Do you remember your teachers screaming and shouting at you at school when you had to do a public presentation or be in a production, or even just do an Assembly!
Sadly this was the norm, and STILL IS the norm, in many schools today. And drama teachers are sometimes the worst for developing anxiety in children and because of the perceived pressure of putting on a production, they end up screaming at the children to get their way.
We believe at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy that children can be nurtured to enjoy public speaking and performance on the stage. Bergvliet Primary has for many years been developing the children through the Academy’s international drama programme.
We have a completely different approach in schools where our teachers are trained to bring out the best through positive reinforcement. By enjoying their drama experience and rehearsals, the children start to see the stage and presenting in front of others a fun and enjoyable experience. Parents play a huge role in encouraging and supporting their children on the night of their production and this leads to further affirmation about the fun involved in being in front of others.
Sadly this was the norm, and STILL IS the norm, in many schools today. And drama teachers are sometimes the worst for developing anxiety in children and because of the perceived pressure of putting on a production, they end up screaming at the children to get their way.
MAYBE this is the reason why one of the greatest fears in the world is public speaking because we all were made to feel frightened by the experience of standing in front of others.
THERE IS A DIFFERENT WAY ...
We believe at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy that children can be nurtured to enjoy public speaking and performance on the stage. Bergvliet Primary has for many years been developing the children through the Academy’s international drama programme.
The proof is in the Pudding, as they say!
The final result of what we do at Bergvliet Primary is seen when they have to make impromptu speeches or attend interviews. Many High Schools around Cape Town are amazed at the natural confidence at interview that these young people show. The Principal of Bergvliet Primary has said how amazingly articulate the children are and the development shows.
You can just walk around the school and ask a child a question and they will respond in a confident, articulate and thoughtful manner.
Drama can bring out the best in children if taught properly, or it can become our greatest nightmare if taught badly.
Here you can see our Grade 3 children at their dress rehearsal with their amazing teacher, Sunette Strydom, who is also the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy’s Vice Principal in Cape Town. These plays ‘Pirate Joe’, ‘Tray Chic’ and ‘The Wedding’ involve all the children on the stage all the time. A lot of the production consists of group work and ad-libbing skills to develop overall confidence.
For more information contact us on www.dramaafrica.com
Or like our Facebook page: www.facebook.com/helenogradycapetown
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