Drama Does This to You!

‘The world is a global village’…

We all can’t count how many times we have heard that phrase, but really, with the growing trends happening all around us, the world literally, has turned into a tiny global village where it takes just a nanosecond to talk to anyone ... anywhere. With this, the need to be able to communicate more articulately and with confidence cannot be wished away anymore and good oratory skills is one of the many benefits that learning drama gives to your child.

At the Helen O' Grady Drama Academy, Lagos Island, we teach your child to:

• Learn a wide range of appropriate ways of communicating. They learn to project their voice and to speak words clearly.
• Learn the importance of empathy, as it allows them to experience how someone else thinks and acts.
• Promote their imagination. Imagination gives life excitement. It keeps things interesting. Everyone needs imagination, even our top scientists!

Yes, learning drama will give these benefits to your child and the best part of it all is that it will stay with them long into adulthood.

When is it too early to learn?

Researchers say there's reason to believe music stimulates your infant's brain, dance helps develop motor skills, and drama teaches emotions and problem solving.

"The arts are a thinking tool, a way for children to communicate understanding and misunderstandings and confront them," says Margie Carter, an early childhood specialist who has co-authored many books, including Training Teachers: A Harvest of Theory and Practice. 

"If you turn an idea into a drawing or sculpture, you can figure out things you'd never figure out if you just try to explain. The purpose of the arts goes way beyond creativity and imagination."

Exposure to the arts is a critical school readiness component.

School is so much more than reading, writing and arithmetic, acting can help children learn about self-control, empathy or even bullying. It is a way to problem solve, to learn to deal with frustrations, conflict resolving and social situations.

Drama and storytelling are good ways to help increase a child's vocabulary, A 3-year-old can get up and act like an animal; other children can describe what they see. And a child who is performing must remember what step comes first. It enhances mental organization.

Music, as well as the visual arts, drama and dance, give us insight into the way a child's mind works, They show us what kids understand. We should build upon those as another form of literacy.

The answer to the question is, never.

Culled from www.parentmap.com

DRAMA & YOUR KIDS by Tamo Iruene

Where else can you find chefs, nurses, police officers, office workers, super heroes, teachers, karate instructors, and bus drivers all happily working side-by-side?

The truth is, in the midst of creating a restaurant together, clomping around in grown-up shoes, or twirling around with friends in a fairytale land, children are learning to solve problems, coordinate, cooperate, and think flexibly.

Pretending is important in child development.

Through drama children get to learn about the world and ultimately, themselves. They experiment with role playing and work to make sense out of what they've observed. Just watch children playing with dolls to see examples of this. Dolls often become versions of the child herself and are a safe way for children to express new ideas and feelings.

Have you ever witnessed children pretending to visit the doctor? One child dutifully holds the mock stethoscope as the others line up for a check-up. More often than not someone gets ‘the dreaded injection’. This is a child’s way of exploring an experience that is common and sometimes confusing or scary.

This is where we come in, at Helen O'Grady, we have the ability to harness the inherent skills in your child and positively direct them to a healthy outlet for expression.

Children develop important complex social and higher order thinking skills when playing pretend.

Drama is much more than simple play activities; it requires advanced thinking strategies, communication, and social skills. Through Drama, children learn to do things like negotiate, consider others perspectives, transfer knowledge from one situation to another, delay gratification, balance their own ideas with others, develop a plan and act on it, explore symbolism, express and listen to thoughts and ideas, assign tasks and roles, and synthesize different information and ideas. In this creative play description, we could just as easily be describing the skills needed to successfully manage a work project for an adult.

If your children are not yet registered…well…what are you waiting for?

Contact a Helen O’Grady official today at the SPAN office, 13 Davis street, Marina, Lagos or call our numbers: 08091900700 or 08091900600 for more information

Someone will always be happy to attend to you.

Interview with Sarah Boulos on SPAN@10 by Tamo Iruene

When a web search is conducted of organizations that support youth, dozens of websites will lead you to resources for enterprise, entrepreneurship and even football.  But what of the youth whose experience in sports leads them to feelings of failure? Or those that can never create anything with their hands to save their lives?

Do the same web search of organizations in the performing arts and find…. very, very little. 

  

A vibrant Theatre Arts presence in a community brings other benefits as well.  It can bring in tourism  - and a steady cash flow to business owners.

The Society for The Performing Arts in Nigeria (SPAN), a performing arts institution that combines Nigerian cultural traditions with world-class training, creating a platform to nurture and release creative potential in art, dance and music has been in existence for 10 years.

10 years that have not been without their challenges, their highs and their memorable moments.

Sarah Boulos in her capacity as Founder and Chairman of The Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria has trained and or contributed to over five hundred individuals in the professional field. SPAN has showcased and partnered with over 100 NGO’s and Mission work as well as provided on a yearly basis over thirty jobs in the entertainment industry.

