Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at St Paul's Church Community Centre on Rectory Grove, Clapham (SW4 0DX). The 4–7s group meets Wednesdays at 4:15pm; the 7–12s follow at 5:20pm. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
St Paul's Church Community Centre · SW4 0DXIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running at St Paul's Church Community Centre every Wednesday during term time since September 2013. The current summer term runs from 15 April to 15 July 2026, with no session on Wednesday 27 May. Classes are taught by Ferdia and produced by Teresa; Area Partner Sophie visits the venue regularly.
Each weekly session brings together drama, dance and singing in a class capped at 22 children, always with two Perform staff present. The 4–7s (Wednesdays, 4:15–5:15pm) work through three distinct parts: physical warm-ups built around dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired mirroring exercises; a singing and speech section using specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps; and a creative section centred on character work, storytelling and role-play improvisation. The 7–12s (Wednesdays, 5:20–6:20pm) cover acting and improvisation — including focus work, vocal projection and physicality — alongside movement and dance, and a speech and singing section in which small groups mean most children take a solo or featured part. This term the 4–7s theme is Mermaids & Pirates; the 7–12s are working on The Dream, Perform's retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The curriculum is organised around what Perform calls the 4 Cs — Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination — woven into every activity rather than treated as separate goals. Because Perform uses a rolling curriculum, children can join at any point during the term rather than waiting for a new block to begin. Teresa sends a weekly email outlining that session's focus, and each child receives a personalised written feedback form over the course of the term, countersigned by Principal Lucy Quick.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a session before signing up?
Yes — every child is entitled to one free trial class. You can book online through the Perform website, through Teresa as class Producer, or by phone.
Which age group is right for my child?
The 4–7s class (4:15pm on Wednesdays) uses a mixed-age approach: younger children are stretched and stimulated by those around them, while older children gain from taking on a more influential role. The 7–12s class (5:20pm) is shaped less by exact age and more by where a child is socially and in terms of confidence — previous performing-arts experience is not required.
How are classes booked and paid for?
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 has a bursary scheme for families who need support — call the office for details. Refunds are not offered, but sessions cancelled with at least three days' notice generate account credit that can be used on other Perform products.
What if my child misses a session?
Missed sessions cannot be added to the end of a block, but Perform does operate a make-up system: your child can attend a class at another venue, subject to availability, provided they are still enrolled.
Will there be performances?
Three times a year, families are invited to half-termly Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations where children show what they have been working on. During school holidays, Perform runs themed holiday courses — currently Peter Pan for ages 4–10, available in three, four or five-day options — which include their own mini-performances.
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