Helen O'Grady Drama Academy turn lockdown challenges into positives

During the second lockdown, seven students participated in a leadership and communication programme which allowed them to help support the delivery of online drama classes

Youth Theatre students at the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy Oldham & Rochdale have turned their lockdown challenges into positives by taking the opportunity to learn new skills.

During the second lockdown, seven students participated in a leadership and communication programme which allowed them to help support the delivery of online drama classes with younger academy members.  

Principal Gemma Johnson designed the programme so that Youth Theatre students had the opportunity to reinforce important communication and social skills, learn leadership skills and most importantly, be exceptional role models.

She said: "We are so proud of each and every one of the students who participated in the programme.

“Our teachers, myself included, have loved seeing them develop. We really did challenge them but they have all excelled. The younger students thoroughly enjoyed being able to work with them and I think I have some drama teachers in the making here.

“Congratulations and well done to Harry Thompson, Eva Marland, Ashley Dutton, Roo Hussain, Finlay Johnson, Olivia Dodman and Adam Holden.”

The Helen O'Grady Drama Academy, as a worldwide organisation, held its first-ever class in Perth, Australia, 41 years ago.

Since then, the developmental drama classes have gone from strength to strength, currently operating in 36 countries across the world.