In a No Holds Barred interview with Mrs. Boulos, she had this to say

Why did SPAN start?

Because it was needed and I was ready to serve and today the industry is soaring with professional performing artists hired and owning private businesses. SPAN, BORN OUT of a GOD GIVEN VISION IS PURPOSE DRIVEN AND PURPOSE DRIVEN MISSION are ignited because of a need and the need is to educate and present performing artists  to provide them with job opportunities and present their art and for children to develop themselves in an area of education that is missing in Nigeria.

Was it difficult being accepted by Nigerians?

It was when we first started but not as much now because the Nigerian community can now see the benefits of the performing arts and what it brings to the community, like new job opportunities , a better and healthier lifestyle, a creative energy in the economy, a positive outlook on our city and A reduction in the poverty line.

What challenges did you face?

To build awareness and educate the audience that this project is very much needed in our society and industry.

At the beginning, banks did not take me seriously and now they are hiring and sponsoring my student programs. Fundraising was also a major challenge and now it’s a lot easier, people are considering sponsoring the arts!!

What is different now…from 10 yrs ago?

Because the industry has opened partly due to our work there is more hope to see a performing art center built and a place for young people to learn and develop themselves and pursue their career in the performing arts because of our success stories in the Industry.

THE STIGMA, THOUGH STILL PRESENT IS NOT AS STRONG!

Do you regret any of the decisions you made then?

No, only when I get tired and desire to quit then a young child gives me a flower or I receive an encouraging word from one of my students then I know how precious and needed my services are.

What would you do things differently if you had the chance?

Yes I would, in certain areas of communication and who I partner with but in general the journey is necessary in every dream as we must learn lessons in order to grow

What does SPAN @ 10 mean to you in a nutshell?

A place where our citizens are educated , entertained and inspired for more through the performing arts .

What do you expect the show to accomplish?

The show will reinforce our vision and the need to develop more educational programs and to build a place to accommodate students and citizens to explore the wonders of the performing arts.

OUR PICTURE STORY by Tamo Iruene

Helen O'Grady, a time of learning, friendship, communion and definitely fun

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Role playing, dramatizing, practice… the order of the day

   

 Our dedicated groomers not only ensure that your children have fun learning but that they are also kept safe when away from home

  

The theatre is not just about acting, a lot of work goes into making a production…like the scenes and props

   

Discipline can never be underrated...

    

  ...if the best is to emerge

Diction and elocution classes
   

The PROUD class of 2014

   

Nature walk at the Lekki Conservation Centre

  An avenue for the children to get more in tune with their environs

  

Swimming, a form exercise that is isn't seen as work

    

Your children shouldn't miss the experience

We are gearing up for an even better experience this year, don’t be left out!

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DRAMA CLASSES...

The learning and fun never ends at Helen O'Grady...
be a part of this movement, enroll your children today

It is possible for a student to enroll with the Academy and attend classes for 15 years without ever repeating a lesson! 

The sliding scale of language development, built into the curriculum, enables students of different ages and abilities to relate readily to the program and to progress at the rate most suitable to their present needs.

International Drama Class @ Ocean Parade, Banana Island, Ikoyi

Helen O'Grady Drama Academy is one of the largest drama schools in the world with over 3,000 children attending classes each week. With an international based curriculum, our programme involves developing children in confidence, self-esteem, communication and performance skills using Drama as a tool.  

Being an international academy that runs internationally throughout the World and Africa, Lagos is not left out of the fun!

You can now take Drama Classes with Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy Lagos Island @  Ocean Parade Studios, Banana Island Lagos every Saturday with "Mr Joshua". 

It's time for DRAMA!

For more information about the programme visit: www.dramaafrica.com or call us on 08091700900

Our Best Quotes from: Disney Big Hero 6

We have had an incredibly awesome time this year at the Helen O' Grady Drama Academy, from our Easter Drama Camp where we visited the Lekki conservation park,  followed by our Summer Camp where our campers  put together two classical plays wonderful directed by Joshua Lawrence [head of drama] "The Sound Of Music" & "Her wish" (African version of the Cinderella story) with our very own 'Shade Shonibare' Starring as 'Maria' in the sound of music. Our team [Head of Operations - Lola Odukoya , Head of Drama Academy - Benedicta Etienne, Admin - Bunmi Falowo and Drama Teacher/Director -  Doyin Onasanya] was in South Africa for training with Helen O’Grady, all to give you a better experience to mention a few. 

Christmas is a few days away and here's our Baymax favorite quotes from Disney Big Hero 6.

1. Size doesn't matter. Performance does. 
2. Balalalala
3. Flying makes me a better care provider.
4. It is okay to cry. Crying is a natural response to pain.
5. You have been a good boy you may have a lollipop
6.  Hello... I am Baymax... your personal... healthcare companion... what seems to be the problem? 

