http://www.villageafrica.org.uk/news5.html

 

We are delighted that the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy is supporting us and organising an Ambulance Drive around the UK. Yes that does mean driving around the UK - which is not a small task. It will cover over 1000 miles. The route will include Scotland, Wales and England (North, South, East and West), starting and finishing in Portsmouth. The drive will take place between 11-25 June 2010. It will visit various Helen O'Grady Drama Academy branches and lots of money will be raised through its academies with their students and associates.

They are also looking for more corporate sponsors to join them. Sponsors are needed to cover the cost of petrol and food. Sponsors could get promotion on national or local radio and press and goodwill from supporting such a great charity drive!

Contact:portsmouth@helenogrady.co.uk

Ambulance Drive Route and Updates

Village Africa would love as many individuals and groups as possible to be involved and there are loads of ways you can help raise this money;
you can do it by carrying out specific fundraising activities in your town, school, university or business
you can print off and distribute the ambulance drive flyer to local shops, companies and clubs asking for a donation of £25 or more (see downloads page) - these donors will be issued a certificate and mentioned on our website if they wish
you can collect sponsorship for the ambulance drive per 100 miles (max
1000 miles) - sponsorship form available from info@villageafrica.org.uk or
simply donate at http://www.mycharitypage.com/VillageAfricaAmbulanceAppeal/
Fundraising events could even take an African theme;
carry a bucket of water on your head for a certain time (dare you?)
dress up African for the day
paint your face as an African animal
hold a world cup in Africa football tournament
give up something for Africa day (that chocolate bar!)
Send us your photos.

We hope that you are able to help!

Enquiries to: info@villageafrica.org.uk
 

“I started at Helen O’Grady
When I was a youthful Year 9,
Little did I know
That I’d have such an awesome time

I remember the first time
We played “Survival Word Tennis”,
The fierce competition
Is something that I’ll miss.
Many costumes I have worn
Throughout my months spent here,
From disastrously scary,
To some just downright queer.

The production in 2008
Was about film stars and scandals,
I worked with their excitable fans,
And made banners with wobbly handles.
The summer production last July
Was the definition of a “laugh”,
A Greek tragedy by teenagers,
I was the stressed-out member of staff
We’ve done many wacky warm-ups
At the start of our weekly dramas,
From chewing hums and chanting,
To impersonating llamas.

When the outside world was crazy
And school was such a ‘mare,
I’d know that on a  Monday
My friends at Drama would be there.
From Rachel’s insane outfits
To Navina’s rise to fame,
Life after Helen O’Grady
Will not be quite the same!”

by Katie Spence
Student -  Youth Theatre 2008/9

 

Tonight I visited the Crayford studio and was blown away by the energy, comittment and professionalism of the class.  Already there are some very intelligent characters being created by class members.  Most of the students have learnt all  of their lines and attend class fully prepared to work and have fun.  What is most noticable, with the Crayford class, is how they all work together as a team and it is clear that they have tremendous respect for each other and are totally supportive when working as a team.  

Well done Crayford and Well done Flair, my talented class teacher, who constantly demonstrates a professional, kind and intellectual quality to her teaching methods.

Judy Adams, Principal. 

LOWER PRIMARY PLAY is called "Big Box of Bears", Students are invited to dress up as or to bring their favourite Teddy Bear to class

UPPER PRIMARY PLAY is called "Live Television", Students are invited to dress up as film stars, camera-operators or audience members


Bringing props and costumes is purely voluntary. Please don’t go to any expense!

As part of the onging audition process WORKING TITLE and OLD VIC productions are looking for boys aged between 9 - 13 years to audition for the parts of BILLY and MICHAEL in the West End production of BILLY ELLIOT.

Tap and Ballet are a bonus. Maximum height 5 ft. No broken singing voices.

Auditions for BILLY ELLIOT are being held in London on Saturday 6th February 2010 at the LONDON SCHOOL OF MUSICAL THEATRE, 83 Borough Road, London SE1 1DN. You need to arrive by 9am to register for the open auditions you will then be given a time for the group you will be put into, but be prepared to stay all day if required.  Please bring a photo, a drink and lots of energy.

You will be asked to dance first then you may be asked to sing.  You do not have to prepare anything as they will teach you all they need to see.  Wear comfortable clothes and trainers and bring any dance shoes that you may have.  No lycra, leotards or jazz pants required!!

For more details please call Jessica Ronane, Childrens Casting Director,  0207 534 9750.

We would all like to wish Rachel a very successful run at the Riverside Studios and to tell her how delighted and very proud we are of her.  Rachel is taught by Laura Curnick the HOGDA's Training Supervisor.

Good Luck from all the students, teachers and Principal at the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy