This page should give you a great idea of what you can expect from attending our classes.
We hope you find the answers to any questions you may have – if not, please get in touch we would love to hear from you!
Performers Stage School opened in 2000 at Boldon CA, and is a facility that encompasses the 3 main Performance disciplines -
Drama, Dance and Music.
Our approach is modern, informative and practical. Classes are physically and mentally demanding but they are also fun. We have high expectations of our pupils.
More important than talent is commitment. Enjoyment matters most.
Each of us is unique, so our training strikes a balance between teaching a technique and encouraging individual expression.
We try to create work at any level that is hardworking, rigorous, truthful, energetic, generous and committed.
All pupils should arrive allowing themselves time to pay their fee, change and prepare to begin their first class promptly at the stated times. Each class will last strictly for 1 hour and we do not expect this to be held up by late-comers or unnecessary distraction.
If a pupil in unable to attend a class (for any reason) advance notice MUST be given. Failing this, pupils receive a letter informing them that they have been marked absent. TWO consecutive absences without prior explanation will result in that pupil being notified in writing that their place within the school has been lost.
Pupils missing classes (for any reason) are required to pay half tuition cost for each class missed on their return. This is to encourage regular attendance and a means of securing their place within the group.
Pupils missing a class should take it upon themselves to catch up on what was covered. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT as tutors regularly ask the group to prepare or practice something for the following week. If this is over looked the pupil may find on their return they are unable to progress and participate with the rest of the class on their return. Weekly updates of what we cover in class can be seen on the PUPIL PAGE of our website.
Pupils will be expected to practice and carry out work or research at home, either in preparation for a class/production or to assist in their own development. This is usually the learning of lines/song words and practicing dance combinations.
Parents cannot spectate during classes. Pupils must complete a Pupils Details Form prior to taking part in a class, providing details of a named Adult to contact in an Emergency and any medical conditions we should be aware of.
Bad behaviour will not be tolerated towards the Teachers, Association Staff or other pupils. We want participants to learn and enjoy themselves and disruptive behaviour or a bad attitude in a session or around the building is not acceptable.
Please note each of our Tutors has been CRB checked.
Pupils AND PARENTS are encouraged to regularly visit the PUPIL PAGE and NEWS sections of this site throughout the week. This is a good means of parents finding out what their child has done in their weekly session and if they have homework or need to prepare/bring with them anything for the next session. News and announcements can also be relayed this way.
Our classes are split into three groups:
Group A 6-8 years
Group B 9 - 12 years
Group C 13+ Years
We do not audition pupils to join our classes. We believe everyone is on a journey of discovery. Our curriculum concentrates on a range of skills by working as a team. You do not have to have any performance experience to take part, just an open mind and a willingness to learn.
BOLDON COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION, New Road, Boldon Colliery, Tyne & Wear, NE35 9DZ
Sunday mornings (registration in the Millennium Room)
10.00am - 1.15pm
The venue has toilet facilities for changing and vending machines for break time
Each 3 hour session is £15.20* - you pay as you go rather than termly and all fees are paid at the beginning of each session.
£1.20 pence of this is paid at reception as you sign in and the remaining £14.00 to our administrator as you register in the main hall.
Please note if a pupil fails to attend a class for any reason, a half fee of £7.00 is payable on their return.
This is to encourage regular attendance, and maintain the many costs of the stage school which must be met despite pupil absence.
For siblings from same parent families we do offer a discount. Please ask for details.
Cheques should be made payable to ‘Performers Stage School'.
*Pupils attending Boldon CA Class are required to pay an annual £2.50 junior membership fee to use the centres facilities
Depending on current group numbers, new pupils are usually accepted at the beginning on a new Term.
Please CONTACT US to discuss coming along to your first session!
GIRLS SHOULD WEAR:
- Black fitted lycra trousers (jazz pants)
- Black crop Top/ T Shirt ('Performers Stage School' T Shirts and hooded tops are available to buy)
- Black split sole jazz shoes/boots or sneakers
- Hair tied back (no wispy bits)
- Light make-up (Older girls only)
- No jewellery/watches to be worn
BOYS SHOULD WEAR:
- Black fitted lycra trousers (jazz pants or jogger bottoms)
- Black T Shirt/Vest ('Performers Stage School' T Shirts and hooded tops are available to buy)
- Black split sole jazz shoes/boots or sneakers
- No jewellery/watches to be worn
The idea is so simple, and simple ideas are the best. Each school is one 3 hour session. The number of pupils per class is limited, and there are three classes to divide the age groups. The first class will take part in a Drama session, the second Dance and the third Singing. After 1 hour the classes rotate and again after the second hour. At the end of the 3 hours all three classes will have completed all three disciplines.
Drama uses improvisation, games and themes to build the elements of character and storytelling leading to more advanced acting techniques.
Dance is usually Jazz or Modern and explores the connection between the performer and the space around them. A wide range of creative styles and dynamic movement skills are included.
Singing develops the individual's voice. Group singing enhances unison and harmonic skills. When they are ready for it we encourage pupils to take solo parts.
Although the classes are separated we very much see the art forms as one
Actors need to move fluently and use a wide vocal range.
Dancers need to relate feelings to movement and present a story.
Singers need to tell the story of the song and express themselves physically.
Every pupil MUST bring with them to every session:
a pen
a pencil
a rubber
a note pad
a file to keep hand outs in
Dictaphone
Yes. All pupils have the opportunity to take part in at least one major production each year, performing in a professional theatre. Performances in the last 18 months include:
- Disney’s Aladdin, Cinderella & Jungle Book
- HONK! The Ugly Duckling Musical
- Peter Pan the British Musical (Compulsory Show)
- We Will Rock You (Summer School Show)
When staging compulsory shows we always use the school holidays for an intensive rehearsal period. Regular classes break during the summer weeks however we run a successful Summer School for 4 weeks of the School holidays.
No. We do not include exams in our concept. In doing so, we find that pressure is removed from the pupil and the expense is removed from the parent! Our philosophy is to assist the growth of the individual by giving them real time experience live on stage. Personal growth and team work is the core of our class.
No. Performers leave representation to professional agents. We concentrate on training, although many of our pupils have had auditions and performed in TV, film, West end and Regional productions. Many have also gone on to successfully gain placement in London and regional dance and drama schools.
We encourage pupils to get as much experience as possible, and therefore do not object to our pupils taking part in other Performing Arts activities. However, we do operate a policy that any pupil missing a class (for any reason) is required to pay a half fee of £7.00 on their return.
We expect pupils to show a high level of commitment to their classes and team mates, especially while working on a production. Pupils who miss sessions run the risk of being excluded from numbers and sections set in their absence.
Every pupil should view their attendance of the school as a serious hobby.
