tayforth

HARRY'S ENERGY

2011-09-09T02:15:00.000-07:00

One of our students has starred in an advertising video for an energy company! Shot on a beautiful Fife beach last autumn, the ad is to be used as promotional material within the energy industrry and Harry was chosen to be the young face of the future!
Despite it being a chilly day on a windy beach, Harry showed excitement, interest and energy as he ran up and down the beach, flying a kite, waving a windmill amd skimming stones.
Well done, Harry!

You can see the video at http://www.senergyworld.com/

REACHING FOR THE STARS!

2011-09-05T02:07:00.000-07:00

Three of our talented and enthusiastic students have attended auditions in the past two weeks and have shown how confident, articulate and friendly they are!
Jessica, who is just 3, was auditioned in Falkirk for a part in the new CBeebies series, "Woolly" and made a big impression on the director, who said she was "a lovely wee girl" - we think so, too!

Aislinn and Caleb travelled to Edinburgh to audition for parts in the Festival Theatre's Christms production of "The King and I" and had a great time - and so did their mums! Well done to you all!

RELAXING AT THE END OF A HOLIDAY....

2011-08-14T02:11:00.000-07:00

What a wonderful holiday Baby Grady Bear has had - so many dramatic adventures, dramatic friends and dramatic discoveries.....and now it is time for him to relax before he says good-bye to Peru and returns to Scotland

AND HE CAN'T WAIT!!

Because next week Drama classes will start again, and he has missed you all - he wants to hear all about your wonderful holidays - did you meet some furry friends, climb a mountain, sail in a boat, sleep in a tent? Did you get very hot, get very wet, get very excited? Did you see some Drama, go to a play, join in a performance? Did you talk to lots of new people, make new friends, eat new food, ride a horse, a donkey, travel in a plane, a bus, a train or a car?

SEE YOU AT DRAMA and you can tell him all about it!

Classes start the week beginning 20th August - see you all there!

FURRY FRIENDS - AND ANOTHER SURPRISE

2011-08-13T00:55:00.000-07:00

In his search for bears in Peru (where Paddington Bear came from), Baby Grady Bear has met lots of furry friends......but not yet a TEDDY BEAR

until........... passing through a village in the High Andes he glances up to a window and......waving at him....is...............ANOTHER TEDDY BEAR!!! Well what a surprise!! What Drama!!

Baby Grady Bear is so excited and the Peruvian teddy does a somersault because HE is so excited,too!

Don't fall out of the window, Bear!

HATS OFF TO PERU!

2011-08-12T02:14:00.000-07:00

Hats are very important in Peru - everyone likes to wear one - and some are splendid!

There are bowler hats...straw hats...woolly hats... fancy hats.....

and Baby Grady Bear's hat!

BEAR JOINS DRAMA ACADEMY IN PERU!

2011-08-11T00:25:00.000-07:00

Baby Grady Bear has met a Drama Academy in Peru!
These cheerful, energetic, enthusiastic and colourful students were on their way to a performance - they had been rehearsing all morning, and in their wonderful costumes they are off to join the rest of their musicians and to perform in front of their audience!

Baby Grady Bear is so excited - Drama students JUST LIKE HIM! (They would love him to join them but he has to move on).

MACHU PICCHU - WHAT A VIEW!

2011-08-10T01:43:00.000-07:00

Today Baby Grady Bear visited a DRAMATIC place hidden in the tropical jungle, on top of a mountain and hidden by other mountains - it is very old and very famous becaause it was built over 900 years ago but then abandoned and covered in jungle until 100 years ago. It is called Macu Picchu. So Baby Grady Bear has climbed yet ANOTHER mountain to see the ruins - he was very excited when at last he reached the top - and this is what he saw!

It was RAINING (just like Scotland!)

But slowly, slowly, the curtain of cloud parted, and Baby Grady Bear saw the DRAMATIC view!

Not like Scotland at all, really.

BABY GRADY BEAR GETS A NASTY SHOCK!

