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 

HELEN O'GRADY PRODUCTIONS 2011

Term 3 in the Academy is Production term and the preceding training Seminar is always a lot of fun, as Principals workshop the plays they will be presenting with their classes. Over 100 Principals and teachers from around the country met in Manchester before Easter to experience new plays and workshop updates to the more familiar.

"Bring me the Nightingale....."

"Pirate Joe, as mean as can be.....

Feared by everyone including me......"

"That stupid Rocco jumped too soon, and made me burst my red balloon...."

The above were during excerpts from 'The Emperor & The Nightingale', 'Pirate Joe' and 'Circus Capers'. Other plays for the Primary classes are 'The Old Woman In The Shoe', 'Pied Piper', 'School For Superheroes' and 'A Trip In Time'.

Youth Theatre have their own productions: 'A Score To Settle', 'The Triumph of Trevor Truelove' and 'Murder At Mornington Manor'.

All classes around the country will produce one of these plays in a showcase at the end of term. It is a very exciting time for all concerned.

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