Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes for children aged 4–12 at Hutton Community Centre, Harrison Close, Hutton, Essex (CM13 1LP). The 4–7s group meets Thursdays at 4:00–5:00pm; the 7–12s follow at 5:05–6:05pm. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
Hutton Community Centre · CM13 1LPIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running its Thursday sessions at Hutton Community Centre since January 2006 — which says something about how well it fits into the weekly rhythm of families in the area. The current term runs from 16th April to 16th July, with no class on 28th May. The 4–7s take the 4:00–5:00pm slot; the 7–12s follow straight after at 5:05–6:05pm. Classes are led by Producer Sophie and Teacher Isabel, with Area Partner Gemma as a regular presence.
Each session weaves together drama, dance and singing, structured around what Perform call the 4 Cs — Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination. For the younger group that means dances and rapid-reaction games, specially composed songs and tongue-twisters, and storytelling improvisations that stretch the imagination. This summer the 4–7s are sailing aboard the Jammy Dodger in the Mermaids & Pirates theme. The 7–12s, meanwhile, are working through The Dream — a retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream in which footballers and pop stars rub shoulders with Oberon and Titania. Classes are capped at 22 children and every session has two Perform staff members present.
One practical detail worth knowing: Perform runs a rolling curriculum, so there is no need to wait for a new term before starting. If a session is missed, a make-up system allows attendance at another venue subject to availability. Parents receive a personalised Feedback Form each term and a weekly email from the Producer detailing what the class has been working on — useful when your child's answer to "what did you do today?" is the usual shrug.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a session before signing up?
Yes — every child gets a free trial class. You can book through the Perform website, by phone, or by speaking to Sophie, the class Producer.
What age groups are the Thursday classes at Hutton?
The 4–7s class runs 4:00–5:00pm and the 7–12s class runs 5:05–6:05pm. A mixed age range within the 4–7s group is intentional. In the 7–12s group, character and previous experience matter more than exact age, so it is worth speaking to the team if your child is on the boundary.
What does a typical session involve?
Each class covers three areas: movement (dances, coordination games, yoga-inspired exercises), voice and song (specially composed songs, raps and tongue-twisters), and drama (character work, storytelling, improvisation). The content changes each week within a termly theme — this summer it is Mermaids & Pirates for the 4–7s and The Dream for the 7–12s.
How does booking and payment work?
Classes are purchased in blocks of 10 or 20 sessions; you can also renew to the end of term or pay monthly by Direct Debit. Perform does not offer refunds, but you can cancel with three days' notice and have the resulting credit transferred to your account for future use. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes.
Are there any additional options for older children?
Yes. Alongside the weekly classes, Perform offers LAMDA preparation, Challenge Awards and Interview Technique for the 7–12s age group. Holiday courses — this year themed around Peter Pan, for children aged 4–10 — run during school breaks in three, four or five-day options.
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Where it is
Approximate location (postcode area)