O'Grady Drama Academy Northern Beaches

While O’Grady Drama simply works to give your child the best start in life and develop ways to help them grow, we also teach skills and techniques relevant to the School Drama Curriculum. At each class the techniques are developed, polished and ingrained in an energetic and vibrant way. Over time these practices ensure that students have a strong platform to negotiate any type of presentation or performance. If they wish to go on to a performing arts future, our students are well able to navigate the audition process.

• We focus on voice and movement training

• We work on presence and energy

• We nurture expressive skills

• We encourage improvisation and ad lib activity at each session

• We ensure students work together in an ‘ensemble’ environment

• We foster collaboration and teamwork

drama skills for life: how we do it?

We align ourselves to the National Drama Curriculum

• Dramatic playing

• Role playing

• Improvising

• Play building/devising

• Interpreting scripts

• Rehearsing and directing

• Responding to drama as audience

As our students progress, they’re exposed to the Language of Drama and Theatrical Conventions (‘tricks of the trade’) such as the use of Freeze Frames, split focus, mime, exaggerated movement, caricature, vocal chorus work and some song. Theatre Styles and stagecraft are introduced at the Youth level. Monologue work is also a strong feature in the Youth Program.

ABOUT US

>> About your Principal, Jess

Jess has been teaching after-school drama for almost twenty years for various stage schools across Sydney and the UK. She has a BA in English, a Cert IV in Acting & Theatrecraft and has been an actress in Film, TV, Commercials and Theatre.

Over her varied career, Jess has worked for talent agencies, modelling agencies, production companies, directed AMDRAM and was ‘Head of Script’ for Seven Scope Films, an independent production company in the UK. She’s a published author, ghostwriter, freelance screenwriter and often consults on O’Grady Drama curriculum.

After several years overseas, Jess has returned to O’Grady Drama to resume her role as Principal, as she’s passionate about the incredible programme and loves seeing the transformation that drama lessons bring to young lives.

Accepts NSW Creative Kids Vouchers