The Helen O'Grady system has been empowering students in Australia since 1979. Already the lives of more than one million young citizens in over 25 countries have been enriched. Our premier global drama development programme, created in Western Australia, continues to expand as parents and students recognise its value and its enjoyment.

Our students learn to:
-enjoy self expression
-act as if the world's their stage
-stimulate their creative self
-feel the freedom to experiment

and all have fun polishing these skills in a structured environment. The Helen O'Grady developmental drama experience is a must in every family. New Students will join over 50, 000 others around the world expressing their individuality in weekly classes.

Our Core programmes are designed for Students from 5 to 17+ they encompass a huge body of developmental drama with proven ability to

-empower students
-increase energy and enthusiasm
-encourage listening and conversational skills
-promote social skills
-stimulate creativity and concentration
-provide a solid platform for success in performing arts
-add to confidence and self-esteem

There are 13 years of curriculum, so a student may attend for the whole of their Schooling and not repeat a lesson.

Enthusiastic participation in each lesson is encouraged.
Weekly classes of one hour are held in School terms, grouped by age. The curriculum is designed with a whole year focus. At the end of the Academy year students present a short, scripted production. Achievement certificates are awarded to all students for each full year of attendance, with special recognition for other major milestones. Our qualified Helen O'Grady teachers undergo regular exclusive training.
All teachers are trained to develop personal rapport with each student and each Academy Principal either presents or attends classes regularly to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

Our year based fees are paid by the term.

-There are four terms in the Academy year. Students may join at most times during the year.
-Special discounts are available where two or more family members attend.
-Fees are inclusive - There are no other costs during the Academy year.

Program detail:

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, our classes are fun!

-Lower Primary

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. Our 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! Our 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.

Our 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

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 our programme is developmental drama. In a fun-filled atmosphere, our 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. Our 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

Our dynamic Youth Theatre Programme is open to all students attending High school. We attract 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. Our theatre arts programme encompasses a five year cycle of curriculum providing young students with a great diversity of material.

As with our junior classes, the developmental side of the programme is still important in encouraging our 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, our 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 our students and their teachers.
Many lasting friendships are made through attending the Youth Theatre Program.

-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 our 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!

Go to our website to find out more about our Productions!

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy has a huge network of studios across Australia. Please contact our Head Office by phone or use the 'Send an Enquiry' tool to obtain the exact details of a studio near you!

-Parent Testimonial

"My children have been involved with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy for three years. As an extra-curricular activity to their schooling, I consider it an extremely beneficial and wonderfully rewarding programme for them. The children's weekly classes always result in smiling faces and eagerness, when they consider the theme for the next lesson.In today's society, where competition is cut throat, I find it blissfully satisfying to have my family involved in a programme that promotes self-confidence, awareness of presentation & speech, group participation, co-operation and especially having pride and enjoyment in what they do."
Kerri & Mark , Mt Eliza, VIC

-Student Testimonial

"At first I thought that if you wanted to join, you had to have some talent. Although after the first lesson I felt quite comfortable with our leader and had a lot of fun learning a lot as well."
Denten, NSW

Go to our website to read more testimonials...