2011-08-09T00:22:00.000-07:00

After such a dramatic climb to the top of the mountain, Baby Grady Bear is very hungry - and this looks VERY good. What is it?

It is GUINEA PIG!!!!

He is SHOCKED and responds in a most dramatic fashion!

He definitely prefers haggis, personally.

BABY GRADY BEAR REACHES THE TOP!

2011-08-08T01:04:00.000-07:00

After three days of climbing, our plucky little bear has reached the top of the Accoccosa Pass - as high as three and a bit Ben Nevises!! Well done little bear! What a view!

He couldn't have done it without his trusty guide Carlos who encouraged him every step of the way, and is very proud of this brave little bear.

Take a bow, Carlos! Take a bow, Baby Grady Bear!
Where will you go tomorrow?

BABY GRADY BEAR CONQUERS THE ANDES - ALMOST

2011-08-07T06:26:00.000-07:00

Almost at the top - Baby Grady Bear has climbed as high as three Ben Nevises, and he still has a bit more to go... so he is much encouraged by three friendly children who cheer him on up the steep slope...

and by a friendly horse who offers to carry his backpack (even the horse thinks this is a bit steep)...

and our determined little mascot marches on with enthusiasm.

Will he reach the top? Follow his blog tomorrow!

BEAR CLIMBS THE ANDES!

2011-08-06T01:56:00.000-07:00

Our intrepid furry mascot, Baby Grady Bear, has started his climb. It is a Very Long Way and will take him three days- but he has Determination, Enthusiasm and Commitment (because he is a Drama student) and he marches on...

and on.... and on.....

Perhaps a spot of lunch will help?

This mountain is 4800 metres high - that is THREE AND A BIT BEN NEVISES!!

Will he make it? Follow his adventures tomorrow

A MOUNTAIN TO CLIMB

2011-08-05T01:46:00.000-07:00

Baby Grady Bear is heading off to the High Andes - very, very high Andes - in search of bears, adventure and DRAMA. It will probably take him a LONG time to climb this....

but he is a plucky little bear and is prepared to camp out as he makes his way to the top. This is his tent:

and here are two Very Important Friends - the COOKS - who will prepare some hearty and delicious meals to help him get up that mountain. Joel and Beni will look after our little friend - porridge every morning and broth in the evening (but this is not the "Old Woman's" broth - this broth really is good for you!)

Will he make it? Find out tomorrow!

MRS CRABBE, LOOK AT THAT HUGE SPIDER!!

2011-08-04T02:00:00.000-07:00

Baby Grady Bear has stumbled on a Helen O'Grady play in the middle of the jungle! Was this the spider that frightened Mrs Crabbe in "The Old Woman"? It is a TARANTULA and Baby Bear doesn't like it very much.

This one isn't very nice either.

But Baby Grady Bear hs made lot of good friends in the jungle - especially one who is learning to speak clearly , with a beautifully projected voice....right into his teacher's ear!

Tomorrow Baby Grady Bear leaves the jungle, and starts to climb some mountains....come with him!

BEAR SPOTTED IN THE JUNGLE

2011-08-03T01:05:00.000-07:00

Baby Grady Bear has arrived in the Peruvian jungle where it is very hot.

PHEW!!

Still, he thinks this might be just the place to discover some furry friends just like him, so he sets off into darkest Peru (like his distant relative, Paddington).

This character isn't at all furry (it's a cayman, not a crocodile)

but this fellow is a friendly chap...a furry capybara! and he brings all his family to meet Baby Grady Bear - a DRAMATIC meeting!

ARRIVAL IN PERU - AND A SURPRISE!

2011-08-02T02:04:00.000-07:00

Baby Grady Bear has arrived in Peru! The capital city is called Lima, and it is a bit grey and foggy because here it is their winter - but he can still see the Pacific Ocean from this DRAMATIC viewpoint. Don't fall over, Baby Bear!

And here's a BIG SURPRISE!!

Baby Grady Bear meets another student from the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy!!!

