Perform Drama, Dance & Singing Classes
Perform runs weekly drama, dance and singing classes at Staines Preparatory School and Nursery on Gresham Road. On Saturdays the 4–7s group starts at 9:30am and the 7–12s at 11:15am, both during term time. Every child can come to a free trial session before deciding whether to join.
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About this class
Perform's Saturday morning classes at Staines Preparatory School and Nursery run during term time: 9:30am to 11:00am for the 4–7s group, then 11:15am to 12:45pm for 7–12s. Gemma is the Producer, Teacher and Area Partner at this venue. Each session is capped at 22 children with two Perform staff present throughout.
Every class moves through three distinct strands. For the 4–7s those are Move & Feel (dances, rapid-reaction games and yoga-inspired exercises building coordination and balance), Listen, Speak & Sing (specially composed songs, tongue-twisters and raps), and Create & Imagine (storytelling, character explorations and role-play improvisation). This summer term the 4–7s theme is Mermaids & Pirates — the children set sail on the good ship the Jammy Dodger to discover faraway lands. The 7–12s work through Acting & Improvising, Movement & Dance, and Speech & Singing; this term's theme is The Dream, Perform's reimagining of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream. Across both age groups every activity is built around the 4 Cs: Confidence, Concentration, Communication and Coordination.
Perform uses a rolling curriculum, so children can join on any Saturday rather than waiting for a new term to begin. After each session, Gemma sends parents a weekly email covering that week's focus. She also produces a personalised Feedback Form — signed by Principal Lucy Quick — that details each child's progress over the block. Three times a year, family and friends are invited to half-termly Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations to see what the children have been working on.
When it runs
Good to know
Common questions
Can we try a class before committing?
Yes — every child can attend a free trial session at this venue with no obligation to enrol. Booking is available online, through Gemma, or by phone.
How does booking work once we decide to join?
Classes are purchased in blocks of 10 or 20 consecutive sessions. You can also renew to the end of term at a slightly higher rate per class, or spread the cost through 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 need to miss a session?
Missed classes cannot be added to the end of a block. Perform does offer a make-up system, however: providing your child is still enrolled, they can attend an equivalent class at another venue subject to availability. Cancellations made with at least three days' notice earn a credit transferred to your account for use on other Perform products. Refunds are not offered.
What age groups are the Saturday classes for?
The 9:30am class is for children aged 4–7 and the 11:15am class for 7–12s. Mixed ages within each band are intentional: younger children in the 4–7s group are stretched and stimulated by the group dynamic, while older children develop the ability to influence activities and build early leadership skills. For the 7–12s, previous experience matters less than character and readiness.
Does my child need drama experience?
For the 4–7s there is no mention of prior experience as a requirement — the group mix itself drives development. In the 7–12s Perform is explicit that character and social readiness are more relevant than previous drama training.
Are there shows and performances?
Three times a year, family and friends are invited to half-termly Open Workshops and end-of-term Presentations. During school holidays, Perform also runs holiday courses — currently themed around Peter Pan for children aged 4–10, in three, four or five-day options — and those include mini-performances.
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