ENHANCING the range of theatre opportunities available to youngsters in the Exeter and the surrounding area is the Helen O'Grady Drama Academy.

Although the classes are new to the area, it is a long-established worldwide academy. Exeter drama teacher Abbe Martin has taken on the franchise for Devon, targeting six to 11-year-olds.

Classes are held weekly at various venues including Crediton, Dunsford, Exeter, and Broadclyst.

Its aim is to help young people develop enthusiasm, confidence, self-esteem, conversational abilities and social skills.

All those objectives are achieved through carefully planned lessons, including creative movement, dance drama, structured improvisation, parent-day presentations and end-of-year productions. But above all, the classes are about having fun. The first term started four weeks ago and already teacher Abbe is noticing a big improvement in the children.

She said: "One little boy has already made it worthwhile and rewarding; when he first came along you could see he was shy — he would not even talk to me when I asked him which school he went to.

"But as soon as the class started he was like a different character and was joining in. It has been so nice to watch him progress.

"The academy is different to other theatre schools in the area because it's about helping build children's self-esteem and confidence, and it's available to all children.

"Drama gives you so many skills in so many areas of life that it can only be beneficial."

Abbe, 24, was chosen from hundreds of applicants from across Britain to win The Helen O'Grady Special Award in The Remote Worker Awards 2009.

The prize was a franchise worth £15,000 which means she can run a local branch of the academy from her home.

She said: "Drama has made me the person I am today. It has made my confidence grow, it's given me the ability to speak loudly and clearly, to look people in the eye when I talk to them and feel strong and proud of who I am. Now I will be able to offer these vital life skills to children in the area.

"I believe that communication is the most important part of our development and verbal communication is a major part of this. It is a skill that all children can develop and I know most parents would want this for their children."

The classes run at various local venues from Monday to Friday, 4pm to 5pm, and on Saturday from 11am to noon.

The cost is £7 with the first lesson free. Family discounts are available.

Abbe is also looking to provide drama classes for four to five year olds.

For more information, call 01392 861186, or visit www.helenogrady.co.uk.