‘I love kids and I love drama’
Lize Malan is the founder of Dramatics Drama Academy which was established out of love for children and drama.
“I love kids and I love drama, and combining the two things in life that I am so passionate about makes me so grateful and blessed. To be able to make a lifelong difference in a kid’s life is a privilege,” she said.
The academy opened its doors in 2018 and currently hones the talent of 17 children between the ages of three and thirteen. Malan studied drama at the Tshwane University of Technology, and this is where she realised how powerful and influential drama is and the positive impact that drama has on children.
After completing her studies she stayed in Pretoria for a while before moving back to Tzaneen to open the academy.
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Drama classes in Tzaneen are on Thursday afternoons at Sanloo Manor in Arbor Park and Tuesday afternoons in Letsitele.
Malan told Herald that getting positive feedback from parents, grandparents and teachers on how much self confidence drama gave the child and the positive change and development from when the child started at Dramatics, is one of the achievements that she really appreciates.
“What keeps me going is my passion and love for teaching children and getting the opportunity to have fun and being creative and stimulating creative ideas. It makes me exited for every class. Knowing that the kids benefit from each class makes me happy,” she said.
She said drama lessons are opened for everyone, young or old. Malan believes that what sets Dramatics Drama Academy apart from other drama schools is that they aim to develop their learners by encouraging creative thought and ideas providing opportunities for the expression of those ideas through the medium of drama.
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“By working in groups, children learn to respect one another, to interrelate positively and to communicate effectively. The benefits of drama class are endless. Not only will it boost your kid’s confidence but also enhance self assurance, concentration, creative thinking, co-ordinations, development of language, observation, movement, emotional intelligence, emotional and physical control.
“It would also give your child the ability to understand different people with different personalities,” she said.
Classes take place once a week where children can explore the different facets of drama including, voice production, mime, movement, improvisation, characterization, play building and acting techniques.
“A public production is held annually where children are given the opportunity of performing for an audience, thus sharing their ideas and creative processes while growing in confidence. “Additional planning for this year includes an eight minutes short film.
“Eisteddfod and exams can also be entered on a solo basis for further extension, providing a more formal assessment structure,” she said.
Malan also said drama can be of benefit to all children and assist them in reaching their full potential.
For more information and bookings contact Malan on 079 126 7749.
