Teacher Laura with a composite class from ages 6 to 10 in Beijing. 

Launch of Beijing Helen O'Grady Drama Academy

What a gorgeous start to the Lunar New Year! On February 10th, fourteen children from ages 6 to 10 participated in a Spring Holiday Drama Camp organized by the company 北京卓美教育有限公司 who represents Helen O' Grady Drama Academy in China. Their slogan - "走进美妙的戏剧花园" welcomes parents and students to explore with the teachers in their drama garden and discover the many characters that come to live in it.

I was delighted to be a part of the Lunar New Year celebration (Yuan Xiao Jie) filled with the booming sound of firecrackers in the air and the brilliant fireworks display in the skies. To top it all - seeing happy students enjoy their classes "Drama Rocks" with their teachers.

Today marks the entry of the Year of the Rabbit. All around the world, the Chinese celebrate their reunion with their families wishing one and all prosperity, good health, longevity, success and many more blessings.

Having stayed in America for four years now, I miss the special Chinese salad dish most, a symbolic occasion where everyone gets an opportunity to toss the colorful salad representing hopes, dreams and success for the coming year.

Many wishes to all of you, a fun dramatic successful year for both students, parents and teachers.

Nickelodeon 2010 Parent's Choice Awards

The winners of the best theatre classes for kids 2010 are Drama Kids International of Las Vegas(NV), Pittsburg(PA) and San Antonio(TX). Congratulations to our owners and thank you to parents for choosing Drama Kids! To learn more about our programs and classes, visit our website in America: Drama Kids

Drama Kids of Las Vegas! Drama Kids of Pittsburg! Drama Kids of San Antonio!

Five Secrets of Business Success by Richard Branson

I received a link to a business blog where renown Richard Branson of Virgin Atlantic shared his views on his five secrets to business success. Why are we in business in the first place? Branson's view -"building a business is all about doing something to be proud of, bringing talented people together and creating something that’s going to make a real difference to other people’s lives" echoed the very foundation of what each of us franchisors and franchisees do daily in our work with parents and children, teachers and principals. We are not only part of this huge international network but proud to be an owner in this growing business. Whether we are franchisors or franchisees, we bring talented people together - our teachers, our administrators, our managers and together we are out there to make a real difference in the lives of our students, parents and the community. Was Richard Branson thinking of the Helen O'Grady network when he made that comment? Obviously not, his thoughts were centered on Virgin Atlantic. Read the full article on bnet.com

A teacher's experience in China.

I encourage teachers in our programs to share their experiences from around the world. Here is one from Lianna in Chaoyang, China. The name of the student has been modified.

In the past one year, we conducted four terms of after-school classes as well as a summer camp. The children who turn up for our different classes range from 4 to 11 years. There will always be challenges that make us occasionally drag our feet but there is also a great sense of personal satisfaction that comes with the job.

Sherry was barely 5 years old when she first joined us. Being the youngest in the cl ass (coupled with the fact that she comes from a bilingual family, as opposed to other children here who speak only English at home), she was naturally slower in her speech. Most of the time, Sherry would give a blank look and the more expressive kids would overshadow her. It was a real challenge to integrate her and focus on the needs of the other students at the same time.

It was therefore a surprise when Sherry’s mum approached me. She said Sherry really liked the drama class and that she would be reciting the lines all the time at home. She even got her little brother involved with her reenactment of class. Mum noticed that Sherry is beginning to speak with tone, pause, pitch etc and she thought Sherry had picked it up from school. She found out later that it was the influence of her time with the Helen O'Grady drama classes. She was so pleased that she even wanted to enroll her 3 ½ year old son! Never underestimate
what kids can pick up from the lessons!

This reveals what "Development through drama" can do for you and your child.

A Very Merry Christmas!

Wishing all my friends in Canada, United States, UK, Europe, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, China, Indonesia and South Korea - a Very Merry Christmas! We were snowed in from the North Easter a week ago, and I must say, this looks like a beautiful White Christmas for us!

西澳大利亚的海伦奥`格雷迪儿童戏剧学院创立于1979年9月，从那时起它便开展各种与戏剧相关的教学活动，并在这些课程和活动的基础之上，发展出了海伦奥`格雷迪戏剧系统。学院近年来的飞速发展正反映了社会对这一服务的迫切需求。对于我们的教学方式和成果，无论是家长和孩子们都给予了一致的好评。许多校长、老师、儿童组织和其它相关机构都大力推荐我们的服务。

通过让学生们参与到极具创造性激励性的舞台艺术课程中，我们得以达成海伦奥`格雷迪戏剧系统所设定的目标。这一系列的课程主要是为了开发学生们的如下品质：
1. 用热情积极的态度对待生活
2. 不断增强的自信心
3. 自尊
4. 语言沟通技巧
5. 有效的社交方法

我们的课程使学生们能够积极地参与自我发展过程中的每一个阶段。每年我们有4个学期，每个学期10周时间。学生每周只需要上1小时的课。我们不举行考试，不过每年课程完成后，我们会发给结业证书。

Kids Love Drama, Parents Love the Results

Ongoing drama classes are enrolling throughout the world with Hong Kong and Macau new classes commencing in September. Parents, why wait for the flyer or in-school newsletter to reach you. Although an element of performance drama is included in all programs, the prime aim of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy is to help young people, 5 -17 years develop:

• Enthusiasm, energy and a positive approach to life
• Ongoing confidence
• Self Esteem
• Skill in verbal communication
• Effective social interaction

So visit us on our website: http://www.helenogrady.com.sg/whereweare.htm

to select the studio nearest you or email enquiry@helenogradyfranchise.com

Should I start a business?

You are not alone! I have been there twelve years ago and asked myself the same question. Now, twelve years later – not only do I have my own business but a woman-owned business that spans across several Asian countries. Starting your own business - leaving the safety net of a corporate job (if you have one) is not an easy decision. This is made worse by the current uncertainty in the various economies worldwide. We no longer can look back and say that “this recession will end soon” based on past trends and history. Instead, we must chart our own path and create our own future and those of our families. A job is no longer a guarantee for life time employment.

Given that a business itself is no guarantee for life time income either, what then are some of the personal qualities that will determine one’s success in it? The factors that drive success can be divided into two – attitude and aptitude. Attitude determines your enthusiasm, your passion for the work or business you are going into, your determination and drive that helps you persevere towards success whilst aptitude is needed to gauge how well you can learn and grow in your business. Starting a business is hard work, maintaining and growing it is another – do you have the stamina (physical and personal interest to see it grow)? How far do you want to take it? I always believe that to be in business, one requires foresight, planning and lots of persistence plus a little bit of luck! Knowing yourself and making your decision to take the bold step leads you towards the next level - what type of business would be suitable; an innovation, a children's business, a franchised model or a takeover of an existing business.

To get some answers - Email enquiry@helenogradyfranchise.com or visit us now at franchise opportunities or franchise corner.