Helen O’Grady Drama Academy

Since 1979 the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy has had one clear purpose: to develop children through drama. In the present day it still has the same objective, and is now embarking on an exciting new journey having been acquired by Trafalgar Entertainment this summer – a company who connect people through creative, innovative experiences by providing them with inspiring entertainment.

Renowned for their development of soft skills, such as confidence, creativity and communication skills, the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy has formatted a bespoke curriculum. The content of these courses transcends cultures and is delivered through specialised teaching techniques, facilitating the delivery of its programme to millions of children around the globe.

Life skills

Abi and her brother, both longstanding students of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy in Bolton are well placed to testify about the benefits of the Academy's programme and the impact it can have on children's lives. As a student of journalism, Abi has found the life skills that she developed in the drama classes to be transferable, for both her and her brother. ‘Tom and I have been a part of Helen O’Grady Drama Academy for many years. At first, it was a place where my brother Tom and I could escape, especially my brother Tom as he has epilepsy and doesn't have a whole brain [following a hemispherectomy]. The lessons gave him confidence, opportunities and showed him that he could succeed when others around him put him down. We could be who we wanted to be at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy and the classes have allowed us to thrive.’

Developing self-expression

First founded in Australia, the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy is an international network which delivers classes to 100,000 children each week. Within their classes, all students are treated equally and are given the opportunity to shine, regardless of their level of confidence or ability. Their educational provision covers both extra-curricular and in-school sessions, offering a structured weekly one-hour drama lesson tailored to the age of the students, incorporating speech, movement, and improvisation.

Executive trainer, Alison Mazanec, has worked for the Academy since 1986. ‘As Helen O’Grady tutors, we can change our students' lives for the better. Over the years, I have witnessed many students develop into articulate, confident, communicative individuals with the ability to express themselves and believe in their own self-worth.’

The model

The Academy's franchise model enables principals and teachers to operate in the heart of their local area utilising community spaces. The format fits in around everyday life meaning principals and teachers can operate on a part time basis or make this a flourishing, full time career and have a positive impact on the lives of those around them.

CEO, Rebecca Goodfield says, ‘The future of the Academy is extremely exciting. The combination of our renowned drama programme, the passion of our staff and the experience of Trafalgar Entertainment leads us to an exhilarating new chapter. Our Academy prides itself on delivering fun, engaging, and structured drama lessons in a positive and nurturing environment, creating an equal learning platform for all our students. We are also pleased to work alongside organisations such as Trinity College London to deliver certificates and exams for our students and provide Arts Award qualifications through schools and community groups. Working with Trafalgar Entertainment puts us in a strong position for the development and expansion of our brand, ensuring our students continue to benefit from the very highest standards of drama provision.’

Trafalgar Entertainment

Co-founded by Sir Howard Panter and Dame Rosemary Squire in 2017, Trafalgar Entertainment (TE) is an international live entertainment business focused on new productions, the distribution of live-streaming innovative content and the provision of amazing spaces where people can come together to share in the experience of live entertainment.

TE is home to Trafalgar Theatre, Theatre Royal Sydney, HQ Theatres, Trafalgar Theatre Productions, Trafalgar Releasing, Stagecoach Performing Arts, Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, London Theatre Direct, Luke Shires Marketing, Jonathan Church Theatre Productions and The Chiswick Cinema with exclusive Private Members' Club. TE will also open the ground-breaking Olympia Theatre, the biggest new permanent theatre to open in London since the 1970s.

If you are interested in finding out more about Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, contact ho@helenogrady.co.uk or visit www.helenogrady.co.uk.