Throughout the 6 years of attending HOGDA Drama Academy, I have loved every second of it- from joining when I was 10 years old to leaving at 16. I used to be a very diffident, quiet person before joining, and now I’ve found myself to be quite the opposite. I think this is to a large extent thanks to my experience at HOGDA. Through HOGDA not only have I gained confidence that will stick with me for life, but I have also made some amazing friends along the way. I used to never think I’d have the guts to perform on stage Infront of lots of people, but the atmosphere provided by the HOGDA team and being able to perform with people I got on with really well really made those performances turn into happy memories that I’ll cherish forever. The teachers made every class very enjoyable and inclusive. 

I have done a fair few HOGDA summer schools during my time and that’s been a memorable experience, getting to know other people from different groups that share the same passion as you. This academy allows us as students to be creative and gain confidence.

The contribution these online classes have made to the confidence and self-esteem of my children is priceless.

The Summer School was the highlight of my son’s holiday. He had brilliant fun, made new friends and learnt loads too. His only complaint was that it had to come to an end.    

Both of my children have been attending the drama class for over a year. It’s a great opportunity for them to build up their confidence and be able to speak comfortably in public.

My son’s drama teacher at Helen O’ Grady has been a huge inspiration to him. The lesson has benefited him in countless ways and he enjoys and looks forward to every lesson. He would go every day if he could!

I’ve made new friends because I have the confidence to speak to others outside of my friendship group.

Doing drama has been such a rewarding experience for me, helping me to gain useful skills like public speaking, working in groups and thinking on my feet. It also gave me the drive, passion and confidence to apply to and attend professional drama school.

I’ve also seen drama transform people’s self confidence, help the quiet ones to express themselves and teach people a lot about themselves through being other people!

Everyone is welcome and after just one hour you will be willing to come back again, because you will have done all sorts of amazing, great things such as speech, articulation, lots of plays, and best of all you will have made lots of new friends.

I would highly recommend both the drama classes and the summer school. The teacher is great with the kids – they love her – and she works hard with them to put on shows they are proud to be part of.

My son is loving every second of his drama class. It has given him confidence and brought him out of his shell. He absolutely loves it and looks forward to it every week. I couldn’t recommend HOGDA classes enough.

My son was really shy and wasn’t good at joining in with others. But since starting at Helen O’ Grady, he has really come out of his shell; his confidence has grown and he now loves to join in and try new things. Also, his communication skills have really improved and he has become a lot more creative in how he plays. The teacher is so great with him. Thanks!

Eva has loved coming to drama classes. She is always keen and reports that she has had fun. The teachers are really warm and friendly and they have a great rapport with both the children and the parents.

My daughter finds school frustrating. But since she started drama classes, she has found somewhere she can thrive. She recently auditioned for the school play, performing a poem she learnt… and she was given a lead part. My daughter now walks a little bit taller.

Gerri-Jo finds drama a very rewarding and stimulating environment. She feels comfortable and confident to be part of such a great team – in her own words: “It’s my absolute favourite thing to do after school”. We will continue to to be part of a great academy!

Drama classes and summer school are fantastic! Amy has such a lot of fun and has recently developed her confidence in talking to an audience. The teacher is always so enthusiastic and puts a lot of energy into providing exciting performances.