Hannah Leeland
I have taught drama and LAMDA at Newland House for 6 years. In all my lessons I strive to use drama techniques to give students the support and encouragement they need. So that they can optimise their creative potential and make the most of their talents. Drama is an effective tool to help students improve their communication skills and confidence in a enjoyable, supportive and creative environment. I feel that it is important for young pupils to take advantage of every opportunity to practise their communication skills, so that when important occasions arise, they will have the gift, the style, the sharpness, the clarity, and the emotions to affect other people.
LAMDA:
I have found that studying towards and taking a LAMDA exam inspires and empowers children to find their voice and builds their confidence in public speaking. The students also have a real sense of achievement when presented with their certificate, and their confidence grows with each recital performance and examination. I always say to my students that no matter your results, the fact that you have gone into the examination room and presented your pieces, is achievement enough. You’ve actually done what most adults are scared to do!
In addition to a huge growth in their self-confidence, parents also tell me that studying LAMDA has enabled their child to express themselves clearly with a huge improvement in their speaking and listening skills. Parents also report a marked improvement in their child’s ability to read aloud and that their vocabulary has expanded. Parents with children new to LAMDA are also amazed to see their child memorise and recall text for the first time.
LAMDA Grades 6, 7 and 8 are also worth UCAS points so they could even help your child secure a place on their chosen higher education course.
The vocal expression and unshakeable confidence your child will attain as a result of studying LAMDA will last them a lifetime
At Newland House the LAMDA strands that are offered are as follows:
- Public Speaking
- Shakespeare
- Acting
- Verse and Prose
- Devised Drama
- Reading for Performance
For more information about LAMDA please visit their website: https://www.lamda.ac.uk/lamda-exams/our-exams
Theatrical Experiences
I have worked in the entertainment industry for several years across voice over, film, television and theatre. I was nominated as animation voice artist of the year in 2018 and Audiobook narrator of the year in 2019. My voice over clients have included: Nickelodeon, Channel Five, Milkshake TV, YouTube, Spotify, Audible, Costa Coffee, Ibis Hotels and PWC. My film, television and theatre work include: National Theatre, Traverse Theatre Scotland, London Contemporary Theatre, The Dark Knight Rises, The Other Woman, Intruders, and Cloud Atlas.
I have also helped to scout children for film productions at Newland House School. Over the past 6 years I have successfully suggested Newland House students for professional work in the following films:
Aladdin Disney, released: 2019
The Kid Who Would Be King, 20th Century Fox, released: 2019
Waffle the Wonder Dog, CBBC, released: 2019
The Secret Garden, STX Films, Due to be released: 2020
The Witches, Warner Brothers, Due to be released: 2020
The Eternals, Marvel Studios, Due to be released: 2021
Jingle Jangle, 260 Degrees Entertainment, Due to be released: 2020
Compass After School Drama Clubs