A PRE-SCHOOL drama group has been nominated for several prestigious industry awards.
Pyjama Drama, based just outside Welshpool, is up for two accolades at the national Whatson4littleones Awards, including Best National Pre-Schooler Activity, and Most Outstanding Activity Leader for the under-fives (Pauline Gill).
The nominations are a big coup for the group, explained managing director Sarah Owen.
“We are up against some stiff competition,” said Sarah, who founded Pyjama Drama in April, 2005.
“We are coming up to our fifth anniversary as a company and it is great to be nominated.”
As well as classes in Welshpool (at the Flash) and Newtown, Pyjama Drama now has 11 franchises across England and Wales. Along with Oswestry franchise manager Anna Lingard – who teaches classes at The Venue Oswestry and Theatre Severn, Shrewsbury – Sarah has taught hundreds of Powys children over the years and is keen for former pupils to stand up and be counted.
“Anyone who has come along and enjoyed our sessions over the past five years, we would love for them to vote for us,” said Sarah.
The classes – for children aged two to seven – teaches confidence, concentration and co-operation through drama, music and play, encouraging children to use their imagination.
Pyjama Drama – which was orginally called Dinky Drama – even has its own range of original music.
“Every half-term we explore a different theme and every week we go on a different journey in class.
“Some weeks we imagine we’re going on a boat to Ireland, in space or going shopping.
“The children sing and make music together, as well as playing drama games and doing improvisation,” said Sarah. “We get both shy and confident children and we help them to learn to share or just bring them out of their shell.
“After a few weeks, even shy children will be able to stand up and sing a song,” she added.
Pyjama Drama will be putting on a magic-themed show at the awards ceremony in June, with CBeebies presenter Mister Maker.
Online voting for the Whatson4littleones Awards is now open at www.pyjamadrama.com