PRODUCTIONS IN IRELAND & SCOTLAND

End of year productions are over in some parts of the country this week, and so far have been a resounding start to the performance season. In north west Ireland, the students acted their hearts out! Here are some pictures from 'The Snake Charmer' - a Lower Primary production for children up to the age of 9.

The Sultan and his daughter Princess Yasmin

A similar production of the play was staged in the Glasgow area.

In Ireland, again, the children produced their version of 'The Sword In The Stone'

Will that sword come out of that stone?

This one obviously won't!

And these knights are most annoyed because they couldn't extract the sword!

In Scotland, too, the end of term has arrived. These pictures are from Glasgow Principal Jackie Andrew:

The Snake Charmer

Pirates on the open seas! The Bold Buccaneers.

Also in Scotland, Tayforth Principal, Barbara Brett, finished her shows last weekend - to great acclaim!

Youth Theatre production - Blood On Their Hands?

Youth Theatre production - Soap Suds

This week, Principals in England have started their productions so be sure to check back for more pictures during the next couple of weeks.

Alternatively, sign up for our Newsletter and keep up to date every term.

SNOW CONTINUES TO AFFECT CLASSES - BUT NOT MORALE!

Bolton Principal, Karen Ryder, may have been kept away from lessons by the snow, but she is not one to miss a marketing opportunity! She just saw the snow as another chance to let everyone know about her wonderful classes!

Scotland has been one of the worst hit areas and Tayforth Principal, Barbara Brett, has faced a week of challenges. But, when you live in such a beautiful part of the UK, you can take a little time out to enjoy the views!

Most classes should be back to normal this week but the weather forecasters are not optimistic! There could well be more snow on the way.

AMBULANCE STOPS IN SCOTLAND - EVENTUALLY!

Portsmouth Principal, Andrea Ward, whose sister, Caroline Johnston is Director of the Village Africa project, drove to Manchester on Friday night to meet up with the ambulance for the next leg of the journey. Sadly, after a couple of days of 'mechanical faults' the ambulance broke down on the motorway and had to be taken in for repair. But, not a team to be beaten, the girls managed to acquire an ambulance car to use while mechanics were trying to locate a part for their own vehicle.

After an overnight drive to Scotland, as well as visiting classes with Tayforth Principal, Barbara Brett, she and Andrea managed to scale a climbing wall under the watchful eye of Oscar the dog - who seems to be in on everything!

Oscar then met up with Barbara's students and told them all about Village Africa's work in Tanzania.

Next stop was Fettes College (above) in Edinburgh, which is the school Tony Blair attended - and also the inpsiration for Hogwarts in the Harry Potter films. Fettes is already very involved in fundraising for Village Africa and last year sent an expedition of teachers to Yamba.

Don't forget to check back here later to learn of the fate of the 'real' ambulance and details of the next stop. Visit http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/ to donate.

NEW ADULT CLASSES!

In the last twelve months, The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy has extended the availability of its renowned self development through drama classes to adults of any age.

Already known for running an excellent programme for primary and secondary age children, the same principles are applied to the lessons delivered to adults.

Tayforth Principal, Barbara Brett, has been one of the first to offer classes to the whole age range. She has had a particularly good response to the adult classes. Barbara says:" No matter how confident we may feel in a small group, there are always occasions when we, as adults, are thrust outside our comfort zone. For some this can induce crippling nerves: others panic: many of us freeze in fright! This course addresses many of these problems and gives advice on breathing control, effective delivery, eye contact and confidence. Week by week, we examine the tricks of the trade to counter the qualms we all experience when asked to address an audience."

Classes do not teach acting skills, nor do they culminate in productions. They are designed to help adults in everyday situations which can cause concern and distress - from complaining effectively to offering advice.

To find out if these classes are available in your area, visit out website and check out the location of your nearest Helen O'Grady branch.

BBC CHILDREN IN NEED

On Friday 13th November, NATIONAL TALKING DAY!, Principals around the UK invited children to speak on a given subject, related to the charity, to raise money for BBC Children In Need. Everyone was invited to dress up for the fun lesson and above, Croydon students have a great time with their teacher (dressed as Buzz Lightyear!) before speaking for their allotted time. The talking continues right through this week until Friday which is the 'official' BBC Children IN Need Day.


And it's not just talking! There have been supermarket bag packs, sponsored walks, bad hair days and, in the Tayforth branch, parents were invited to join their childrens' lessons and paid good money for the privilege.