Our Story
We love storytelling at Drama Kids Academy, and our story starts in Perth, Australia. Since then, we’ve grown across the world, bringing educational drama to children in communities everywhere.
Find Your Nearest Studio
“Helen O’Grady Drama Academy”
In 1979, Helen O’Grady, a trained teacher and actress, hired a hall in Perth, Australia and commenced after-school drama classes for children called the “Helen O’Grady Drama Academy”. Her aims were to provide a self-development through drama programme for children.
Largest drama organisation of its kind
45 years later, Helen O’Grady’s programme of self-development has become the largest drama organisation of its kind, with over 100,000 students attending worldwide classes each week.
Our drama classes educational provision covers both extra-curricular and in-school sessions. We offer a structured weekly one-hour drama lesson tailored to the age of the students, incorporating speech, movement, and improvisation, based on Helen O’Grady’s original aims.
Our academies all around the world
In 2023, we rebranded from the “Helen O’Grady Drama Academy” to “Drama Kids” but we’ve never lost our appreciation for our founder. Even all these years later, our academies all around the world are still inspired by her vision to help children and young adults find their voice and build their confidence and self-esteem.
“What you say is important. How you say it makes the difference.”
– Helen O’Grady, Founder
Our Classes
Explore our weekly classes for ages 5–18. Each programme is built around educational drama, helping children practise speaking, listening, storytelling and teamwork in a structured, supportive way.
Our Events
Go beyond the weekly class with In the Studio workshops and special experiences. Led with industry partners, these hands-on events give children a fresh way to apply their skills through new themes, techniques and creative challenges.
Franchise With Us
Bring Drama Kids Academy to your area. Join a proven international network with training, resources and ongoing support, so you can deliver high-quality educational drama in your local community.