Deborah once came to classes in Scotland and she was Duchess Daisy in "The Kidnapping of Kitty O'Hara". (Baby Grady Bear remembers it well).She now teaches students in Peru how to project their voices and speak clearly and she is going to show Baby Grady Bear around Peru! How exciting!

BABY GRADY BEAR FLIES OFF TO ADVENTURE

2011-08-01T00:53:00.000-07:00

Our furry mascot has set off! Very early in Edinburgh airport, before most little bears are awake, he embarked on his Great Dramatic Adventure to Peru, in search of DRAMA, excitement and friends. It will take him 14 hours to get there - but he will arrive only 6 hours later. Now that's an extraordinary thing!

BABY GRADY BEAR PLANS HIS TRIP

2011-07-29T01:41:00.000-07:00

Peru is a BIG place for a small bear, and so he has a lot of homework to do to plan his trip. But he is a friendly bear, and his DRAMA classes have taught him how to speak up, smile, express himself clearly and to be open to all sorts of adventures - so he knows this is going to be GOOD.
He is now going to sleep - because bears are good at that , too - but just for the weekend, so that he will be all bright eyed for starting his trip on Monday.
Don't forget to follow his blog!

BABY GRADY BEAR PREPARES FOR ADVENTURE

2011-07-28T10:37:00.000-07:00

We all love holidays we hope you are enjoying yours - and our wee furry mascot is preparing a DRAMATIC holiday to Peru - from Scotland ...
right across to the other side of the world in Peru (which is in South America).

Baby Grady Bear is very excited and wonders whether he will find any furry friends...or dramatic friends. Follow his blog as he is leaving on 1st August - share his adventures!

HEADLINE NEWS: BABY GRADY BEAR PREPARES FOR PERU!

2011-07-27T02:31:00.000-07:00

Our wee furry mascot is off on his travels!
You may have spotted Baby Grady Bear in class now and again - he is a very keen member of the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy and often pops in to see what you wonderful students are getting up to.
Well - he is getting up to something pretty special himself next month, as he prepares to visit darkest Peru.
Another famous bear, wearing a large hat and a duffle coat, was once found on Paddington station. He had arrived from darkest Peru with some marmalade sandwiches and a note saying "Please look after this bear".
Baby Grady Bear thinks that Peru might be just the place for a little bear to have adventures. Follow his blog every day HERE from 1st August.

Good luck, little bear!

PERFECT PRODUCTIONS

2011-07-04T02:48:00.000-07:00

Well done everyone for some amazing performances this year - what a wonderful crowd of naughty children, pirates, medieval peasantry and circus performers we had last weekend! Without exception, you all created such lively, energetic and exciting plays - and you were all so colourful! The voices were clear, the acting inventive and the singing was so good that the audience could be heard humming away as they as they left the Hall!
What stars you all are!
And as for our Youth Theatres...with all the hissing, booing and cheering that came from the audience, our fantastic melodramas were absolute hits...which is, we hope, what Lord Villiers avoided from Matilda Goodheart's rolling pin!
And the Kinross group's football fans raised our spirits, our enthusiasm, our encouragement and our excitement ...right up to the final blackout! (OK, so who won the match?)

You were all winners! Take a bow, take a holiday---and see you back again in August!

KEEPING IN IN THE FAMILY

2011-05-17T03:24:00.000-07:00

One of our students may belong to the smartest family in Britain!
Jacob Marshall and his dad recently took part in the BBC Radio 4 Extra quizshow, "Keep it in the Family". recorded in Glasgow. Jacob and his Dad were up against some stiff competition from two other contesting teams - but they won! We are delighted by Jacob's sucesss, and his school, St Ninian's of Cardenden, will be celebrating their success too.
Aardvark castings sent two other students, Joey Lawrence and Jamie Graham, to take part in the quiz too, and with their Dads they proved that the Academy can field some pretty smart students!

Well done to you all! The programme will be broadcast late this month.

