Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes at St Michaels and All Angels Church on Main Road, Gidea Park, every Thursday — the 4–7s group at 4pm and the 7–12s at 5:05pm. Every child can attend a free trial session before committing to a block.
St Michaels And All Angels Church · RM2 5ELIllustrative photo · Nihal Demirci / UnsplashFind more like this near you
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About this class
Perform has been running weekly classes at St Michaels and All Angels Church in Gidea Park since January 2016. On Thursday afternoons the venue hosts two back-to-back sessions: the 4–7s from 4pm to 5pm, the 7–12s from 5:05pm to 6:05pm. Producer Jamie and teacher Lisa lead the sessions, with Area Partner Gemma providing local support. No more than 22 children attend any one class, and two Perform staff members are always present.
Each hour-long session blends drama, dance and singing. The 4–7s work through movement activities that build coordination and balance, learn specially composed songs and tongue-twisters, then finish with character explorations and role-playing improvisations. The 7–12s focus on acting and improvisation — vocal projection, physicality, accents — before moving into group dance and a speech-and-singing section where small groups mean most children get a solo or featured moment. Underpinning all of it is what Perform calls the 4 Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination, woven into every activity.
This summer term the 4–7s are setting sail aboard the good ship Jammy Dodger in Mermaids & Pirates, while the 7–12s step into The Dream, a retelling of A Midsummer Night's Dream among footballers, pop stars and celebrities. The current term runs from 16 April to 16 July; there is no session on Thursday 28 May. Because Perform uses a rolling curriculum, children can join at any point rather than waiting for a new term to begin.
Parents receive a personalised written Feedback Form from the Producer, signed by Principal Lucy Quick, and a weekly email from the Producer summarising each session's focus.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a session before signing up?
Yes. Every child is entitled to one free trial class. You can book online, by phone, or through Producer Jamie.
What ages do the Thursday classes cover?
The 4pm class is for children aged 4–7; the 5:05pm class is for children aged 7–12. In the younger group, a mixed age range is deliberate — younger children are stretched by the group, and older children gain experience taking a lead. In the older group, previous experience and character are more relevant than exact age.
What does a session actually involve?
Each hour-long class covers drama, dance and singing. The 4–7s session moves through movement games, specially composed songs and raps, and improvised character work. The 7–12s session includes acting exercises focused on vocal projection and physicality, group dance, and speech-and-singing work in small groups — which means most children get a solo or featured moment. Every week has a different focus; this term's themes are Mermaids & Pirates (4–7s) and The Dream (7–12s).
How are classes paid for, and is there any financial support?
Classes are booked in blocks of 10 or 20 sessions. You can also pay to the end of term or set up a monthly Direct Debit. A bursary scheme is available, and Perform accepts childcare vouchers. New customers who join the mailing list receive £30 off their first block of 10 classes.
What if we miss a session?
Missed sessions cannot be added on to the end of a block. A make-up arrangement lets your child attend a session at a different Perform venue, subject to availability, for as long as they remain enrolled.
What if we decide to cancel?
Perform does not offer refunds, but sessions can be cancelled with three days' notice and the credit transferred to your account for use on other Perform products. If you restart later, a minimum of 10 consecutive classes must be purchased.
Summary drafted with AI assistance from the provider's published details and reviewed before publishing — how we use AI.
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Approximate location (postcode area)