SEE OUR CLASSES IN ACTION!

See how a self development programme through fun based drama activities can help children and adults improve their confidence, self esteem, language and communication skills.

PRODUCTIONS 2012

As the Academy heads towards the Easter break, Principals are preparing for the end of year productions coming up in Term 3.

This is a very exciting time of the year for all students. Terms 1 and 2 offer our popular and unique curriculum, teaching our self development programme. The culmination of these is seen at the end of the school year in the summer shows. No matter how long they have been attending classes, all students can be part of something positive and successful. Every child in the Academy is a star and they all have their moment in the limelight in June and July.

Three exciting plays are on offer for each age group. In Lower Primary (age 5 to 8 years), children could be ants in "The Grasshopper And The Ants" or woodland creatures in "The Hare And The Tortoise". The third possible play for this age group is a Dutch folk tale "Lazy Lak".

Upper Primary (9 to 12 year olds) could be heading down to Mexico in the colourful "Fiesta In Triesta", at the Egyptian Museum in "The Curse Of The Pharaohs" or in lavish fancy dress with some strange aliens in "Fancy That!"





































Teenagers in Youth Theatre classes could find themselves confronting the media at a press conference for the latest film in "The Perfect Scandal". They could be part of the Muscle Mob in "The Legend Of Tim Sandy" or simply waiting for a train in "The Waiting Room".


























There are still places in many classes around the UK. Visit our website to find the classes closest to you. No experience is necessary and there are no auditions. To be part of the fun, you just need to be part of the class!

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR READERS!

It looks like 2012 will be an exciting and challenging year for young Stroud mum, Rosie Reynolds, as she takes over as new Principal of the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Gloucestershire, just months after her first baby, Barney, was born.

24 year old Rosie studied drama at Coventry University where her speciality was the use of drama as an educational tool, perfectly equipping her for her new role as Principal!

Rosie, who taught with the Academy while ex-Principal Nikki Flack was in charge, sais: "I am very proud and excited to be taking over in Gloucestershire. The exciting after school and Saturday classes are great fun! I totally believe in the programme and the benefits it has for children of all ages.

Rosie, who starts classes on Tuesday 1oth January, can be contacted on 01453 756039 or email glos@helenogrady.co.uk We wish her the best of luck!

THE BIG DAY!

Today is the day Children In Need takes over the airwaves. You will see and hear Pudsey on almost every programme through the BBC today and, of course, the big show is on tonight.

A team from Head Office will be there to present the big cheque for £50,000. Principals around the country and their students have worked extremely hard towards the target and the Academy is proud to be representing them tonight. See us on the show in the 'late' spot, from 10.30 to 2am.

A big, big thank you to everyone who has been involved including our printers, Franchise-Connect and a special vote of thanks to The Waldegrave Arms in Chewton Mendip, Somerset, who have taken National Talking Day! to their heart. Tonight their barmaids will be dressed in our special edition tee shirts requesting donations from every customer who speaks in the pub!

It's not too late to be involved. Visit our website to download a sponsor form or send a donation to the address on this blog. We will happily link to your website if you provide details.

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.

NATIONAL DRAMA WEEK

During National Drama Week - 28th September to 4th October - Principals invited special guests to visit their classes. Bolton Principal, Karen Ryder, invited Coronation Street star MAGS GANNON to attend her Prestwich class. She is pictured below with the children. Following the visit Ms Gannon felt inspired to email Helen O'Grady Head Office with her thoughts - see below.

"I have just returned home from a Prestwich class taught by Karen Ryder. I believe it is your "National Drama Week" and because of this (and being a local actress) Karen invited me to my local class. I have to say I have come away most impressed with the way Karen seemlessly covered so much in one hour; it flew by! The rapport between Karen and all the pupils was quite truly astounding - they loved her! I was a little apprehensive wondering what to expect, in fact I was imagining a "bad nativity school play" ... how wrong was I?! Karen did two main parts to the lesson, one was to music about cavemen and the other about an ice cream factory. I don't know who enjoyed it more, me or the children. I am certainly impressed with the Helen O'Grady programme, what you are doing for childrens' self-belief (call it what you wish) is first class; keep up the good work, you have made a 66 year old woman very happy this evening.

Kind regards, Mags Gannon."