Drama Kids, A Year In Review
2023 was a BIG year for Drama Kids. Not only did we rebrand from the brilliant Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, we also won our first award as Drama Kids! As we look back over the year, let’s recount some of the excellent changes we have made.
New Head Office Team Members
Firstly, this year saw the introduction of Senior Marketing Executive, Eleanor Wemyss! Eleanor comes to us with a wealth of experience in marketing, and four years of behind-the-scenes stage magic in the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth. With a focus on digital marketing, Eleanor was instrumental in the rebrand of Drama Kids.
We also are glad to welcome Helen Walls! Our Franchise Development Manager who is not only on the Head Office team, but is the Principal of Drama Kids Bromley! Helen has worked tirelessly this year to get the curriculum up and running, and is a fun and friendly member of the team. With over 18 years of experience within the company, she is a huge asset to everyone.
Award-Winning Drama Academy
Secondly, in a dazzling display of talent, passion, and dedication, Drama Kids has emerged victorious as the Best Nationwide Performing Arts Drama School Franchise of 2023 at the prestigious SME Northern Enterprise Awards! This accolade not only celebrates the exceptional achievements of Drama Kids but also highlights the invaluable contribution of performing arts education to the development of young minds.
Welcoming New Academies and Principals
In 2023 we would like to send a huge welcome to Sarah Martin who is taking on the Dorking Academy and Kyle Tovey who is taking on the Kingston Academy. Wishing them both lots of good wishes for their new academies.
In other news, Louise Parsons, the Principal of the Cardiff West and Vale Academy has also taken on the Monmouthshire and Newport Academy so we would like to wish her every success with this 2nd Academy too.
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Simon Long who has recently taken over as Principal in Croydon. And Lauren Steel, our Rotherham Principal, will be taking over as Principal of the Sheffield West area.
Teacher Training at the Academy
In October, teachers and Principals enjoyed a fantastic day of workshopping and training in Warrington. The day was a huge success, with new teachers relishing the opportunity to train with experienced and talented Principals in our network.
The format of the day worked through the lesson plan systematically, detailing the delivery of every aspect of teaching delivery, as well as exploring the visions and values of our Academy and how best to empower our students, network with customers, all whilst maintaining the highest levels of classroom control.
In November, Head Office conducted training for new franchisees at the Woking office. This training also welcomed new teachers and we had a wonderful first day of workshopping curriculum with Alison Mazanec, Beth Daniel and Helen Walls.
Helen O’Grady Rebrand to Drama Kids
For over 44 years, the drama academy has sought to provide a non-competitive and nurturing environment for students to be themselves, feel empowered and thrive; whilst developing skills to last a lifetime. As the world’s largest drama school, with over 100,000 students attending classes each week, the drama programme ensures inclusivity and equal opportunities to students in a fun and engaging environment.
Talking about the rebrand, Jo Scalpello, Group Marketing Director for Trafalgar Education said:
“Since joining the Trafalgar family in 2021, our Academy has undergone significant developments to improve the business model and branding. Whilst our programme of “developing confidence, communication and creativity” remains at the forefront of our operation, the new name and fun, eye-catching logo pave the way for the next chapter of the company’s history.
Becky Goodfield, COO Drama Kids, added:
“Whilst we are very excited by the changes to our name and logo, the heart of our programme and mission remain unchanged: to build and develop the confidence, communication and creativity skills of our students. Simply put, it’s a new name, new logo, but the same GREAT programme.”
A New Year
In 2024 we look forward to celebrating 30 years of drama education in the UK and 45 years internationally! This year will be a busy and exciting year for Drama Kids and we can’t wait to take you all on a journey of drama education and empowering children and young people all over the world.