CELEBS COME OUT IN SUPPORT OF DRAMA ACADEMY!

Principals around the country have been contacting local peoplein their areas and have received nothing but support for their business. Here are a selection of messsages they have received.

"To all the pupils and staff at the Academy,

I have recently received a letter from Claire Hollis [South Manchester] who told me about the Academy.

It is always good to hear about clubs and groups and it never ceases to amaze me the enthusiasm and dedication everyone gives ............ most importantly giving their time.

Drama is a great way of expressing oneself and can have so many positive impacts on people's lives. May I take this opportunity of wishing everyone connected with the Academy the best of luck in the future and, on a personal note, thank you all for your support of our club."

Sir Alex Ferguson CBE

Manager

"The Princess Royal has asked me to thank you for your recent letter concerning the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Cheltenham. Her Royal Highness was pleased to read of your work in developing children's self confidence and communication skills through drama, not least for those with special educational needs.

The Princess congratulates you on your work and sends you her best wishes for your continued success."

Nick Wright

Captain Nick Wright, LVO. Royal Navy,
Private Secretary to

HRH Princess Royal

"Miss Hurley would be delighted to lend support to development through drama and has asked me to forward the following quote:

'There is not a chance in the world that I would be where I am today had it not been for after school drama classes. They are brilliant for kids, regardless of whether they want to enter the acting profession.'

We hope your Drama Academy continues to thrive and help lots more children."

Claire Perry - Personal Assistant to Elizabeth Hurley

TRAINING SEMINAR

Over the weekend, Principals and teachers from around the UK and Europe met to workshop forthcoming productions. Approximately one hundred 'dramaqueens' attended the Seminar and joined in with great enthusiasm as members of the training team presented parts of the new productions being put on next term. Above, Angela Gallagher, Principal in North West Ireland, is behind the tiger mask, rehearsing 'How The Lion Got His Roar' which is a new play for the Lower Primary age group, telling an old African folk tale.

Below, Principals workshop the Upper Primary play, set on a spaceship, 'Maximum Speed 50 Croaders'.

No-one is quite sure where this 'bag of bones' came from but he was eager to take part in the Youth Theatre play 'The League Of Freaky Creatures'!

BAGS OF TALENT IN PORTSMOUTH!

The 'Academy Supremes' - teachers with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Portsmouth -played their part in a recent talent show. Over 30 acts took part in front of an audience of approximately 130 people, who were very supportive and provided an excellent atmosphere with all their clapping and cheering.

Andrea said: "It was wonderful to see the confidence of our students and the standard was incredibly high. Everyone received a certificate for taking part and the variety of acts was diverse, from Indian dance to stand up comedy and from Irish dancing to recorder playing. We were all very proud of the young performers!"

Like all other Helen O'Grady branches in the UK, the staff in Portsmouth are building up to their end of year productions with rehearsals starting after the Easter break. For more information on classes in the Portsmouth area, call 023 9226 8256.