Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at All Saints' Church Hall, Shrublands Road, Berkhamsted (HP4 3HY) every Wednesday — the 4–7s at 4pm and the 7–12s at 5:05pm. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing.
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About this class
Perform has been running at All Saints' Church Hall on Shrublands Road since September 2002. Two classes take place back-to-back each Wednesday: the 4–7s from 4pm to 5pm, then the 7–12s from 5:05pm to 6:05pm. Claire and James lead both sessions, and area partner Gemma drops in regularly. Each class has at most 22 children and always two Perform staff in the room.
Every session blends drama, dance and singing, with a different focus each week. The 4–7s work through three distinct stretches: movement and co-ordination games (dances, rapid-reaction exercises and yoga-inspired mirroring); listening and vocal work (specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps); and creative play (character explorations, storytelling and improvisation). For the 7–12s the structure shifts up a gear — acting and improvisation with a focus on vocal projection, physicality and stage presence; movement and dance that builds technical coordination; and speech and singing work designed to expand range and improve articulation, with small groups meaning most children get a solo or featured moment. Perform weaves what it calls the 4 Cs — Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination — into every activity, whether a child is playing a pirate or stepping into a Shakespeare comedy.
This summer the 4–7s are aboard the Jammy Dodger for Mermaids & Pirates, while the 7–12s are diving into The Dream, Perform's take on A Midsummer Night's Dream. The current term runs from 15th April to 15th July, with no session on Wednesday 27th May — the half-term week falls 25–29 May. Because Perform uses a rolling curriculum, children can join at any point rather than waiting for a new term to start. Three times a year, family and friends are invited to Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations to see what the children have been working on.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can my child try a session before we commit?
Yes. Every child is entitled to a free trial class. You can book online through Perform's venue finder, through your class Producer, or by phone.
How do I book and what does a block of classes involve?
Sign-up is online, through your class Producer, or by phone. Classes are purchased in blocks of 10 or 20 sessions; you can also renew to the end of term or pay monthly by Direct Debit. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10. Perform accepts childcare vouchers and runs a bursary scheme — call the office for details.
What age groups does the Berkhamsted class cover?
There are two groups: 4–7s (Wednesdays 4pm–5pm) and 7–12s (Wednesdays 5:05pm–6:05pm). In the 4–7s group, a mixed age range is intentional — younger children are challenged by the group while older children develop independence and some leadership. In the 7–12s group, character and previous experience matter more than exact age, so children on the cusp can discuss the right fit with the Producer.
What actually happens in a session?
Each 60-minute class covers drama, dance and singing, and the focus shifts every week within a termly theme. This summer the 4–7s are exploring Mermaids & Pirates and the 7–12s are working through The Dream. Sessions always have two Perform staff and are capped at 22 children. Your child will also receive a personalised written feedback form each term, signed by principal Lucy Quick, and the Producer sends a weekly email summarising that week's theme.
What if we miss a session?
Missed sessions cannot be added to the end of a block. Perform does operate a make-up system, though: your child can attend a session at another venue (subject to availability) to cover a missed week, provided they are still enrolled.
Summary drafted with AI assistance from the provider's published details and reviewed before publishing — how we use AI.
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