Nicola’s love of Drama began at a young age when she began her study with the Keegan School of Speech and Drama, completing all examination grades with the Leinster School of Music and Drama. She moved to London in 2000 accepting a place at the prestigious Rose Bruford College and received a BA (hons) in Acting in 2003. She remained in London working as a professional actor for four and a half years, trending the boards in many theatre productions as well as several performances on screen. Upon her return to Letterkenny, she established a thriving drama school in Carndonagh before bringing Act One Drama School to her hometown.
From the moment Nicola started teaching drama she was fascinated by its ability to increase a child’s level of engagement and confidence. She gained a postgraduate diploma in Drama in Education from Trinity College Dublin where she focused on interactive and proactive ways to learn and discover through drama.
Nicola has completed numerous courses in child education including: Sensory Integration, Picture Exchange Communications System, Autism Education, Child Behaviour and Child Protection. She attended “Dialogues on Art in Education” with Reggio Children International Association held in Reggio Emilia, Italy. In conjunction with her work as a drama teacher Nicola is also a special needs assistant in Letterkenny Educate Together National School. She works with many children with varying needs including: Autism, ADHD, ODD as well as children profound needs.
Nicola has developed her own school programme designed to encourage creativity, build self-esteem and improve communication skills. Her classes use drama skills to develop the whole self by promoting individual growth and group co-operation in a creative and fun environment
What people are saying about Nicola!
Having taught drama to many children here in Carndonagh, Nicola Keegan has undoubtedly developed and enhanced our local talent. She is a truly inspiring and energetic teacher who provides each and every child with the confidence and the spirit they need to develop their abilities.
In a relaxed and non-pressured environment she encourages children to become performers and enables them to achieve a very high standard. My daughter attended drama classes with Nicola for the past 10 years and this helped her enormously with public speaking and performance. She loved going to her class every week and her social skills and confidence blossomed as a result.
Nicola is an excellent teacher who takes time to get to know the strengths and weaknesses of her students and guides them appropriately. I cannot recommend her classes highly enough for the enjoyment and confidence the children get from them.
Sena Mc Creanor
My son is 12 years old and in 6th class. He has been attending Nicola’s drama class since he was in senior infants. Nicola is so kind and gentle with the children. She encourages them and brings out the very best in them. Nicola is extremely talented at interpreting the text and my son has always been well prepared for his performances.
Because of Nicola’s encouragement, my son has always been confident and comfortable on the stage. He has participated successfully in competitive debating at school, because of his experience at drama. I feel that Nicola’s drama class was an excellent choice for my son. I am glad that I started him when he was so young. I believe that he has learned great skills which will benefit him in his post primary education and beyond.
Anne Mc Laughlin
Both my kids, Noah (13) and Ruth (11) have been attending Nicola’s drama classes since they were very young. They are both involved in many other activities during the week but this is the class they most look forward to. Nicola is extremely positive. The kids love her, and she’s got great energy and enthusiasm, giving the kids great advice with lots of praise and encouragement along the way.
Her classes are a fun and nurturing environment for kids to explore and develop. Classes contain fun activities — where lessons and games are combined — role play, improvisation, movement, mime, poetry and of course voice work.
Both my kids have grown in confidence so much over the years and I can definitely say that Nicola has contributed to this. I highly recommend Nicola to any parent considering Drama classes- worth every penny.
Karen Mc Laughlin
Carndonagh