Helen O'Grady 'delighted' with Malta Branch

Helen O'Grady, founder of the internationally acclaimed Helen O'Grady drama academy, has expressed her delight at the successful launch of the academy's branch in Malta.

With the opening of the academy in Malta last October, the Helen O'Grady Academy now operates in 15 countries, joining about 40,000 students internationally. Students attend classes each week and participate in the same universally acclaimed and awarded programme.

"I extend a warm welcome to our international network to you, your students, and their parents. Collectively, we all have the power to affect such positive development in the lives of all the students we teach," Mrs O'Grady said, conveying her praise to school principal and actor Alan Montanaro.

"The Helen O'Grady drama system empowers children everywhere to believe in the future and to envisage themselves playing a positive part in it. Through the vibrancy of our teaching implementation, students become involved, enthusiastic, long term participants in our wonderful programme."

The concept and philosophy behind the academy is to provide children with a drama programme that's been specifically designed to increase their confidence, self-esteem, communicative ability and creative talents. This is done in a fun way using a carefully constructed, progressive syllabus.

Having fun is key to its success and Mr Montanaro said the academy was not in the business of turning children into stars but rather to tap into their inherent creativity and encourage them to burst out of their shells.

"There are no end-of-term examinations at the academy because our children have enough academic pressure as it is. There will be no large-scale productions at the end of the year because there can only be one Peter Pan or one Snow White and competition can be counter-productive to the confidence-building of the child," he said.

Studios have been set up all around the island for the convenience of parents. For more information Mr Montanaro can be contacted on 2398 0193 during normal office hours or on 7964 7239. Alternatively send an e-mail to alan@helenogrady.com.mt.