Developmental Drama

Although an element of performance drama is included in all programmes, the prime aim of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy is to help young people, 5 -17 years develop:

• Enthusiasm, energy and a positive approach to life
• Ongoing confidence
• Self Esteem
• Skill in verbal communication
• Effective social interaction

These aims are achieved through participation in a highly developed, original drama programme which caters for the following groups:

• Lower Primary (5 – 8 years)
• Upper Primary (9 – 12 years)
• Youth Theatre (13 – 17 years)

(In some countries, the entry age to the various programmes may vary.)

Each lesson is carefully planned. Curriculum includes introductory activities, speech, verbal dynamics, creative movement, dance drama, language development, structured improvisation, dialogue development, snippets, scene starters, mini-scripts, parent day presentations, end of year productions.

Above all, the classes are fun!

All Principals and teachers have undergone extensive training in Helen O’Grady curriculum and teaching methods.

Each lesson stimulates students to be fully involved and motivated. All students attend a one hour lesson, each week of the school year. Classes are held throughout the week in different locations.

It is possible for a student to attend classes for a period of 13 years without repeating a lesson!

Lower Primary (5 – 8 years)

Lower Primary students are involved in a series of fun-filled learning activities which aim to develop ongoing confidence, self-esteem and skill in verbal communication. The developmental drama programme provides young children with unique opportunities to develop clear speech, fluent delivery and pleasing social skills.

Children who mix well with others find it easier to make friends and adjust to new situations. They find school an enjoyable adventure! This confidence building programme helps to give them the skills to be participants in all aspects of their lives, able to ask questions, seek answers, make friends and share information with others.

Highly-trained teachers motivate and inspire the students in their care to become articulate communicators. This is done through enthusiastic participation in a wide range of creative activities including speech, dance drama, movement, improvisation, snippets, and scene starters.

Upper Primary (9 – 12 years)

Upper Primary students have many opportunities to act out a great variety of situations. At the end of each year they all take part in a short, scripted production which is performed for parents and friends.

However, the terms leading up to this special event are most important, as the main thrust of the programme is developmental drama. In a fun-filled atmosphere, classes aim to give young people ongoing confidence, self-esteem and skill in verbal communication. The confident, articulate child finds it easier to make friends, accept new challenges and explore new directions. The programme is designed to help each child achieve these invaluable skills.

The contribution of each child is encouraged and valued in a warm, positive, learning environment. Students participate in a wide range of activities covering speech, movement, dance drama, spontaneous improvisation, structured improvisation, snippets, dialogue development, mini-scripts and production.

Youth Theatre (13 - 17 years)

The dynamic Youth Theatre Programme is open to all students attending secondary school. It attracts a wide range of young people, from those seeking to increase their confidence and speaking ability, to those hoping to pursue a career in theatre and media. The theatre arts programme encompasses a five year cycle of curriculum providing young actors with a great diversity of material.

As with the classes for 5 – 12 year olds, the developmental side of the programme is still important, encouraging students to become confident, articulate communicators. However, the theatre arts side of the programme is very comprehensive, covering spontaneous improvisation, voice production, small-group improvisation, mini-scripts, character analysis, open-ended duologues, theatre games, radio plays, quick-fire dialogues, monologues and structured scenes.

In the final term of each year, students begin work on a scripted production which is performed for a public audience. This is always a highlight of the year and reflects the talents and skills of students and their teachers.
Many lasting friendships are made through attending the Youth Theatre Programme.

Productions

At the end of each Academy year, all students present a short, scripted production for parents and friends. It is a highly anticipated event as the weekly classes become rehearsals, during the final term of the year.

These productions are a real cause for celebration, as they give students a chance to demonstrate their improved communication and performance skills! Parents also join in this celebration as they observe increased confidence, communication skills, and in many cases, obvious talent!

At all levels of the programme, plays are written to capture the imagination of the students and to motivate enthusiastic participation. Each play is designed to include all of the students, for most of the onstage performance time. Through creating this inclusive atmosphere, students learn the importance of ensemble performance, generosity of spirit and team work.

We appreciate that parents are very busy people. Therefore, costuming for each play remains very simple – usually items that can be found at home, or borrowed from friends! We are constantly amazed by the ability of parents to devise costumes, using basic items, enhanced by a little bit of creativity!

The Year End Productions are all about creating “magic” moments for students. Involvement in such events creates special memories for each student. They also create a wonderful team spirit wherein students, along with the Principal, teacher and parents, work together to achieve a result that delights and rewards them all!

Why Students Love Classes

In some parts of the world, such as Australia, where the programme first began in 1979, former students are now enrolling their own children so that they too can experience the vibrance, nurturing and personal growth that the Academy brings to all students. This is a great compliment to the power of the programme!

• We are proud to have founded the world’s biggest provider of developmental drama classes in the world. Is this the reason why students love classes? Of course not! They love classes because at every studio, worldwide, the teacher makes each student feel welcome and valued.
• On the first day of attendance a new student is warmly welcomed and then introduced to a student whose task it is to be their special friend and ease the transition into class.
• Students love to feel that they are part of something special! They need to know they are valued, included, empowered and encouraged. Helen O'Grady classes provide endless opportunities for creative involvement with their teacher and with one another.
• Every lesson they attend, for as long as they attend, will consist of new material. The programme has a 13 year cycle of unique, drama material which ensures that no-one ever repeats a lesson!
• Because there is such a vast curriculum, students never have a chance to become bored. There is always something new and exciting coming up at next week’s lesson!
• At every level, students are encouraged to participate fully in all activities. Individual progress is regularly acknowledged.
• The learning environment is warm and inclusive, providing a safe place to be, to have fun, to learn new skills, and to become more confident and empowered.
• Developmental drama does not exclude performance! Students experience the joy of performing regularly for their peers, their parents and, finally, for a public audience at the end of each year.
• The year end productions give students a chance to perform and such involvement creates special memories for them, their parents and friends.
• There are no auditions to attend  Academy classes. Every child has special qualities and abilities which will be discovered during attendance and participation in this acclaimed programme.
• Quite possibly, one of the biggest reasons students love the programme is because their teachers love the programme, and genuinely care about each and every student participating in it!

Achievement Certificates

• For every year attended, all students are awarded an Achievement Certificate which acknowledges their successful participation in the international Helen O’Grady Drama Programme.
• In some countries or regions, additional plaques and certificates are awarded to acknowledge long-term commitment to the programme.
• Internationally, all students who attend classes for 10 years receive a special award, along with a letter from their Principal, specifically acknowledging their strengths, talents and long-term commitment to the programme.