GETTING READY TO SHINE FOR THE SUMMER

2011-05-02T03:30:00.000-07:00

OUR PRODUCTION TERM!
The summer begins with our exciting new term when we prepare short, scripted plays to be presented to friends and family at the end of June.
This term, a wide selection of plays will be presented, to show the range and abilities of our students, to give parents an indication of how each child can develop, individually and at their own pace, and to allow each of our young students the chance to shine!
For some, this means the chance to build a character from their own ideas, for others, to project their voices with expression and enthusiasm, to others, the achievement of standing on a stage in public - for all, the opportunity to be part of something exciting and challenging, and to be able to contribute in their own, special, and unique way.
Our youngest children will be enacting the nursery rhyme, "The Old Woman who lived in a Shoe", giving them all the chance to show how they can pretend to be naughty, sneaky, surprised and - hopefully - very, very good!
Older students will be joining the ship belonging to "Pirate Joe", a mean captain who one day pushes them just a little too far...
Our older Primary children will tell us the story of "The Pied Piper", a mysterious and frightening figure with a way with rats - certain to send a chill down every spine! - while others will be joining a failing circus in "Circus Capers" - but with our students to contribute their ideas, it is sure to be a success in the end!
The Youth Theatre students have a melodrama to convey, and will be asking for lots of audience participation in "The Triumph of Trevor Truelove or Vile Villiers Vanquished", while our largest group in Kinross will be controlling their aggression, their despair and their alarm when they find themelves holed up with a rival football team in a house that may or may not be haunted, and they have "A Score to Settle"....
A fun term is ceratinly in store for us all!
If you are interested in joining us, please contact our office on 01382 330052

THE UGLY BUGS BALL

2011-04-04T06:40:00.000-07:00

Students winged their way towards the end of term with a spectacular "Ugly Bugs Ball", an improvised play that required fantastic coloured costumes, loud buzzing, chirping, scratching and scritching, and keeping a wary distance from a big, black spider - who knows who he wanted to trap in his web?
Along with lively actions and enthusiastic dancing, the fireflies sashayed along the insect catwalk, showing off their glitter and sparkle, and the gossipy bees reminded everyone about steering clear of the insect spray..

The classes all enjoyed showing their parents their final plays, and received their end of term certificates before closing down for the holidays.
When we come back, it will be summer!

SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS!

2011-03-01T02:47:00.000-08:00

Congratulatoins to Two Youth Theatre students who have set a toe on a Dramatic future!
Both students of the Cupar Youth Theatre, Elisabeth Flett has secured a place on the NQ Theatre Arts course at Dundee College and Thomas Beecher has been offered a place to study Acting and Performance at the Adam Smith College.
Well done to you both!

COURT PROCEEDINGS

2011-03-01T02:32:00.000-08:00

The Accused is sentenced....

A cold, draughty, noisy weaving shed; hard, dangerous and difficult work; hungry, exhausted and downtrodden workers - this was the scene conjured up by our students in a two-part play they devised, requiring lots of imagination, self expression and a bit of historical licence.

Every week, the children work on a different improvisation, to help them understand what it might be like to be in someone else's shoes, to articulate what that person might be thinking, and to learn how to empathise : this particular play, however, was a long way from the children's own experience and they had to draw on huge powers of imagination as they progressd from factory to street, begging for bread, counting their pennies or selling their goods. Although most were appalled when a thief made off with a loaf of bread, some sympathies were also expressed and the children realised that things are not always black and white.

Unusually, the story ran on into a second week, seeing the thief caught and judged. The children learned how to defend their friend, or to accuse him accurately and clearly, and finally to pass judgement. But it was the "magistrate" who had the last word, and the miscreant's future lay in his hands...

It was surprising and revealing how different groups came to quite different conclusions, some not at all popular!

The Improvisation was enhanced with a few costumes, but the atmosphere created was largely due to the children's own involvement and interest.

ASPIRING AARDVARKS!

