FEB 21- Highway DBN

Why fit in if you can
stand out?
Most adults know the varying levels of anxiety that can take hold of them when having
to present a speech or even attend a job interview. Speech and drama classes can
assist your child to acquire the necessary skills needed for these situations, while also
teaching them spontaneity and the ability to think on their feet.
Text: Bronwyn forbes-hardinge
In our own experiences as adults,
we know that confident people can
take over an entire group project,
often leaving quieter, less confident
souls with no room for input.
Speech and Drama is an effective
tool for supporting children who
are not good at fitting in or putting
themselves forward in a group, and
helps to teach them self- confidence
and self-worth.
Colleen Nicholas, a Durban speech
and drama teacher, knows all about
being shy, having hardly uttered a
single syllable when she was in Grade
one. She, however, amazed teachers
and pupils when cast in a main role,
by the appointed Drama teacher, in
the end of year junior primary school
production.
On stage, this shy child transformed
into a self-assured, confident young
actress. She became a member of
The Loft Theatre Company at The
Playhouse in Durban and gained
invaluable experience on stage. Years
later, after pursuing successful careers
in health and fitness and co-owning
an interior design business, Colleen
missed the theatre.
‘I returned to study and qualify as
a teacher through Trinity College
in London, where I obtained my
Associate and Licentiate Diploma.’
She then combined her life skills,
experiences and her love for children
and theatre to establish Stagecoach
Studio in 2002. Together with Kavita
Trikam, who joined the studio 14 years
ago as a speech and drama teacher,
the two are appointed speech and
drama extra-mural activity teachers in
various schools in greater Durban.
‘We are passionate about facilitating young lives to be the best version of
themselves and gain the skills required to move forward with confidence in their
lives,” says Colleen as she quotes Dr Seuss, “Why fit in if you can stand out?’
Benefits of speech and drama for kids:
1. To create a safe environment for children to express themselves freely, without
56 Get It • Highway • Berea • Durban North February 2021