Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at Beaulieu Community Centre, Beaulieu Square, Centenary Way, Chelmsford CM1 6AU. The 4–7s class is on Thursdays at 4:15pm; the 7–12s follow immediately at 5:20pm. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
Beaulieu Community Centre · CM1 6AUIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running at Beaulieu Community Centre every Thursday since May 2021. The 4–7s take the 4:15pm hour; the 7–12s follow straight away at 5:20pm. Eleanor produces the classes here, supported by teacher Charlotte, with Area Partner Oliver overseeing the Chelmsford patch. The current summer term runs from 16th April to 16th July 2026, with no session on Thursday 28th May. The 4–7s are working through the Mermaids & Pirates theme; the 7–12s are exploring The Dream, Perform's retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream.
Each session weaves drama, dance and singing into a single 60-minute class, with a cap of 22 children and two Perform staff in the room throughout. The 4–7s work through three blocks within the hour: Move & Feel (dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired mirroring); Listen, Speak & Sing (specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps); and Create & Imagine (character explorations, storytelling and role-play). Older children in the 7–12s shift into Acting & Improvising, Movement & Dance, and Speech & Singing, where the focus sharpens onto vocal projection, physical presence and building confidence alongside concentration, communication and coordination — what Perform calls The 4 Cs, woven into every activity.
Because Perform runs a rolling curriculum, children can start when they are ready rather than waiting for the beginning of a new term. Blocks are sold in ten consecutive sessions. If a session is missed, it can be made up at another Perform venue subject to availability — missed classes cannot be added to the end of a block. Parents receive a weekly email from Eleanor detailing that week's focus, plus a personalised Feedback Form written by Eleanor and signed by Perform Principal Lucy Quick. Classes run during term time only; holiday courses on a Peter Pan theme are also available for children aged 4–10 in three, four or five-day options.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try the class before committing?
Yes — every child is entitled to a free trial session. You can book directly through Perform's website or by phone; there is no requirement to purchase a block in order to attend the trial.
Which age group is right for my child?
The Thursday classes at Beaulieu cover two groups: 4–7s at 4:15pm and 7–12s at 5:20pm. In the 4–7s group a mixed age range is deliberate — younger children are stretched and stimulated by the group, while older children gain informal leadership experience. For the 7–12s, previous performing-arts experience is less relevant than character and readiness to engage; the curriculum focuses on developing social skills through performing arts techniques.
What will my child actually do in a session?
Each 60-minute class combines drama, dance and singing. The curriculum has a different focus every week, and each term is built around a theme. This summer the 4–7s are on the Mermaids & Pirates adventure and the 7–12s are working through The Dream, inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream.
How does booking and payment work?
Classes are purchased in blocks of 10 or 20 consecutive sessions. You can also renew to the end of term at a slightly higher per-class rate, or pay monthly by Direct Debit. New customers who join Perform's mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes. Perform accepts childcare vouchers and runs a bursary scheme — call the office for details. Cancellations require three days' notice; the resulting credit transfers to your account for use on other Perform products rather than being refunded. If classes are restarted after a cancellation, a minimum of 10 consecutive sessions must be purchased.
What happens if my child misses a session?
Missed classes cannot be added to the end of a block under any circumstances. Perform does offer a make-up system: your child can attend the same class at another venue to make up a missed session, subject to availability, provided they are still enrolled at Beaulieu.
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