2011-02-04T03:08:00.000-08:00

The term has got into gear with lots of aspiring Aardvarks - students who are interested in joning our in house casting agency, and trying their chances - and their talents- in the world of show biz. Forty five students took part in a photoshoot held by Tracy Gow (http://www.tracygowphotography.co.uk/) in Kinross - they are now launched to prepare themselves for stardom! See them on our website at http://www.aardvarkcasting.com/

BACK TO SCHOOL!

2011-02-04T03:00:00.000-08:00

IMAGINATIONS, INITIATIVE AND IDEAS

Schools in Fife have been opening their doors to Drama - and some very strange happenings - this term, with the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy. Equipped with nothing more than with strong voices, expressive faces and energetic bodies - and, most importantly, enormous imaginations,- six schools have taken part in Drama workshops showing just how powerful an imagination can be .

The children from Crossgates School, Kirkcaldy West, Kirkcaldy North, Milesmark, Balmerino and Wormit have all filled their school halls with mischievous ants, invading aliens, hootin' tootin' cowboys, celebrity chefs and nervous musicians - though not all at the same time!

The workshops were part of the schools' projects on literacy and the arts, and demonstrated how a spark of an idea can be develped, nutured and expanded - eventually growing to a play in which every child was involved and had a part to play.

Imagination is after all a hugely important part of a child's development whether they are studying the Arts or investigating science, maths or technology: through Drama the children can understand how there may be many means towards an end, and discussion and collaboration lead to a satisfactory conclusion.

Although our "audiences" were limited to the class teachers, the children shone with pride at what they had created together and thoroughly enjoyed the process of getting there!"

If you would like to arrange a Drama workshop for your school, please ring Barbara on 01382 330052.

A VERY HAPPY CHRISTMAS AND AN EXCITING NEW YEAR!

2010-12-23T10:18:00.000-08:00

Classes have now ended for 2010, but we have already made great plans for 2011!

We hope you all enjoy wonderful holidays, and we look forward to seeing you all back in class in January!

DRAMATIC RESCUE - BY POPULAR DEMAND

2010-12-23T10:14:00.000-08:00

Saved at the last moment! - the Dunfermline Youth Theatre has been rescued from imminent demise by the enthusiasm and drive of the newest teacher, Fiona. When teacher Roxanne announced that she would be moving on, it seemed likely that this group would be forced to disband until Fiona stepped into the breach - to the delight of the students. Classes will continue - in the Link Church, on Fridays, from 6.00 - 7.00 - to our great relief and excitement!

KICKING OFF IN KIRKCALDY

2010-12-09T02:49:00.000-08:00

Looking for something to boost your spirits, to energise you, and to give you lots of fun?
We are all beginning to emerge from a period of hibernation, so as the snow holds back , why not come along to our FREE DRAMA SESSION in KIRKCALDY on Monday 13th December.
There will be energetic activities, fun exercises, talking, creating, imagining and acting - new friends to meet - and old ones to bring with you!
Sign up now by calling the office on 01382 330052
Classes are from 4.00 - 5.00 if you are in P1 - P3 and from 5.00 - 6.00 if you are in P4 - P7

BRRRR!

2010-12-04T02:45:00.000-08:00

What a white-out ! For the first time in 10 years classes were cancelled this week throughout the Academy as we all goggled at the amazing volume of snow - there was so much of it! With every school closed and lots of time to play, our students made sure they were suitably dramatic by creating giant snowmen, gorgeous snow angels and fantastic footprints - but in most places the snow was just too deep for sledging. And sometimes it was just too cold for comfort.

Are we back to normal again? We hope so - with Parent Days approaching, we are prepared to charge through the snow and back to class - refreshed, invigorated and full of energy!

FANTASTIC FUNDRAISING

2010-11-29T05:17:00.000-08:00

A month of busy activities on behalf of children less fortunate than themselves has resulted in a massive £305.45 donation to Children 1st through the sale of badges, a teddy competition, and wearing tartan on Kilts for Kids day.
In addition, the students have been delivering short talks to their friends and family, and sponsorship has raised a magnificant £882.71p towards Children in Need!
Thank you so much to all our generous friends who have given an amazing total of £1188.16 towards children's charities this month - and thank you to the enthusiastic, talented and resourceful students who have worked hard to raise this staggering amount.

