Drama Academy reaches for the Stars! The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, with its unique self-development programme through drama, has grown to be Northern Ireland’s largest community-based school with over 1500 pupils attending classes each week. Many students throughout the Province gain great benefit daily from an organisation which helps young people, 5-17 years to develop, enthusiasm, confidence, self-esteem, communication skills and social skills. All students attend a one-hour lesson, each week of the school year. In the summer term all the students begin a scripted play, devised for their particular age-group, which is performed in local theatres all over Northern Ireland to a public audience. This is the highlight of the Academy’s year and reflects the talents and the skills of the students. Children throughout Northern Ireland show a natural ability at dance, music and drama and readily demonstrate some the raw talent waiting to be tapped. Drama, especially, can develop confidence and self-esteem but most importantly, can bring children from all different backgrounds together and teach them mutual respect. Communication is the key to teaching children drama in their formative years and self-belief is the natural consequence of the work achieved. We live in an exam culture and children in Northern Ireland are constantly reminded of the looming 11+ and then on to GCSEs and A-levels. Not to mention all the exams in between! It is important that young children learn to play and to learn through play, without feeling that they have to constantly pass an exam. They should be free to develop the innate talents that exist in most children. Good drama teaching allows children to thrive in a variety of situations in a fun-filled environment. Drama can also be a therapy to some children by giving children with reading or other learning disabilities the opportunity to feel they have accomplished something worthwhile. By giving children opportunities to succeed in Drama children start to believe in themselves. Instead of believing they can’t do things, they begin to believe in their own abilities. Improved concentration at school, better relations with peers, . Most importantly though it leads to a positive outlook in life. Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, Northern Ireland’s largest drama school, provides all this and much more besides for children from age 5 – 17. Lisa Semple, Executive Principal of the Academy said, “It is wonderful that our drama classes are now in easy reach of everyone throughout Northern Ireland! We have a fantastic curriculum and I know that each and every student will be nurtured in our child-centred, friendly school. We'll be more than happy to give children the motivation and encouragement they so rightly deserve. “ Contact the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy on 028 91464337 or email ni@helenogrady.co.uk for more details of these exciting classes.