Medicine Hat College Conservatory of Music offering new speech arts program

By Tim Kalinowski on September 27, 2017.

tkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal

The beauty and power of the spoken word will now be on full display in the city in a new course offered by the Medicine Hat College Conservatory of Music.

Rae-Ann Dillman-Ferland of Dillman Music and Acting Studio will be spearheading the new Speech Arts and Drama program.

“I am so excited about it,” confirms Dillman-Ferland. “I grew up in the Cultural Centre. I studied voice there, and I always have been part of Rotary Festival in voice and speech arts. I was there every day when I was a kid, and now I feel it is just so cool I get there and be there among all these other amazing instructors.”

Dillman-Ferland says speech arts have been a long-neglected area of arts instruction in the city.

“I noticed when I started my own studio last year there was a definite interest in some of the more formal studies acting had to offer,” she says. “Speech arts have always been part of the Rotary Festival of the Arts, and it has always been around the city. I was surprised it has never had a private studio through the Conservatory as it follows the Royal Conservatory curriculum as well.”

The Conservatory’s speech arts program is open to all ages, and can teach fundamental skills anyone needs to be a better speaker and presenter, says Dillman-Ferland.

“The speech arts are great for reading and comprehension skills,” states Dillman-Ferland. “It’s great to enhance presenting skills and for public speaking. It gives you great confidence in performing; so if you are a singer or dancer, or in any of the performing arts, it’s a great fit because it really helps you with your stage presence.

“This just builds so much confidence speaking in front of a group and also one on one. One thing I think drama does for a business professional, for example, is it makes you confident in your interview or sales skills. You learn to anticipate, and read people and their body language.”

For more information on the Speech Arts and Drama program at the college conservatory call 403-529-4814.

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