and a venue for excellence. Placement in private lessons is arranged in consultation with the Speech Arts & Drama program coordinator.

Customized “On Demand” Group Classes: We will be happy to arrange a class for your group. We require a minimum of 5 students, and scheduling is dependent on instructor availability. We will work with you to target particular learning objectives within our curriculum, and to determine the length, number and frequency of lessons. “On demand classes” are arranged in consultation with the Speech Arts & Drama program coordinator.

Curriculum areas include:

• Voice and Speech Development
• Public Speaking and Presentations
• Storytelling
• Poetry and Drama in Performance
• Readers theatre
• Shakespeare

Back to Top

Return to Speech Arts main page