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Primary Teaching Diploma (Music and Drama)
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Primary School Teacher
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Music Academy Management
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Helen O'Grady Manawatū Owner/Teacher (22 years)
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Drama Teacher Training – Helen O'Grady
Performance Career Highlights
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Westside Story (Anita)
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Grease (Miss Lynch)
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Godspell (Peggy)
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Les Miserables (Ensemble)
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Annie (Lily St Regis)
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Hairspray (Female authority figure)
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Rocky Horror Picture Show (Understudy Colombia/Ensemble)
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Forbidden Broadway (Various)
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Mary Poppins (Mrs Corry)
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Sister Act (Ensemble)
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Matilda (Mrs Phelps)
As owner of Helen O'Grady Drama Academy in Manawatū for 22 years, Sophia received one-on-one training directly from world-renowned drama teacher Helen O'Grady. Teaching at the drama academy fulfilled a long-term desire to bring together Sophia's love of children, performing, and teaching.
Sophia continues to audition and perform as often as practical (or, in fact, impractical). Students are excited and proud to see their teacher on stage and, even more so, to get the opportunity to join her. Sophia is incredibly proud of the beautiful connections she develops with long-time students. She feels nothing more special than watching a student grow from a shy young primary school student to finishing school and heading out into the world equipped with amazing life skills developed during those years in the academy. Awards at the End of Year Performances for children who have spent more than 10 years in the academy are special and tear-inducing moments.
Sophia is married to Graeme and has two children, Jack and Lily-Rose, who have been students at the drama academy and gone on to gain roles in local theatre productions.
"It is so rewarding to be able to not only teach a programme that children love but to teach a programme that changes their lives in such a positive way. I see it happening every week and get such positive feedback from parents, making it even more rewarding. As a parent, I believe giving our children every opportunity to succeed in life is important. This programme is designed to do exactly that…and the best part is that it is so much FUN"
Years teaching drama
End of year shows
Students gaining highest Trinity College results in Manawatū/Rangitīkei for Speech and Drama
Students who spent more than 10 years at the academy
"You are an amazing role model as a teacher, artist, and adult, with the unique ability to help every child see their strengths and weaknesses and help develop them into confident, articulate, and very happy children/ teenagers and adults."
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NZAMD scholarship award
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Russian Ballet Company
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Graduate Diploma Teaching and Learning (Primary)
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National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art
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Intermediate school teacher – Ngā Toi programme
Performance Career Highlights
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Cats 2007 (Demeter)
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42 nd Street (Peggy)
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Hairspray (Tracy)
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The Full Monty (Georgie)
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The Phantom of the Opera (Meg)
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We Will Rock You (Scaramouche)
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Mamma Mia (Sophie)
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Matilda (Miss Honey)
Performing on stage has become a second home for Danica since her first performance at four years old. With over 25 years of training in tap, jazz, ballet, and singing, a major highlight was being selected as a ballet finalist at the NZAMD Scholarship awards at the age
of 15. Another highlight was performing with the Russian Ballet Company's tour of the Nutcracker.
After getting hooked on musical theatre, Danica has performed extensively in a number of productions both locally and nationally. She now absolutely loves rock singing!
By day, Danica works as a teacher in the Ngā Toi programme at Ross Intermediate School and is a busy mum to two young boys. Nurturing young thespians is a passion and vocation that Danica immensely enjoys and she can't wait to see the students grow and soar through CAPA (Class Act Performing Arts).
