Private Lessons
Private lessons in the Spoken Arts are individually tailored to meet the specific needs and interests of each student. Whether you have a particular performance aspiration, or you need more speaking confidence, private lessons are designed for your short- and long-term goals.
Speakers are guided through age and skill-level appropriate selections of verse speaking, prose reciting, scene work, Shakespeare, storytelling, extemporaneous speeches, and/or improvisation for a full understanding of the various Spoken Arts.
Students are also trained in posture, movement, voice & body, public speaking, cold reads, TelePrompter work, interview and auditioning skills, microphone use, and (when requested) dialects or accent reduction.
Although declarative knowledge is important, Speech Arts is a procedural skill. Students develop skill through doing. My students have the opportunity to hone their skills at the following annual events:
ARMTA Recitals & Events - throughout the year
Private Studio Recitals - throughout the year
Presentation MRU Non-Competitive Festival - March
The Calgary Performing Arts Festival (formerly Kiwanis) - April
Royal Conservatory Practical Examinations - June
Success & Skill
Frances has been preparing students, of all levels, for their Royal Conservatory Practical & Theory Examinations, since 1997. Over the years, many of her students have won the Provincial medal for highest mark. In 2024 Frances’ student claimed the prestigious RCM National medal.
Her students have also performed in the The Calgary Performing Arts Festival (formerly Kiwanis) for 3 decades, winning countless awards & scholarships, including the Speech Association Rose Bowl.
Since 2020, Frances’ students have consistently won every single ARMTA Calgary Recital & Awards medal and scholarships for Speech Arts & Drama.
