Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes at West Oxford Community Centre on Botley Road for children aged 4–12. Two consecutive sessions run every Wednesday: the 4–7s at 4pm until 5pm, followed immediately by the 7–12s at 5:05pm until 6:05pm. Every child can attend a free first session before committing to a block.
West Oxford Community Centre · OX2 0BTIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running at West Oxford Community Centre on Botley Road every Wednesday during term time since February 2011. The 4–7s class starts at 4pm; the 7–12s follows at 5:05pm and finishes at 6:05pm. Both groups are taught by Jacob, with Luna as producer and area partner Gemma making regular visits.
The current summer term runs from 15th April to 15th July, with no session on Wednesday 27th May. Each age group has its own theme this term: the 4–7s are setting sail on the Jammy Dodger in Mermaids & Pirates, while the 7–12s are working through The Dream — a retelling of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream cast with footballers, pop stars and celebrities. The curriculum runs on a rolling basis, meaning children can join at any point rather than waiting for a new term.
Each session weaves drama, dance and singing into a single hour. For the 4–7s, activities move between physical coordination work, specially composed songs and tongue-twisters, and character explorations and storytelling. The 7–12s cover acting and improvising (drama games, vocal projection, physicality and accents), movement and dance, and speech and singing — with articulation, vocal range and basic musical reading all part of the mix. Class size is capped at 22, with two Perform staff in every session, so most children get a solo or featured moment in speech and singing. All of this sits within a curriculum built around four areas — confidence, concentration, communication and coordination — that run through every activity.
Parents receive a weekly email from Luna detailing that week's focus, plus a personalised feedback form signed by Perform principal Lucy Quick.
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 first session, so you can see how the class feels before signing up for a block. Book through the Perform website or by phone.
What age groups does this venue cater for?
Two separate classes run on Wednesdays: the 4–7s at 4pm and the 7–12s at 5:05pm. In the younger group, a mixed age range is deliberate — younger children are stimulated by the group while older ones build leadership by influencing activities. In the older group, character and previous experience matter more than exact age.
What actually happens in a session?
The 4–7s class covers physical coordination and balance, specially composed songs and tongue-twisters, and character explorations and role-playing. The 7–12s class covers acting and improvising (including vocal projection, physicality and accents), movement and dance, and speech and singing. Each week has a different focus. Class size is capped at 22 children, with two Perform staff members present throughout.
How do I book, and what are the payment options?
You can sign up online, through producer Luna directly, or by phone. Classes are purchased in blocks of 10 or 20 sessions, or you can renew to the end of term at a slightly higher per-class rate. A monthly Direct Debit option is available, as is a bursary scheme and payment via childcare vouchers. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes.
Perform does not offer refunds, but sessions cancelled with at least three days' notice generate credit that can be used against future products. If classes are paused and then restarted, a minimum of 10 consecutive classes must be purchased again.
What if my child misses a session?
Missed sessions cannot be added to the end of a block, but a make-up system lets children attend another Perform venue to cover the session, subject to availability.
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