School: The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy

The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy is the only organisation of its kind in the UK and had its origins in Australia many years ago.
In 1979, Helen O'Grady, a trained teacher, drama teacher and actress, hired a hall in a Perth suburb and commenced after school drama classes for children. Her aims were to provide a self-development through drama programme for children, to encourage:
Enthusiasm, energy and a positive approach to life.
Ongoing confidence.
Self esteem.
Skill in verbal communication
Effective social interaction.
The Helen O'Grady Drama System for children became the basis for further expansion and since 1979, the remainder of Australia and New Zealand have been introduced to the Helen O'Grady Academies as well as Africa, Georgia, India, Indonesia, Zambia, Malaysia, Singapore, China, USA, South Africa and the United Kingdom, Ireland, Europe and the Gulf States.
There are over 50,000 students attending Helen O'Grady Drama classes each week, throughout twenty two countries. In 1994, four Academies were established in the UK and there are now forty nine in operation. Over 15,000 children each week attend classes in the UK; it is anticipated there will be approximately 18,000 students per week attending classes over the next few years.
Franchisees, all with an interest in drama, and possessing great energy, benefit from the widespread recognition, loyalty and support that the Academy receives wherever it operates.
They also benefit from a stim