Perform drama classes for 4-7s
Perform's 4-7s drama class runs at St Mary's Community Centre on Upper Street, Islington every Saturday from 2:30pm to 4pm during term-time. The current term runs through to 18th July. Every child is entitled to one free trial session — book it in advance by phone or online, and it must be scheduled to fall within the next two weeks of term-time.
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About this class
Perform has been running weekly Saturday sessions at St Mary's Community Centre on Upper Street since September 2022. The class is for ages 4 years to 7 years up to (but not including) their 8th birthday, and runs every Saturday from 2:30pm to 4pm during term-time — currently through to 18th July. Leading the sessions are Producer Niyi and Teacher Faith, with Area Partner Jade dropping in regularly to observe and support.
This summer term the class is working through the Mermaids & Pirates theme. Children set sail on the good ship Jammy Dodger, meeting the Seasick Pirate, a singing parrot called Rita Conchita and a mermaid on a mission — all on a quest to find the Sacred Coconut. Every activity is written by Perform and designed around what they call the 4 Cs: Confidence, Communication, Concentration and Coordination. The 90-minute session moves through three distinct sections. Move & Feel gets children going through dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired mirroring exercises, building physical coordination, balance and core stability. Listen, Speak & Sing introduces specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps — fun and noisy, and quietly building verbal confidence and listening skills. Create & Imagine rounds things off with character explorations, storytelling and role-playing improvisations, giving children space to invent and perform.
Classes are capped at 22 children, with two Perform staff present throughout. Parents drop off and leave — children tend to engage more freely without a familiar face watching. There are three opportunities across the year to see them in action: two half-term Open Workshops and an end-of-term Presentation where children perform singing, acting and dancing. After every class, parents receive an email from the Producer outlining what the session covered, and personalised Feedback Forms arrive regularly throughout the term — each one read and signed by Perform's founder and Principal, Lucy Quick.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can my child try a session before committing?
Yes. Every child is entitled to one free trial session. You need to book it in advance — either by phone or online — and the session must be scheduled to take place within the next two weeks of term-time. Before attending, you'll need to complete and sign a registration form with contact, identification and health details.
What does my child need to wear?
The Perform T-shirt for their class must be purchased and worn to every booked session. Perform reserves the right to turn children away without refund if the T-shirt is not worn, so it is worth sorting this before the first booked session.
Will I get to see what my child is doing?
Not during regular weekly sessions — children settle better without parents in the room. Across the year there are three opportunities to watch: two half-term Open Workshops and an end-of-term Presentation featuring dancing, acting and singing. You will also receive a weekly email from the Producer after every class summarising what the session covered, plus personalised Feedback Forms throughout the term.
What happens if we miss a session?
Missed sessions cannot be added to the end of a block under any circumstances. If your child has to miss a class, you can arrange a make-up session at a different Perform class: call the office by 11:00am on the day you want your child to attend, and they must still have at least one untaken session remaining at St Mary's. Perform does not offer refunds for weekly workshop sessions.
How are sessions booked and what are the commitment terms?
Classes are booked in blocks of 10 consecutive weekly sessions (a block of 20 is also available). Full payment is due by the end of the first session. Around three weeks before the final session in a block, Perform will email to confirm your child has been automatically renewed for another 10 sessions — you have 14 days from that notification to cancel if you do not want to continue. Payment options include monthly Direct Debit and childcare vouchers. New customers can get £30 off their first block of 10 classes by signing up to the Perform mailing list. A bursary scheme is also available.
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