Hi there!
I'm Andrea Ward and I am the Principal of the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy for the Portsmouth and Guildford Branches. I have been teaching young people drama and theatre since 1993. I graduated with a BA Hons Degree in Drama and Dance from The Roehampton University and then took my PGCE (teaching certificate) at Middlesex University. I taught full time in education as Acting Head of Drama at Southfields School, London and as Head of Drama at Eggar's School in Alton. I then took on the role of Principal for Helen O'Grady Drama Academy for Portsmouth in 2001 and then Guildford in 2007.
I truly believe that drama can empower young people and help them become more confident, articulate adults, ready to face the daily challenges of life. Through performance they can learn to express themselves more clearly and develop their communication skills. These are not vital elements just for a career in the theatre, although we hope many students have a passion to follow this path, but are valuable ones for life.
'Development Through Drama'