Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes at Highfield Church Centre, Highfield Lane, Highfield, Southampton (SO17 1RL) every Wednesday during term time — with two sessions for 4–7s (4:00pm–5:00pm and 5:05pm–6:05pm) and a 7–12s class at 6:10pm–7:10pm. Every child is entitled to a free trial session before committing to a block.
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About this class
Perform has been running classes at Highfield Church Centre since May 2015, so the sessions here are well established. Three slots run every Wednesday during term time: the 4–7s group can choose between 4:00pm–5:00pm and 5:05pm–6:05pm, while the 7–12s class starts at 6:10pm and finishes at 7:10pm. All three are led by Sam and Kiernan, with Sam also serving as Area Partner for the Southampton venues. The current term runs from 15 April to 15 July; there are no sessions on Wednesday 27 May.
Each class brings drama, dance and singing together in a single sixty-minute session. For the 4–7s, the hour moves through three distinct sections — energetic movement and coordination games, specially composed songs and tongue-twisters, then character explorations and storytelling improvisations — so the pace rarely stays the same for long. The 7–12s session shifts the balance toward acting technique and vocal work: drama games build presence and projection, movement exercises progress toward more technical coordination, and speech and singing is small-group enough for most children to take on a solo or featured role at some point. This summer, the 4–7s are setting off on Mermaids & Pirates, while the 7–12s are working through The Dream — Perform's version of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
The curriculum is built around what Perform calls the 4 Cs — Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination — threaded through every activity rather than bolted on at the end. Classes are capped at 22 children with two staff members present throughout. Parents receive a personalised feedback form written by the Producer and signed by Principal Lucy Quick, as well as a weekly email detailing that week's focus. Because Perform runs a rolling curriculum, there is no need to wait for a new term; children can join at any point in the year.
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, so you can see the session in action before booking a block. Book through Perform's website by searching for this venue.
What ages are the Wednesday classes at Highfield Church Centre for?
There are two groups: 4–7s (two Wednesday slots, at 4:00pm and 5:05pm) and 7–12s (one slot at 6:10pm). In the younger group, a mixed age range is intentional — younger children are stretched by the group dynamic while older ones practise influencing and guiding activities. In the 7–12s, character and previous experience matter more than exact age.
How does booking work, and what is the commitment?
You book in blocks of 10 or 20 consecutive classes, or you can renew to the end of term at a slightly higher rate per class. A monthly Direct Debit option is also available. Perform does not offer refunds, but sessions cancelled with at least three days' notice generate a credit that can be used on other Perform products. If a class is missed, a make-up session at another venue may be possible, subject to availability. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off a first block of 10 classes.
What happens in a typical session?
The hour is divided into three sections, each working on different skills — movement and coordination games, singing and spoken-word work (tongue-twisters, raps, specially composed songs), and drama improvisations or character work. Every week has a different focus within the term's theme. The class is no more than 22 children with two Perform staff members running the room throughout.
Are there any performances or showcases?
Three times a year, family and friends are invited to half-termly Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations where children show what they have learnt. Holiday courses include mini-performances. A summer West End show — this year Mermaids & Pirates — is also ticketed separately.
Summary drafted with AI assistance from the provider's published details and reviewed before publishing — how we use AI.
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