Whether your child loves the spotlight or tends to shy away from it, these personalized Speech Arts classes are carefully designed to support them to achieve their goals.
Book a free 15 Minute Trial Class
This virtual trial class includes a brief lesson to assess your child’s starting point so we can set achievable public speaking goals together. Afterward, I’ll be happy to answer any questions you have.
It’s also a great chance for you and your child to meet me and see if my teaching style is the right fit for their learning needs.
Registration for Summer Term is Open:
I’m currently accepting students for the summer term 2025: July 9th – Aug 28th (8 classes).
Classes are one-on-one. Session length: one hour.
Availability:
ONLINE: Tuesdays & Wednesdays, online (contact for availability).
IN-PERSON: Thursdays, from 4-6pm (just 2 spots available). Location: near Commercial and 3rd, Vancouver BC
Fill out this form to register.
About Speech Arts Classes
for kids and teens ages 7-18
Speech Arts differs from a typical public speaking class in one key way. Rather than focusing only on speeches, students read, rehearse, memorize, and perform a wide range of creative texts, including: poetry, stories, contemporary and Shakespearean monologues, mimes, and—yes—speeches.
We also explore skills like improvisation, acting, and sight reading (reading expressively straight from the page without prior preparation).
While working with these creative texts, students:
- Develop vocal clarity (including articulation, projection, pacing, and expressive emphasis);
- Learn strategies for excelling on stage, including handling and overcoming stage fright;
- Build physical awareness and learn to stand with an easeful/engaged posture when performing/speaking;
- Develop confidence in themselves, their ideas, and their imagination.
Confidence-building is at the heart of this program. Reading and performing creative texts provides students with a rich opportunity to build their critical thinking and reflective skills, so that they can feel proud of the way they see the world. This is reflected in the way they speak about the pieces they’re rehearsing: with a deep understanding and enjoyment.
A genuine love of performance and literature is being developed here, and will support them throughout their lives.
Curriculum is based on a combination of the RCM and BC’s English Language Arts curriculum, and is adjusted to suit the needs/interests of each individual student I work with.
Supporting Growth Through Personalized Goals
The classroom is where we develop their public speaking skills, but the outside world is where students put those skills into action. I work closely with each student to:
- set meaningful, achievable goals that will gently push them face their public speaking fears;
- track and reflect on their progress so they realize they can improve at things that once felt hard.
Goals might be big, like preparing for an RCM Speech Arts exam, performing in a festival (like VAYA or CDMF), or auditioning for the school play. Or they might be more personal, like speaking up in class or ordering their own meal at a restaurant.
No matter the goal, I aim to serve as a mentor on their journey: cheering them on and helping them stay focused.
Your Teacher: Christine Bissonnette
Hello, my name is Christine and I’ve been working as a Speech Art teacher since 2018.
My students have won first place in speech competitions at their school, taken home gold medals (like ‘the outstanding acting award’ and the ‘outstanding monologue performance award’) at various festivals, and have received First Class Honours for their Speech Arts RCM Exams. Even more important than the accolades: my students enjoy learning the poems and stories we select together, and often look back on the work we did to memorize and prepare a piece with a big smile.
I’ve worked with Viva Voce Speech Arts Studio, ArtStarts in Schools, Insight Global Education, Vancouver Biennale, Place des Arts, and more. I’ve also had the great pleasure of adjudicating the Speech Arts segment of the Pacific Northwest Music Festival in 2019 and 2024.
You can learn more about me here.
Testimonials
“I feel very lucky to have found Christine as my daughter’s public speaking teacher after having her try with several teachers for several years intermittently… She is obviously a spontaneous speaking lover, I felt this from her very natural and relaxed state when she interacts with my daughter during each lesson in such an effective, organized, methodical, yet simple way.
– Yew (parent)
Ms. Christine is a very kind and pure person. Every time I heard the laughter and conversation from her and my daughter in their class, I felt we are so blessed to have her as one of my daughter’s learning guides. Definitely she is the best choice as a public speaking/vocal performance teacher for children.“
Register for Class
5-Class Package
Curious about Speech Arts but not ready to commit to a full term? The 5-class package is a great way to explore how this work can support your child.
In a 5-Class package, we’ll focus in on a specific skill and they’ll move quickly towards efficiency, so that they can have a demonstrated proof of their ability to grow as a public speaker.
Many students experience noticeable growth in just five sessions.
If your child has a short-term goal in mind (like a school presentation or festival performance), this package can also offer focused, personalized support.
Register for a Term
For ongoing growth and mentorship—including Speech Arts RCM exam prep, support preparing and submitting to festivals, and skill-building across a full term.
One private class per week. Each session is one hour long.
- Summer Term: July 9th – Aug 28th (8 classes). Tuesdays and Wednesday (online) and Thursdays (in person)
- Fall Term: Sept 15th – Dec 19th (14 classes)
- Winter Term: Jan 5th – March 13th 2026 (10 classes)
- Spring Term: March 30th – June 26th 2026 (13 classes)
Cost
Private Speech Arts Classes are $95/per hour + GST for online classes | $110/per hour + GST for in person classes.
For new students, there is a $50 Registration Fee. Returning students do not pay this fee. No other hidden costs!
Unless otherwise specified, all Speech Arts classes are 1 hour.
To book a free 15 minute trial class, please go here.
Questions?
Email Christine@9creativelives.com with any inquiries.
You can also reach us by phone: 604-561-0772