Helen O'Grady Drama Academy – School in Africa

Our Story - "Read all about it"

Enrol now at the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy

The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy is the only organisation of its
kind in Africa. It was originally founded in 1979 in Australia, when
Helen O'Grady, a trained teacher, drama teacher and actress, hired
a hall and commenced affordable after school drama classes for
young people from 5-18 years of age.

Her aims provide a self-development drama programme encouraging:

Enthusiasm, energy and a positive approach to life

Ongoing confidence

Self esteem

Skill in verbal communication

Effective social interaction

Performance skills

Her legacy continues and the Helen O'Grady Drama System has now become the largest
worldwide drama school of its kind. With an extensive curriculum, dynamic teachers and
easily accessible venues, this is a truly community-based organisation, with a strong emphasis on the care of all its students.

Students from our academy

Each Academy has a Principal responsible for the overall development, making sure that a high calibre of teachers and tuition is maintained. The Principal attends the studios regularly and works alongside the students and teachers.

Students attend fast moving classes for one hour a week, according to their specific age-group. Parents Days and an annual Production allow parents and guardians to see first-hand the progress of the students.

Duncan Rice - African Director

Duncan studied drama in South Africa, where he was born, and at the Guildhall
School of Music and Drama in London. He was Head of Drama at St John's,
Cambridge, in the United Kingdom before becoming the Helen O'Grady
Principal for Northern Ireland. Over the course of his career he has acted in
film and theatre, but most particularly established himself as a director of
many innovative children's productions, aimed at bringing young people
together from all communities and backgrounds. He recently received an Award from the
British Franchise Association for his innovative work with the Academy in Northern Ireland,
where he established the largest drama school in Ireland, and the largest branch in the
world wide network of the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy with over 1300 students. Many
of these students have appeared in major films, television, radio and the theatre. Duncan's Cape Town Academy has over 2000 students attending classes each week and is Africa's largest drama school.

Gavin Pollock - African Administrative Director

Gavin was born in Ireland, and has a strong connection with the arts, having been an accomplished set and costume designer. As well as having an
extensive banking background, he has also worked throughout the United Kingdom in the interior design and the fashion fields. His work was recently featured by the B.B.C. Being responsible for the development and success of
the Academy in Ireland, Gavin brings much enthusiasm and creativity to
the African development.

Vicky Stroud - South African Director

Vicky studied music and education at the University of Port Elizabeth where she graduated with a B.Mus.(Ed.). She joined a team of top music educators and taught music at a leading primary school for several years. Vicky commenced operations in 1998 as the Franchisee for the Port Elizabeth
branch of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy and quickly became one of the
best operators in the country. In 2003, Vicky became the Franchisor for
South Africa. As Executive Principal of Helen O’Grady (South Africa), she is now responsible for the management and development of branches throughout South Africa. Vicky is married
to Basil and they have two young children – a daughter, April, and a son, Brennan.