Drama lessons move to school

Drama lessons taught through the Amanda Benson Drama School will now take place at St John the Baptist Primary School in Umina.

School founder Ms Amanda Benson of Umina said the new venue was sure to prove beneficial for the drama students at the school.

Ms Benson said the Umina PCYC had been home to the drama school for the past eight years but due to the expansion of activities at the centre, the group was forced to move to another location.

"The Umina PCYC is getting an indoor skate ramp in the next couple of months through a council grant which will make it impossible for me to teach there any more," Ms Benson said.

"I have been a big supporter of the Umina PCYC.

"Our first term will be in the St John the Baptist school's multipurpose room with a new hall due to open around Easter that will feature a huge stage and the latest lighting for children to rehearse our annual productions.

"This fabulous new venue at St John the Baptist is going to be very beneficial to the whole community as many community theatre and dance groups cannot afford the continuing cost that Gosford Council are putting on the Peninsula Theatre."

Ms Benson said she was looking forward to the year ahead and continuing to teach local children aged five to 16 years drama skills and stage craft.

"All children benefit from drama classes as it builds confidence and the classes are a lot of fun, helping children socially as well," Ms Benson said.

"I teach voice, improvisation and script work while drama games are a big favourite and the annual productions are a real treat.

"I studied drama at the Ensemble Theatre under the guidance of Hayes Gordon and enjoy sharing his stage techniques and performing in plays at Woy Woy Little Theatre as often as possible."

Classes are held with the Amanda Benson Drama School on Saturday mornings from 9am to 12pm.

For further information, contact Amanda Benson on 0421 216 069.

Clare Graham, 1 Feb 2010 Interviewee: Amanda Benson, Amanda Benson Drama School