New Term, New Adventures

Term Three kicked off in fine style this week with students returning to their school and studio classes. We also had a number of new faces getting in on the ACTion and they were welcomed in proper Helen O’ Grady fashion.

We’re looking forward to a great term.

We have a jam packed schedule with rehearsals for our end-of year Productions starting just before the September holiday break. Be sure not to miss out. Productions are a highlight on the Helen O’ Grady calendar and this year family and friends can look forward to seeing students display their drama skills in a fine spectacle!

Now’s the time to invite your friends and school mates. There are no auditions for Productions so everyone gets to be part of the show. And before rehearsals begin…we’ll have a few weeks’ lessons under our hats and know our way around skills such as ad-libbing, movement and clear, confident speech.

Our Durbanville and Kenridge Studios with their new teachers, Lize and Elle.

Keep your eyes on the Facebook page and follow us on Twitter for all the details and info around Productions and general Helen O’ Grady updates.

Let’s have a memorable term.

See you on stage!

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.

Thank you Term II...Here we come Term III

We’ve enjoyed a great, eventful term. 10 weeks of hard work, lots of fun and loads of drama.

Term two is largely focused on the Parent Day which is held at the end of the term where students showcase the skills they’ve been taught during their drama lessons.

This term we had parents express their joy at seeing the progress made by their children.

We would like to take some time to thank all of our parents who were able to attend our parent days. Thank you for your continued support and your kind words.

We look forward to spending more time with your children nurturing their talent and refining their skills.

We hope you all enjoy the break and we will see you next term!

Happy holidays

Helen O' Grady: A global movement

Our Parent Days have allowed us to introduce Helen O’ Grady to the parents, friends and families of our students. At the presentations friends and families hear more about what we do at the academy and they also learn about our presence around the world.

It is with much enthusiasm and great pride that we can link what we do here in Cape Town Northern Suburbs and Winelands to what happens in Cape Town Southern suburbs, the rest of South Africa and all around the world.

Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy has touched the world, teaching students in different corners of the world, various cultures and a great variety of faces and personalities.

Join the global movement today!

Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more.

With opportunity comes responsibility

As parents and as teachers we have been entrusted with a great responsibility to give our children the best models and the best versions of who we are, and who they can be.

At Helen O' Grady we don't take it lightly that us as teachers have a portion of influence over our students. It is up to us to not only teach them our internationally renowned curriculum and equip them for performance on the various stages of life but also to show them respect, integrity and care. While we only see them for one lesson a week, we would like to ensure our parents that us as teachers do our utmost to positively influence our students. This all forms part of our mission to build their confidence, expand their creativity and equip them in communication.

We would like to thank all our parents for their continued support. Together we can bring out the best in our children and see them soar to great heights.

An Electric Parent Day in Paarl

The first of the Helen O' Grady Northern Suburbs and Winelands Parent Days took place at Paarl this week.

Parents took their places as the students took theirs. For weeks the students have worked to show their families and friends all they have learnt with Helen O' Grady. The showcase included speech work, movement and mime and improv. Once the nerves settled, the students showed their audience why drama is such a great means to build and improve confidence.

The Lower Primary group showing their practised
Mime to Music and Whole Class Improv

As the Upper Primary group started their final preparations the power went out.

The Old Mill Theatre was in complete darkness threatening to ruin the showcase for the older group. But as they say, “The show must go on...” And so it did.

Nothing was going to stop this group! With a little improvisation and quick thinking the group moved to a smaller space using makeshift lighting to give their best to those who came to support. The smiles and the performances shone so brightly it lit up the theatre foyer. A Parent Day we're not likely to forget.

If you would like to join us next term and get involved take a look at our website. You are also free to visit our Facebook and Twitter pages for more info and regular updates.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 18 find a studio near you and join us for a free trial lesson.

Build your confidence with Helen O' Grady

We've often heard and seen the expression: Outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens. Here at Helen O' Grady Drama Academy we couldn't agree more. And that is why our drama programme is key in the development of students' Creativity, Communication and building their Confidence.

Today we'd like to put a spotlight on the development of CONFIDENCE.

How does drama contribute to building the confidence of our students?

While students focus on reading, writing and calculating during the school day, they are encouraged and taught to speak and communicate with ease and expression during drama lessons. They are taken out of their comfortable spaces and taught to interact with others working towards the same goals and sharing and building ideas together. During drama they are also practising responding to daunting challenges and asked to present resolutions. These are but a few instances where drama allows students to exercise and build confidence in individual and group settings.

If your child is between the ages of 3 and 18 find a studio near you and join us for a free trial lesson.

If YOU are in this age group and would like to get involved, tell your parents about us, give us a call and we'll tell you more.

For now, find out more at our website, on Facebook or Twitter.