2010-11-29T05:10:00.000-08:00

DRAMATIC MUNCHING, SCRUNCHING AND POSING

2010-11-29T04:51:00.001-08:00

A very colourful week ended on Friday as the final touches were made to "Kilts for Kids " week - tartan kilts, scarves. shirts, ribbons, shirts, socks, hats, and even a tattoo were oon show as the children encouraged their friends and families to donate towards "Children 1st". The competition to name the tartan teddy continues until Tuesday, St Andrews Day, but so far the Academy has raised £305.45 towards Children 1st. This is a magnificent total, helped along in the Cupar Youth Theatre by a gift of Abernethy biscuits - consumed rapidly, but much enjoyed!

KILTS FOR KIDS

2010-11-21T09:22:00.000-08:00

Kinross studio was the first this week to flourish some tartan and raise money for "Children 1st". They were lucky. too , to welcome a very important visitor from the charity when Rebecca Milne joined the class and told the children and their parents about Children 1st, who it helped, where it worked, and what would happen to the money the children have raised. It was a very tartan-y colourful crowd at Drama on Saturday and they bought tartan badges, guessed the name of the tartan teddy and learned more about how every child deserves the best that life can offer.

The tartan continues all week, with the Tartan Teddy's name being revealed on St Andrews Day.

TALKING FOR PUDSEY

2010-11-21T09:13:00.000-08:00

The talking has not stopped all week as the students have chatted, imagined, declaimed, discussed, considered and performed - sometimes in front of their parents and sometimes with them. At Bring a Grown Up Days the parents came along somewhat apprehensive, but willing to join in - soon they were caught up in the enjoyment of speaking, the challenge of acting and the sheer fun of Drama. They imagined being market sellers attratcing customers: jumgle explorers hacking through the undergrowth, and rookie plumbers mending a leak. They joined with the children and after much discussion, consideration, compromise and rehearsal, performed some punchy little plays of their own .
So far, over £400 has been raised towards Children in Need by these enthusiastic parents and their eager and talented children.

MORE TALKING FOR PUDSEY

2010-11-21T08:54:00.001-08:00

Talk and more talk as the students find more and more they want to say... to their friends, to their parents, to the class, and, many, to all those grown ups who came along to class this week to JOIN IN!
There were some very imaginative speaking, graceful dancing, creative acting and punchy little plays! Our parents found out exactly why their children have such a good time at Drama every week, and contributed their own ideas to our plays: they were market sellers trying to attract customers: they were jungle explorers hacking their way through the jungle: and they helped to create -and to act in - their own improvisation.
A LOT of talking and discussing went on, and to date over £400 has been raised for Children in Need.

GROWN UPS GETTING INVOLVED

2010-11-18T01:47:00.000-08:00

Our Bring a Grown Up Days continue with enthusiasm! To date, since Saturday, 95 adults have come along to class to join in with their children, to listen to their talks, to become, among other things, market sellers, naughty children, plumbers and jungle explorers - and to create their own fantatic short plays - all in an hour! These grown ups had a fabulous time - and want to come back another time to enjoy more of the fun of Drama. But will the children let them....?

Parents win Prizes

2010-11-16T03:58:00.000-08:00

What an amazing start to our annual Bring a Grown Up Day in aid of Children in Nneed.
Our studio in Kinross was bursting at the seams as a total of 57 parents came along to class, eager to see what happened there every Saturday and to join in, being creative, imaginative, expressive and sometimes plain silly. Their children, experienced students of Drama, were on hand to encourage their grown ups in all the Drama activites trhey enjoy, and even the shy parents grew in confidence - just like their children - as they participated in all the fun we have each week in Drama.

To date, over £300 has been raised towards Children in Need .

2010-11-16T03:41:00.001-08:00