We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude of how the program has enhanced Chloe’s confidence and ability to communicate with her peers and adults. Chloe was very quietly spoken but since attending the drama programme she has improved her speaking voice and is now confident at addressing school functions and meetings. Recently, one of the teachers at her school commented on how Chloe was able to express her thoughts so clearly and the manner in which she articulated her message to the group.

Our journey with Helen O’Grady Drama began 10 years ago when our eldest, who was about to turn 6 years old at the time, joined up to develop and encourage confidence and expressing herself. We were drawn to the amazing ethos of the drama academy where everyone is included, encouraged and developed. Our second daughter waited in anticipation and 2 years later she began her Helen O’Grady experience. Both our daughters have made meaningful friends and connections with their classmates. They have been so wonderfully coached and mentored by the phenomenal teachers they have had.

We enjoy attending the Presentation Days and productions staged by the Academy. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the students is a refreshing experience. Thank you, for your dedication and perseverance in maintaining such a high standard of work, and we look forward to many more years with your organisation.

Tshego is loving this drama – I never thought she would take it to heart like she has. I even sacrifice my own things to bring her to every class

I cannot tell you how happy I am that both my girls are doing drama at the same Academy that gave me confidence when I was a child and helped me develop as a person.

My teenage daughter is a very quiet, serious soul and I do want to say that drama has been quite life-changing for her. I am so grateful.

Michael (who has learning difficulties) enjoys the classes so much. Last week he was able to take part in his school assembly, even his teachers had tears in their eyes – all thanks to the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy.

When I think how Callum was the first day in class, hanging onto my skirts, terrified to leave me and I look at him now, eighteen months later, I am amazed at the change. He is enthusiastic and confident. He even had his own lines to say in the play and spoke them clearly and with expression.

Today’s presentation was lovely! You guys are doing a phenomenal job with all the kids that come through your course! I know my girls absolutely love drama and are often reenacting little scripts at home together.

I thank you for the fantastic job you did with our children! They were awesome! It proves that given the opportunity children can grow to another level.

My son was helped at Helen O’Grady in his primary school years, especially in Foundation Phase. His grade one teacher complained that he didn’t want to talk in class, and I was advised to take him to Helen O’Grady Drama. He attended on Saturdays and in no time, he was so fluent at speaking English that he started to be active and was able to socialize with others. Thanks to the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy!

We would like to take this opportunity in thanking you and the drama teachers for making our daughter’s Monday filled with laughter, humour and a love of drama. She continues to love her classes.

On Friday evening I witnessed the professional level of theatre that the Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy is able to impart on our children, and I needed to share my excitement with you. What they managed to achieve with Grade R learners was astounding! The school invested in lessons, and the final product was showcased at the prize giving and it was a wonderful and heart-warming experience.

My daughter had her first exposure to your class on Friday, and she still talking about what a fantastic time she had. Thank you so much for making it so pleasant, as she is generally a very quiet person, and that this will allow her not to be so conservative and to have a voice (not just at home, but everywhere).

Hannah told me after the class: ‘This isn’t like drama. It’s just a fun class!’ Could there be any better reason for enrolling a child?!

As a toddler Lara was very vocal and loud but during her Grade 1 year, we noticed she started to become a bit of an introvert and more shy. We signed her up with Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy in the hope that it would help her with her speech as well as aid her in being more self-confident. Although still a little shy, she has blossomed while doing drama. Her speech is clearer, and she is learning to express herself better with words. Very much the drama queen, the classes give her free range to express herself and open her mind to whatever the scene for that week may be. She is encouraged to be less constrained and applauded no matter how silly we as parents may think normally. We have only the Academy to thank!

Thank you so much for the recognition yesterday. The trophy brings an overwhelming sense of excitement for the child… and parent! It’s such a brilliant idea and will be treasured. Keep up the good work.

I just want you to know that he always says drama class is where he is the happiest since he’s been at Willow Academy. I really thank you for making him feel that way.

My daughter has been doing Drama at Islamia College since the last term last year. Due to certain events last year, she had become very shy and had lost self-confidence.

I was so pleasantly surprised yesterday when I saw her perform on stage. It’s a big step forward from last year (at the end of last year, she didn’t even have the confidence to go up on stage at her Awards Day to collect her award!) I would like to say a big thank you to the teachers for their support and encouragement and for helping my daughter regain her confidence.

Helen O’Grady Drama Academy was my daughter Stacey Norman’s grounding, and in later years she became a radio announcer on KFM, and is now on Highveld Stereo where she has taken over the Alex Jay slot. Good grounding and good elocution go a long way to success. Please let Helen O’Grady know she helped make Stacey’s dreams come true, and made my heart as a father very proud.

I cannot believe that Anneska has come this far, and nearly fell off my chair when she spoke in such a loud, confident manner! I thought my heart was going to jump out of my chest with pride in seeing her on stage.

It’s amazing to think how his confidence has grown since he started with you 4 years ago. I have only good things to say about your Academy, and we thank you for including and accommodating both the boys.

My daughter is one of your breeds – Helen O’ Grady Drama Academy instilled confidence, communication skills and the ability to speak her heart with boldness at all times! She was with the Academy in Uitenhage for 6 yrs and she’s our drama queen in the house! Thank you, Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, for what you have instilled in her. It can never be taken away!

Thank you for molding our children into confident little people. As a parent, I can truly see the difference that this has made in my daughter’s life.

I want to thank Helen O’Grady Drama academy for such a wonderful programme. It feels like we have a different daughter in just 3 months. She’s more open minded, speaks freely, asks questions. She has more confidence and self-esteem. She listens and responds to tasks so easily. I can’t believe it. When we ask her to do something

she does it immediately. No bribing for a chocolate or McDonald’s. It’s totally shocking. I recommend to every parent to take their child. 10 stars for the Academy.

My two boys used to be shy and reserved when they were young. We then made a decision to send them to the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy which happened to be based just next door to our house. The boys have not looked back since. They have developed into fine young men that express themselves with ease. Going for their drama class is always something the boys look forward to. At school, the boys have become the best drama students in their grades. I have personally been impressed by the annual productions, and I always look forward to all the kids giving their brilliant performances on this annual event. Thank you, Kerry, for the difference you have brought to our kids. We really appreciate it.

Thank you so much for an absolutely wonderful evening and a wonderful year for my son. He used to have such terrible self-esteem, calling himself the dumbest in class, uncool, etc, so this is just wonderful. You have done so much for his confidence!

Thank you for giving our children the opportunity to participate in the drama programme. It is refreshing to see the limitations taken off our children and to see them express themselves freely.

During the Presentation Day, I couldn’t help but notice how Craig had matured and grown in confidence and self-esteem in the years he has been with you. For this I thank you enormously and hope that this will help Craig in future years in whatever he chooses to do. Once again, I would like you to know how important you have been in making Craig the confident, well-spoken young boy he has become

Even though she has only been a member of your amazing Academy for a term and a half, I have seen a remarkable improvement in her self-confidence and have been amazed at how her shyness (especially in talking to people she has only just met) is receding.