PRODUCTION SEMINAR IN MANCHESTER

The summer term is production term in Helen O'Grady classes and this weekend a Training Seminar was hosted, by the management team, in Manchester, to explore the plays and to workshop as many as possible. Proceedings were kicked off by Executive Principal, Alison Mazanec, working on speech, movement and body language to help develop excellent characters. Principals and their teachers became pirates, cowboys, guests at a wedding and knights of the realm among other things, just to interact with each other.

Alison, tambourine at the ready, about to start the workshops.

This year, several Principals from around the country were also asked to lead workshops and the assembled gathering were more than happy to join in.

Edinburgh Principal, Glyn Owen, was happy to deliver his lines with lots of attitude!

Bolton Principal, Karen Ryder, had every reason to smile!

As well as participating, Karen Ryder, above, wrote the Upper Primary play "Imagine That!" and was delighted to see the play finally come to life. Cheshire Principal, Brian Ormrod, and Training Supervisor, Susannah Gill also wrote new works for this cycle and they too were pleased with the results.

 

Everyone went home very excited about the coming term. When teachers can have such a great time presenting the plays, it is easy for them then to inspire the children in their classes. It gives children everywhere the opportunity to be part of something positive and successful. Every child is a star and each will have their moments of glory on stage - whilst also having lots of fun!

For details of classes near you, go to www.helenogrady.co.uk 

AWARD FOR THIRTEEN YEARS ATTENDANCE

Micheal Barnes was recently awarded the RSC's Complete Works of Shakespeare for 13 wonderful years attendance at the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in North London.

North London Principal, Nicola Gossip, congratulates Michael on his achievement.

Michael, who attends the Stoke Newington group, joined the class as a six year old. He had this to say:

"I've been attending Helen O'Grady Drama Academy for 13 years! I've spent so much time with the people there, they've become like family to me. To celebrate the many years and being the longest running member, Nicola and Andrew awarded me the RSC'S Complete Works of Shakespeare. It was a delightful surprise that I will cherish always. Thank you both sooo much!"

Congratulations Michael, and good luck with the Productions next term!

TWO SOUPS FOR COMIC RELIEF

Oldham Principal, Wendy Orrell sent this video of one of the students in her Hebden Bridge studio doing his bit for Comic Relief last week. Wendy says: "Rohan is is absolutely bent on an acting career and does this sort of thing regularly, roping his mum and dad in! It is, apparently, not unusual for their living room to be full of a 'set' of some kind which dad has made. Rohan then enacts his favourite scenes."

What a delight to have someone so creative in class! And congratulations on the fundraising Rohan!

And here is the original.

OLD MACDONALD HAD A FARM!

Children In Kindy Drama classes have 'The Farm' as one of their themes this term. While learning the 'Old MacDonald' song, they used masks to represent the farmer and the animals they became.

 

 

 

 

On Old MacDonald's Farm

Grady Banana has also made an appearance this term. He is, of course, related to Grady Bear, who is often featured on this blog. Each week he goes home with a child who has made a particular effort during the class and returns the next week with his adventures recorded in his scrap book. This very worthy winner has promised to take great care of him.

Grady Banana off on another adventure.

So far, this term, Grady has built snowmen, baked cakes, had a ride on a hamster and been swimming at least twice! He has had lots of yummy food and some very exciting bedtime stories. Check back next week to see what happens this time.

BIG SURPRISE FOR GARDENERS IN LEICESTERSHIRE

Despite the wintry weather this week, life has continued in Helen O'Grady classes. This week saw the Mime to Music, The Garden Gnomes, performed in many classes. This is a favourite mime for teachers and children alike. When the gardener despairs about the mess in his garden, the cheeky gnomes all come to life and clear up for him. They just can't let the gardener know they are alive or he may find all sorts of other things for them to do.In North Leicestershire the children had a dress-up day and we think their Santa hats may have come in useful!

Congratulations to all the gnomes - and their parents - on the fabulous costumes. And congratulations to Principal, Beth Daniel, for inspiring them to get into the spirit.

There are still spaces left in classes around the country. Visit our website for details of your nearest classes and you, or someone special to you, could join in the fun!

SNIOW DAY IN THE SOUTH WEST

Lots of snowy pictures from Helen O'Grady people in the South West of the UK today. Some classes will be cancelled today - please contact your local branch for information.

Lots of our students will have had snow days home from school - look forward to hearing all about them in class next week.

TRAINING SEMINAR - JANUARY 2013

To kick off the new year, Principals and their teachers met in Crawley this weekend for the traditional January Seminar in preparation for the term ahead. More than sixty people attended the day, workshopping curriculum for Term 2 and generally sharing ideas and stories from Term 1.

Principals listen attentively as Mime to Music is explained

Preparing for some very interesting speech work

"Crammed on the bypass .........." Verbal Dynamics

Working together on improvisations .......

....... sometimes with hilarious results!

At the end of the day, Gloucestershire Principal, Rosie Reynolds, passed on Grady Bear to colleague, Gemma Knight, from Northampton. The Bear is visiting Gemma's branch for the term after the team thought the Principal's participation and input during the day warranted some sort of reward. No doubt Grady will many adventures before Easter. You can sign up for a regular newsletter on our website to catch up with all of Grady's antics in our regular newsletter.

L to R - National Director, Nigel Le Page and Principals, Gemma Knight and Rosie Reynolds