Speech
Arlene Irwin, a native of Northern Ireland, has been studying Speech Arts, Drama and Public Speaking from the age of 14. She has made Canada her home for the past 30 years. Founding her own speech studio in 2012, she later accepted the position on the Speech Arts faculty at Mount Royal University Conservatory, located in Calgary, Alberta. There, she currently has a private studio of over 50 students, many of which have achieved Gold Medals of Excellence and Scholarships in examinations and competitions. Arlene’s training in Speech Arts and Drama is through Trinity College London where she attained an Associate (ATCL) and Licentiate (LTCL) with Distinction. She also holds an Associate (ARCT) Teachers Diploma though the Royal Conservatory Toronto (RCM) for which she was awarded the National Gold Medal of Excellence.
As well as teaching, Arlene regularly adjudicates at Speech Arts Festivals throughout western Canada where she enjoys providing positive feedback to the eager competitors. She has also had the pleasure of providing classes in speech and social skills to students on the Autism Spectrum both through The Autism Association of Canada as well as the Autism Aspergers Friendship Association in Calgary. More recently she has been an instructor for an international online education organization teaching public speaking and communication skills.
Apart from her passion for Speech Arts, Arlene is an avid theatre performer with over 40 years of experience and an extensive list of credits. In 2022, she received the Outstanding Performer award in the Calgary One Act Festival.
Arlene is thrilled to be adjudicating for the Airdrie Performing Arts Festival and looks forward to joining the students on their Speech Arts journey helping them find their clear and authentic voice.
