“I started at Helen O’Grady
When I was a youthful Year 9,
Little did I know
That I’d have such an awesome time

I remember the first time
We played “Survival Word Tennis”,
The fierce competition
Is something that I’ll miss.
Many costumes I have worn
Throughout my months spent here,
From disastrously scary,
To some just downright queer.

The production in 2008
Was about film stars and scandals,
I worked with their excitable fans,
And made banners with wobbly handles.
The summer production last July
Was the definition of a “laugh”,
A Greek tragedy by teenagers,
I was the stressed-out member of staff
We’ve done many wacky warm-ups
At the start of our weekly dramas,
From chewing hums and chanting,
To impersonating llamas.

When the outside world was crazy
And school was such a ‘mare,
I’d know that on a  Monday
My friends at Drama would be there.
From Rachel’s insane outfits
To Navina’s rise to fame,
Life after Helen O’Grady
Will not be quite the same!”

by Katie Spence
Student -  Youth Theatre 2008/9

 

Tonight I visited the Crayford studio and was blown away by the energy, comittment and professionalism of the class.  Already there are some very intelligent characters being created by class members.  Most of the students have learnt all  of their lines and attend class fully prepared to work and have fun.  What is most noticable, with the Crayford class, is how they all work together as a team and it is clear that they have tremendous respect for each other and are totally supportive when working as a team.  

Well done Crayford and Well done Flair, my talented class teacher, who constantly demonstrates a professional, kind and intellectual quality to her teaching methods.

Judy Adams, Principal. 

LOWER PRIMARY PLAY is called "Big Box of Bears", Students are invited to dress up as or to bring their favourite Teddy Bear to class

UPPER PRIMARY PLAY is called "Live Television", Students are invited to dress up as film stars, camera-operators or audience members


Bringing props and costumes is purely voluntary. Please don’t go to any expense!

As part of the onging audition process WORKING TITLE and OLD VIC productions are looking for boys aged between 9 - 13 years to audition for the parts of BILLY and MICHAEL in the West End production of BILLY ELLIOT.

Tap and Ballet are a bonus. Maximum height 5 ft. No broken singing voices.

Auditions for BILLY ELLIOT are being held in London on Saturday 6th February 2010 at the LONDON SCHOOL OF MUSICAL THEATRE, 83 Borough Road, London SE1 1DN. You need to arrive by 9am to register for the open auditions you will then be given a time for the group you will be put into, but be prepared to stay all day if required.  Please bring a photo, a drink and lots of energy.

You will be asked to dance first then you may be asked to sing.  You do not have to prepare anything as they will teach you all they need to see.  Wear comfortable clothes and trainers and bring any dance shoes that you may have.  No lycra, leotards or jazz pants required!!

For more details please call Jessica Ronane, Childrens Casting Director,  0207 534 9750.

We would all like to wish Rachel a very successful run at the Riverside Studios and to tell her how delighted and very proud we are of her.  Rachel is taught by Laura Curnick the HOGDA's Training Supervisor.

Good Luck from all the students, teachers and Principal at the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy 

The first campaign launched by the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, National Drama Week  with the theme: ‘Drama Takes Centre Stage’ is to bring to the fore the positive benefits drama offers children. It highlights the growing use of modern technology among children and teens and with it the lost art of communication, as social network sites and text messages become the preferred choice of communication. The launch is also timed to celebrate Helen O’Grady International 30 years of drama and 12 years in the South East London and North Kent Areas.

The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy has 19 classes across SE London and North Kent and is offering free trial sessions at all classes only in National Drama week. If parents wish to book a free trial session, they can contact Judy Adams, Principal, on 020 8331 0707 or Email: selondon@helenogrady.co.uk

Quotes
Jilly Cooper,  renowned author, enthused about this event in a recent letter. She said “This is an absolutely wonderful project..I think it gives children enormous confidence if they take part in plays and often rather shy children turn out to be the most amazing actors and find a voice for themselves”. She speaks of her own love of drama and goes on to say “by performing plays and watching drama, literature becomes so much more alive. I’m terribly keen on drama and anything that encourages love of the arts”.

 
HRH Princess  Royal said that she “congratulates Helen O’Grady Drama Academy on their work and sends her best wishes for the continued success of this important work.”

Noel Edmunds said : “I have long held the belief that “the art of communication” should be at the top of the educational curriculum. It is a matter of national shame that so many young people do not know how to express themselves and in some cases are excruciatingly inarticulate…... Drama and all forms of performance are fantastically effective ways of teaching and encouraging improved communication skills and I wish you all possible success in your endeavors.”

Please contact me if you are a parent or a Head Teacher to find out how the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy can help and support your child or students with concentration, listening, linguistic skills along with self  esteem, development and confidence.

Many thanks
Judy Adams
Principal