About Us
Preparing every child to take centre stage ... Because there is no dress rehearsal to real life! Welcome to 3..2..1.. Action Arts Academy, where we believe every child deserves the confidence, voice, and skills to take centre stage — not only on a performance floor, but in everyday life. While love, nourishment, and a safe environment are fundamental to a child's wellbeing, we are passionate about equipping children with the tools that help them truly thrive. Through speech and drama, we support the development of confidence, clear communication, emotional regulation, memory, creative thinking, problem-solving, empathy, and real-world, situation-appropriate expression.
Our Child-Centred Approach
Our classes are inspired by the Reggio Emilia approach, which views children as capable, curious, and active participants in their own learning. We work with each child as both an individual and part of a collaborative group. Each year plan and lesson is guided by age-appropriate learning outcomes, but our approach is never rigid or "one-size-fits-all." While instructors guide and support the learning journey, it is the children who help shape how that journey unfolds. Lessons are adapted, extended, or explored more deeply depending on each child's interests, strengths, and needs — ensuring learning remains meaningful, engaging, and relevant. In short: no copy-and-paste lessons and no boring classes.
Learning for Real Life
Life doesn't follow a script — and neither do we. Our classes prepare children to think on their feet, express themselves confidently, and respond thoughtfully in a fast-paced, ever-changing world. There is no dress rehearsal for real life, and our programme empowers children with skills they can use in any situation.
A Complement to School Learning
Whether your child attends a Reggio Emilia school or a school that already offers drama as part of its curriculum, our classes are designed to complement, not replace, formal education. Our speech and drama programme offers a deeper focus on creative expression beyond acting, supporting: Personal development Social interaction and teamwork Physical awareness, posture, breathing, and movement Listening skills, empathy, leadership, and self-confidence These skills enhance classroom learning while helping children feel more confident, capable, and connected.
Our Age Groups
Our Mini Programme is divided into the following age groups: 3-5 years 6-9 years Each group follows carefully structured, age-appropriate content that supports developmental milestones while allowing every child to grow at their own pace.
At 3..2..1.. Action Arts Academy, every child is seen, heard, and celebrated — because where confidence begins, everything else follows.
Our Instructors
Our instructors are passionate about drama and working with children to ensure that both the lesson plan, as well as our invaluable children both get the respect and dedication they deserve. Our classes are so fun, energetic and engaging that the umbrella of 'informative' is hardly even noticed. We also understand the anxiety that is sometimes felt when entrusting a stranger with your precious kids, so your peace of mind and our young stars safety, every instructor is required to have:
- Police Clearance
- Sexual Offenders Clearance
- First Aid and CPR Certification
About The Founders
3..2..1... Action Arts Academy is the passion project of husband-and-wife duo Yeshica and Showyn Ramdeyal, a dynamic team dedicated to nurturing creativity, confidence, and performance skills in young minds.
Yeshica Ramdeyal is a qualified drama academic and an accredited film producer, with a wealth of experience across the South African entertainment industry. Her extensive career spans theatre productions, dance performances, television presenting, and film projects for platforms such as Showmax, E-TV, and SABC. She has worked on some of the country's most iconic soap operas, including Uzalo, Imbewu, and Muvhango, and holds a direct link to the casting process for Disney's Broadway rendition of The Lion King.
With a strong background in education, Yeshica combines her academic expertise with practical industry experience to create a unique and inspiring approach to drama training. Her mission is to help children not only find their voice — but learn to use it with confidence, boldness, and creativity, whether for the stage, screen, or everyday life.
Showyn Ramdeyal, her husband and co-founder, is a highly accomplished musician who began performing professionally at the age of six. With decades of experience in music and performance, Showyn brings a deep understanding of rhythm, expression, and stage presence to the academy's programs. His approach to teaching is rooted in patience, creativity, and connection.
Together, Yeshica and Showyn — proud parents of two young children — have created a nurturing, family-oriented environment where students are encouraged to grow, explore, and shine. Their shared vision is to empower every child with the tools to thrive in the performing arts and beyond.
