Changing Perspectives

We are so excited to share with the friends and families of the Youth Theatre classes a physical theatre play called Perspectives. 

Our high school students have been hard at work learning the techniques used in physical theatre, understanding the genre and bringing to life this piece.

Actors will be dressed in black; they will use broomsticks which are transformed into a number of different props.

This play requires the optimal use of both body and voice. A challenge our students are accepting boldly. 

Physical theatre is a type of theatrical performance which emphasises physical expression as the primary conveyor of dramatic meaning. 

It goes beyond the narrative, incorporating physical and visual elements on a level at least equal to verbal elements.  It is, however, more than simply abstract movement – it includes some element of character, narrative, relationships and interaction between the performers. 

Perspectives will be performed by all Youth Theatre classes this year. We hope to see you all there.

EXPRESS YOURSELF

In today’s world it’s so hard for kids to just be themselves.

Pressure comes from a number of avenues – friends, 

teachers, TV, family and unknowingly children are being told who to be to fit in. 

At Helen O’ Grady, along with our parents we strive to create 

an environment where students feel safe to be who they are and express themselves freely.

Children who don’t get the opportunity to express 

themselves often grow up not knowing their own potential.

 Teaching kids how to express themselves needs to happen as

 early in life as possible—before the peer-pressure at school and from the media really kick in.

Learning how to express themselves can build their self-confidence, help them develop smart, independent thinking and nurture their creativity.

Drama gives children and youth a healthy way to express emotions like sadness, anger, aggression, happiness and excitement.

The Kuils River Upper Primary group show their great range of emotions and expressions

Every child is unique and together we can look for ways to foster the artistic expression that’s already within them.

Teaching children how to express themselves is one of the most important life skills you can give them. When children feel comfortable expressing who they are, they can make their dreams come true!

Come On Over to Kuils River

Our Kuils River studio is ever-growing.

Growing in numbers and growing in strength as students give their best week in and week out.

The Jan van Riebeeck hall is transformed into a centre of drama magic every Thursday afternoon from 3pm to 6pm. Students from the area file in for their dose of Helen O’ Grady learning and lessons and laughter.

 

Kuils River students lighting up the stage with their creativity!

Older faces and new ones take to the stage and bring exuberance, enthusiasm and energy.

If you are in the Kuils River area, stop by, say hello, come for a free trial and join in the ACTion.

We’re there every Thursday afternoon:

15h00-16h00  Lower Primary

16h00-17h00  Upper Primary

17h00-18h00  Youth Theatre

Keep your eye on our Facebook page for news and updates

Make a Dramatic Difference at School

Helen O’ Grady offers drama classes at a number of studios across the Northern Suburbs of Cape Town as well as the Winelands areas.

We also offer drama as an after school programme at a number of schools.
While some may question the merits of a drama programme at a school with an already full extra-curricular programme, we offer these answers:

Drama at school stimulates CREATIVITY IN PROBLEM SOLVING
Drama activities can CHALLENGE STUDENTS' PERCEPTIONS about their world and about themselves.
Dramatic exploration as seen in our lessons can provide students with an outlet for EMOTIONS, THOUGHTS and DREAMS, that they might not otherwise have a platform to EXPRESS.
With our improvisations students can BECOME ANOTHER, explore a new role, try out and experiment with various personal choices and solutions to very real problems- or problems faced by characters in literature or historical figures.

De Tyger's Primary Group doing an Improv

Of course, at the core of Helen O’ Grady is COMMUNICATION, CONFIDENCE and CREATIVITY.

In this way drama REINFORCES the rest of the school curriculum giving students the all-round development they need. 

Putting the drama into your next party

Did you know we also take drama out of the classroom and into your home?

Helen O'Grady Drama Parties allow children to become stars for a day!

Fast-paced and action-packed, students play drama games and work on a short performance
piece under the guidance of the Academy's expert teachers, following a specific theme.

This fun-filled party will include and entertain everyone on this very special day and what's more it is educational as well!

This could be a great idea for a class, drama troupe, sports team or your child’s next birthday. It’s a great way to introduce children who have not done drama before.

Get in touch with us to find out more.