Perform drama classes for 7-12s
Perform's weekly drama, dance and singing classes run every Monday at St Andrew's Church Hall in Chesterton, Cambridge (CB4 1DH) — 4:00–5:00pm for ages 4–7 and 5:05–6:05pm for ages 7–12. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
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About this class
Perform has been running at St Andrew's Church Hall on St Andrew's Road in Chesterton since April 2021, with two back-to-back classes every Monday during term time. The younger group (4–7s) takes the hall from 4:00 to 5:00pm; the older group (7–12s) follows straight after, from 5:05 to 6:05pm. James leads as Producer, Hannah is the class teacher, and Area Partner Sophie oversees the Cambridge area. The current summer term runs from 13 April to 13 July, with no sessions on bank holiday Mondays: 4 May and 25 May.
Each 60-minute session weaves together drama, dance and singing. For 4–7s this term, the theme is Mermaids & Pirates — children set sail on the Jammy Dodger through three distinct sections: Move & Feel (dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired exercises building coordination and balance); Listen, Speak & Sing (specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps); and Create & Imagine (character work, storytelling and improvisation). The 7–12s session takes its cue from Shakespeare this term: The Dream retells A Midsummer Night's Dream through Oberon, Titania and a host of footballers, popstars and celebrities. Their sessions span Acting & Improvising, Movement & Dance, and Speech & Singing — with groups small enough that most children take a solo or featured role. No class has more than 22 children, and every session is run by two Perform staff members.
The curriculum is built around what Perform calls the 4 Cs — Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination — threaded through every activity. Because Perform runs a rolling curriculum, there is no need to wait for a new term to start; children can join at any point. Parents receive a weekly email from the Producer summarising that session's focus, as well as a personalised Feedback Form signed by Principal Lucy Quick. Three times a year, family and friends are invited to Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations to see what their children have been working on.
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a class before signing up?
Yes. Every child is entitled to a free trial session with no obligation to enrol afterwards. You can book through Perform's website, through the class Producer, or by phone.
How does booking work once we decide to join?
Classes are purchased in blocks of ten consecutive sessions, with blocks of 20 also available. Alternatively, you can renew to the end of term or spread the cost via a monthly Direct Debit. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of ten. A bursary scheme is available, and Perform accepts childcare vouchers — call the office for details. Perform does not offer refunds, but you can cancel with three days' notice and carry the credit forward to use on other products.
What are the session times at this venue?
At St Andrew's Church Hall in Chesterton, the 4–7s class runs Mondays 4:00–5:00pm and the 7–12s class runs Mondays 5:05–6:05pm, every week during term time. There are no sessions on bank holiday Mondays: 4 May and 25 May are both skipped this term.
What exactly happens in a session?
Every class combines drama, dance and singing within a weekly focus. For 4–7s, that means movement and coordination work, specially composed songs and raps, and character improvisations — this term all set within the Mermaids & Pirates story. For 7–12s, sessions cover acting and improvisation, movement and dance, and speech and singing, this term through the lens of The Dream. Each class has two Perform staff and no more than 22 children.
My child has never done drama before — will they be all right?
Previous experience is not required. For the 4–7s group, Perform designs the mixed age range specifically so that children at different stages learn from one another: younger children are stretched and stimulated by the group, while older children gain leadership skills through being able to influence activities. For the 7–12s class, Perform says that previous experience and character are more relevant than exact age — so the group accommodates children at very different starting points. Because the curriculum rolls continuously, new joiners come in alongside children who have been attending for some time, which is part of how that dynamic works.
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