Have a Baymax Christmas! 

We Love Drama!!!

The hub of creativity

The beginning of an Academy 
Helen O’Grady opened the initial Helen O’Grady Children’s Drama Academy in Perth, Australia, in 1979. She is the originator of the acclaimed Helen O’Grady Drama System, which is now used in some 30 countries.

A word from the founder Helen O’Grady herself: 
“I am inspired by the power of the unique, developmental drama programme to influence and empower children of many races and cultures...... Through the programme thousands and thousands of young people find their voice, generate self-belief, become generous participants in life and experience much fun and fulfillment along the way!”

Drama classes with Helen O’Grady are a fun and exciting! The joy of learning drama with us will boost your child’s enthusiasm and energy levels, helping them to feel more positive about themselves and the world around them.

Give your child the Helen O' Grady experience today!

Call us on 09091900700 or email: theacademylagos@gmail.com

5 SPEAKING TIPS RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE

Development through Helen O' Grady Drama has many faces, and CONFIDENCE THROUGH SPEAKING is at the core of it.

HERE IS 5 SPEAKING TIPS RECOMMENDED FOR EVERYONE

1. Always make eye contact with listeners.
2. Use facial expression and gesture to emphasize points and refer to objects and places.
3. Use precise and persuasive words to convey meaning to hold listeners attention.
4. Make meaning clear by articulating, organizing ideas in a helpful order and making links between them.
5. Respond to others contributions by adding or elaborating on them or by putting across another view.

You can experience the Dramatic Difference with us through our consolidated class @  The Ocean Parade Towers, Banana Island, Ikoyi Lagos. Saturdays: 12:00 -1:00pm

Call: 09091900700 for more info.

WE LOVE DRAMA! DRAMA IS FUN AND EDUCATING...

DRAMA AND TAMBOURINE!

From Shakespeare and the classical Athenian tragedy ‘Oedipus the King” to a modern example of "Long Day's Journey into Night' by Eugene O’Neill. Drama will continue to thrill, entertain and educate many generation of audience for a long time. Being a mode of fiction performed by actors on a stage before an audience, drama is often combined with music, dance, spoken words and dialogue to tell a story be it comedy or tragedy.

Tambourine in (DRAMA)

The word 'tambourine' finds its origins in the French word 'tambourin' The tambourine is a musical instrument in the percussion family consisting of a frame, often of wood or plastic, with pairs of small metal jingles, called "Zils". Classically the term tambourine denotes an instrument with a drumhead, and in Drama the 'tambourine' plays a significant role in class. In Creative Drama the 'tambourine' is used as a cue tool, transition signal, freeze, movement and concentration. The tambourine is a friend indeed at the Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy and will continue to play a vital role.

We love the tambourine. We love Drama!

Kids love drama. Parents love the Result!

ABOUT US

We began in Australia in 1979. Today we operate throughout the world, with thousands of students attending classes weekly.

WHAT EVERYONE NEEDS: To be happy and successful in today’s highly competitive world, we need to be confident and articulate. Enthusiastic people who learns to speak out clearly and relate confidently develop skills that makes the journey through life much easier. Our stimulating programme assist all student to develop in these important area.

THE PROGRAMME: Our acclaimed programme encompasses a huge body of development through drama activities aimed at increasing the creativity, confidence, communication and performance skills of all student. Enthusiastic participation is encourage at all times and students present a short, scripted production at the end of each year for families and friends. Above all, our classes are super fun!

EXPERIENCE AND EXPERTISE: All our staffs are qualified drama teachers and undergo regular training in the Helen O’ Grady Drama Programme which is used exclusively in all our classes worldwide. The class teacher develops a personal rapport with each student and the principal attends classes regularly to monitor progress.

OUR CLASSES

3-5yrrs (Kindy programme)

5-8yrs (Lower Primary)

9-12yrs (Upper Primary)

13-18yrs (Youth Theatre)

19+ (Adult Classes) 

FOR ENQUIRIES CONTACT

Tel: 017767726, 08091900600, 08091900700

Email: info@spanigeria.org

Website: www.spanigeria.org

Summer Diaries: Our HOG Training in South Africa!

We’re excited! Don’t blame us… So much to be thankful for and excited about. First up, the month of August is here, and the smell of Summer is everywhere [Hooray!!!!]. Remember to sign up for our F.A.T CAMP, coming up in a few days [and no, it has nothing to do with your size lol] Find out all about it here. 

So, back to the Summer Diaries gist! Our team [Head of Operations - Lola Odukoya , Head of Drama Academy - Benedicta Etienne, Admin - Bunmi Falowo and Drama Teacher/Director -  Doyin Onasanya] is currently in South Africa for training with Helen O’Grady. All to give you a better experience! We won’t be saying much, we’ll just let the photos speak for themselves. Have fun viewing!!!