Why We Exist
Praxis exists because we believe dramatic arts can be more than an extracurricular activity.
Structured dramatic arts training gives children the opportunity to develop practical skills through doing, practising, performing and receiving feedback. These experiences can strengthen how learners communicate, express themselves, respond to challenges and approach new situations.
Our purpose is to provide a structured environment in which learners can develop these abilities progressively, with guidance that meets them where they are and challenges them to grow.
Our Educational Philosophy
At Praxis, we believe children develop most effectively when they are actively involved in the learning process. Dramatic arts provides a practical environment in which learners can learn by doing, practise skills, receive feedback and apply what they have learned.
Our approach is structured and progressive. Learners are given opportunities to develop skills over time rather than being expected to perform perfectly from the outset. As their ability develops, they can take on greater challenges, apply their skills in different situations and recognise their own progress.
For us, confidence is not the starting point. It is strengthened through competence, experience and evidence of what a learner can do.
The educational philosophy of Praxis Dramatic Arts Academy is expressed through four guiding principles. Together, they shape the Academy's approach to learning, development, and performance.
The Four Praxis Principles
Confidence
Through
Competence
Confidence grows when learners have real evidence of what they can do. Through preparation, practice and meaningful achievement, learners develop stronger abilities and greater trust in their own capabilities.
Performance Can Be Taught
Performance is not simply a natural talent. It involves identifiable skills that can be taught, practised, refined and strengthened over time.
Praxis Makes Perfect
Knowledge becomes meaningful when learners put it into practice. Through rehearsal, experimentation, reflection and repeated application, learners develop their skills through experience.
Creativity Needs Strong Foundations
Creativity develops alongside skill and discipline. Learners are encouraged to explore their imagination while building the technical understanding and control needed to express it effectively.
Philosophy in Practice
At Praxis, our educational philosophy is put into practice through structured training, guided performance, feedback and opportunities to apply what learners have learned. Learners are expected to participate actively, practise deliberately and use feedback to improve.
Training is progressive rather than isolated. Each level builds on previously developed knowledge and skills while introducing new challenges appropriate to the learner's stage of development.
This creates a clear pathway through the Academy: learners strengthen their foundations, develop greater capability and gradually take on greater responsibility for their performance and progress.
Meet the People Behind Praxis
Praxis is led by a team with backgrounds in education, theatre, scientific research and organisational leadership. Their combined expertise informs the Academy's educational approach, training standards and long-term development.
Irma Viviers
Co-Founder • Educational & Artistic Lead • Praxis Educator
(BA, Theatre and Dramatic Arts & Psycology; BA.Hons., Theatre and Dramatic Arts & specialising in Childrens Theatre; PGCE, Dramatic Arts)
Irma is the Educational and Artistic Lead at Praxis. A qualified Dramatic Arts educator, theatre practitioner and performance coach, she brings experience in classroom teaching, private coaching, theatre performance and directing. Her work at Praxis focuses on structured learner development, practical performance training and preparation for practical and written Dramatic Arts examinations.
Loewan Erasmus
Co-Founder • Praxis Operations and Development Lead
(MSc., Environmental Sciences and Management)
Loewan is the Operations and Development Lead at Praxis. With an MSc in Environmental Sciences and Management and experience in scientific research, project management and organisational development, he contributes to the systems and programme development that support the Academy's long-term operation and educational structure. His role focuses on programme development, operational systems and evidence-informed planning.
Our Commitment
Praxis is committed to providing a structured learning environment where learners are supported, appropriately challenged and given clear expectations for their development.
Our commitment extends beyond preparing learners for performances. We aim to give each learner practical skills, meaningful challenges and opportunities to apply what they have learned.
Whether a learner remains with Praxis for a single term or for many years, we want them to leave with more than memories of classes and performances. They should leave with practical skills, greater capability and a stronger belief in what they can achieve.