Perform drama classes for 7-12s
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at St Nicolas Church Hall, Sutcliffe Avenue, Earley, Reading (RG6 7JN) every Wednesday — the 4–7s session starts at 4:00 pm and the 7–12s follows at 5:05 pm. Every child can try a free session before signing up.
St Nicolas Church Hall Earley · RG6 7JNIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running at St Nicolas Church Hall in Earley since January 2013. Every Wednesday, Producer Gemma and teacher Claudia deliver two back-to-back classes: the 4–7s group runs 4:00–5:00 pm, and the 7–12s slot follows from 5:05 to 6:05 pm. Area Partner Sophie visits regularly, providing consistent support behind the scenes.
Each session weaves together drama, dance and singing, organised around Perform's four core areas — Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. For the 4–7s, that means dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired movement in one section; specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps in another; then character explorations and storytelling improvisation to close. The 7–12s session works at a different pitch: acting and improvisation games build vocal projection and stage presence, movement work moves from energetic group exercises toward more technical coordination, and speech and singing gives most children a solo or featured moment. No more than 22 children are in any class, with two staff in the room throughout.
This summer term the 4–7s are aboard the good ship Jammy Dodger for Mermaids & Pirates, while the 7–12s step into The Dream — Perform's take on A Midsummer Night's Dream, placing Oberon and Titania alongside footballers, popstars and celebrities. The current term runs from 15 April to 15 July, with no Wednesday session on 27 May. Because Perform uses a rolling curriculum, children can join at any point rather than waiting for a term start. Parents receive a personalised written feedback form from the Producer, countersigned by Principal Lucy Quick, as well as a weekly email from the Producer covering that week's focus.
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. Book online, by phone, or by speaking to Producer Gemma directly at the Earley venue.
Which age groups does the Wednesday class at Earley take?
Both age groups run on Wednesdays at St Nicolas Church Hall. The 4–7s session is 4:00–5:00 pm and the 7–12s session is 5:05–6:05 pm. In the 4–7s, a mixed age range means younger children are stretched by the group while older children gain early leadership experience. For the 7–12s, character and enthusiasm matter more than prior performance experience.
How does booking work?
Classes are purchased in blocks of 10 or 20 sessions, with the option to renew to the end of term or pay monthly by Direct Debit. Refunds are not available, but cancelling with three days' notice converts the sessions into account credit for future Perform products. A bursary scheme is available for families who need it, and Perform accepts childcare vouchers — call the office for details. New customers who sign up to the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes.
What actually happens in a session?
Every session covers drama, dance and singing, with content changing week by week under a termly theme. At Earley this summer, the 4–7s theme is Mermaids & Pirates and the 7–12s theme is The Dream. Classes are capped at 22 children, with two Perform staff members present throughout.
What if my child misses a session?
Missed classes cannot be added on to the end of a block, but a make-up system lets your child attend an equivalent session at another Perform venue, subject to availability.
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