International group Trafalgar Entertainment which runs Stagecoach Performing Arts has acquired the children’s extra-curricular drama organisation Helen O’Grady Drama Academy.
The Helen O’Grady Drama Academy has been in operation for more than 40 years and provides education in 36 countries, with 100,000 students studying one hour of drama each week.
Trafalgar Entertainment acquired Stagecoach in 2018 and the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy will share the same franchise business model. The company expects that the academy will expand globally.
Rosemary Squire, joint chief executive of Trafalgar Entertainment, said, “the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy ethos of self-development is about boosting confidence and communication skills in children, many of whom seek to improve their self-esteem.
“Sadly, arts education funding is being squeezed from the national curriculum so it’s vitally important that a drama provision like this is made available to everyone. Trafalgar Entertainment believes that inspiring children through the creative arts is an important investment for the future.”
Nigel Le Page, chief executive of the Helen O’Grady Drama Academy, said, “I can’t think of a better new home for the Helen O’Grady brand. Our shared vision for the performing arts and development of children means that our franchisees will benefit from the expertise that Stagecoach and Trafalgar Entertainment have to take the brand to the next level."