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Celebrating thirty years of theatre

Celebrating thirty years of theatre
 
2009-01-22


THE local branch of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, based at the Old Mill Theatre in Paarl, is celebrating 30 years of international children’s drama education by becoming Africa’s largest drama school with over 2500 students attending classes in schools and private studios throughout the Western Cape.

For more on their activities, contact their head office on 021-674-7478.

This academy is by far the largest organisation of its kind in the world, with over 60 000 students attending classes worldwide.

“Unlike many other drama schools, the aim of the academy is not primarily to produce stars, but rather to equip and empower young people by teaching confidence and good communication skills,” says Duncan Rice, the principal of the academy

“In our modern world, with the intimidating advance of technology and the expectations placed on our youth to keep up with trends and the demands placed on them by society, being confident, assertive and believing in one’s self, as well as being able to communicate effectively, are vital life skills,” he says.

Students attend classes for one hour once a week in a location close to them.

Scholarships and bursaries also enable all children to achieve their dreams.

Students who wish to further their ambition join the Academy’s casting agency and many appear regularly on television.

Duncan Rice, before returning to South Africa in 1986, ran Ireland’s largest drama school, with over 1300 students.

Together with his many awards he has endeavoured to bring a fresh approach to drama to Cape Town.

Duncan said, “The curriculum is excellent, varied and stimulating. The classes are consistently good fun, with happy and confident and expressive students.”

After 30 years of operation internationally, Duncan says that he feels privileged to be a part of the empowerment of so many children.

“The rewards are huge – seeing children blossom as a direct result of our programme. I love being able to guarantee results to parents!” he says.




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