Perform Drama Classes for 4-7s – Abingdon (Saturday)
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at The Northcourt Centre, Northcourt Road, Abingdon (OX14 1NS). Two days are on offer: Saturdays (4–7s at 9:30–11am, 7–12s at 11:15am–12:45pm) and Thursdays (4–7s at 4–5pm, 7–12s at 5:05–6:05pm). Every child can attend a free trial session before committing.
The Northcourt Centre · OX14 1NSIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running at The Northcourt Centre since February 2011 — over fifteen years of Saturday mornings and Thursday afternoons in Abingdon. Classes run every week during term time. On Saturdays, Adam and Katherine lead the 4–7s from 9:30am to 11am, then the 7–12s from 11:15am to 12:45pm. On Thursdays, Lizzie and Natasha take the 4–7s from 4pm to 5pm, followed by the 7–12s from 5:05pm to 6:05pm. Each session has a maximum of 22 children and two Perform staff members throughout.
Every class weaves together drama, dance and singing, built around what Perform calls the 4 Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. The 4–7s session moves through three distinct sections: physical games and yoga-inspired exercises that build coordination and balance; songs, tongue-twisters and raps to sharpen listening and expression; and character-based storytelling and improvisation. The 7–12s work through a parallel structure — acting and improvisation, movement and dance, then speech and singing — with vocal projection, physicality and group leadership woven throughout. This summer the 4–7s are setting sail in Mermaids & Pirates, while the older group explore Shakespeare through The Dream, a reimagining of A Midsummer Night's Dream featuring Oberon, Titania, footballers and pop stars.
The curriculum rolls continuously, so children can join mid-term rather than waiting for a fresh start. Producers Adam and Lizzie oversee the Abingdon classes, with Area Partners Gemma and Oliver providing regional oversight. After each block, parents receive a personalised written Feedback Form signed by Principal Lucy Quick, and a weekly email from the Producer explains that session's focus. The current summer term runs to 18th July.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a session before signing up?
Yes — every child is entitled to a free trial class at The Northcourt Centre before any commitment is made. You can book through Perform's website, by speaking to the class Producer directly, or by phone.
What age groups are catered for?
Classes are divided into two groups: 4–7s and 7–12s. In the younger group, a mixed age range is deliberate — older children take on a guiding role while younger ones are stretched by the energy around them. For the 7–12s, attitude and previous experience tend to matter more than exact age.
How long is each session?
Saturday sessions are 90 minutes for both age groups (9:30–11am for 4–7s; 11:15am–12:45pm for 7–12s). Thursday sessions are one hour each (4–5pm for 4–7s; 5:05–6:05pm for 7–12s).
How does booking work, and what if we need to cancel?
Classes are sold in blocks of 10 or 20 consecutive sessions, with options to renew to the end of term or pay monthly by Direct Debit. Perform does not offer refunds, but sessions cancelled with three days' notice generate credit that stays on your account for future use. If a child misses a week, a make-up session at another Perform venue may be possible, subject to availability. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes. A bursary scheme is also available, and Perform accepts childcare vouchers.
What actually happens in a session?
For the 4–7s, each class covers movement and games (including yoga-inspired exercises that build coordination and balance), song-and-voice work with specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps, and character-based storytelling improvisation. The 7–12s session moves through acting and improvisation, a movement and dance section, and speech and singing — with an emphasis on vocal projection, physicality and working as a group. Every week has a different focus, tied to the current termly theme: Mermaids & Pirates for the younger group, The Dream for the older group this summer.
Who teaches the classes, and what checks are in place?
Perform teachers are typically working actors, chosen through an audition that tests singing, dancing, acting and their ability to engage with children. All staff undergo a full DBS check and verbal and written reference checks. They receive health and safety training and first-aid courses focused specifically on children, plus termly refresher training. At The Northcourt Centre, Saturday classes are led by Adam and Katherine; Lizzie and Natasha take the Thursday sessions. Producers Adam and Lizzie oversee the Abingdon classes, and Area Partners Gemma and Oliver provide additional regional support.
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