Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at Christ Church URC Youth Hall, 164 New London Road, Chelmsford. The 4–7s group meets Mondays at 4pm–5pm; the 7–12s follow immediately at 5:05pm–6:05pm. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
Christ Church URC Youth Hall · CM2 0AWIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running at Christ Church URC Youth Hall every Monday since April 2017 — which means the Chelmsford sessions are well-established on the local calendar. The 4–7s class runs 4pm to 5pm; the 7–12s take over at 5:05pm and finish at 6:05pm. Sessions are kept to a maximum of 22 children, with two Perform staff in the room throughout — at this venue that is teacher Gabrielle and Producer Oliver, with Area Partner Sophie dropping in regularly.
Each hour weaves together drama, dance and singing, structured around what Perform calls the 4 Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. For the 4–7s, that means rapid-reaction movement games and yoga-inspired exercises in the first section, specially composed songs and tongue-twisters in the second, and character storytelling and role-play in the third. The 7–12s work through acting and improvisation — vocal projection, physicality, accents, focus work — then movement and dance, then speech and singing in small groups where most children get a solo or featured moment. Every week has a different focus, and this summer the 4–7s are setting sail on the good ship the Jammy Dodger in the Mermaids & Pirates theme, while the 7–12s explore The Dream, based on A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Because Perform runs a rolling curriculum, children can join at any point in the year rather than waiting for a new term. Oliver sends a weekly email to parents outlining that session's focus, and every child receives a personalised feedback form written by the Producer and signed by Principal Lucy Quick. Each term also ends with a presentation where families can see what their children have been working on, and half-termly open workshops are held throughout the year. The current term at this venue runs from 13th April to 13th July 2026, with no sessions on the bank holidays of 4th May and 25th May.
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. You can book online via the Perform website, by phone, or through the class Producer.
What ages does this class take?
The Monday sessions at Christ Church URC Youth Hall cover two groups: 4–7s (4pm–5pm) and 7–12s (5:05pm–6:05pm). In the younger group, Perform deliberately uses a mixed age range — younger children are stretched by the group and older ones gain from taking a more leading role. In the older group, previous experience and a child's character matter more than their exact age.
What happens in a typical session?
Each class combines drama, dance and singing. The 4–7s work through physical warm-ups and movement games, songs and tongue-twisters, then character and storytelling work. The 7–12s cover acting and improvisation, movement and dance, then speech and singing — with small groups meaning most children get a featured moment at some point. Every week has a different focus, and this summer the themes are Mermaids & Pirates (4–7s) and The Dream (7–12s).
How is a block of classes booked and paid for?
Classes are booked in blocks of 10 or 20 sessions, 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 against future products. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes. A bursary scheme is available, and Perform accepts childcare vouchers — call the office for details.
What should my child wear?
Comfortable clothes that allow free movement are sensible, since sessions include dance and physical games alongside drama and singing. No previous performing arts experience is required for the 4–7s group; for 7–12s, Perform say character and previous experience are considered, but there is no formal entry requirement stated.
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