The easiest way to find the best acting classes near you, is to search online. There are so many to choose from! But which acting classes should you choose, and what questions should you be asking the organisers, to be sure that your child will be safe and happy in their new class?
WHERE TO BEGIN LOOKING FOR AN ACTING CLASS
Google search for “acting classes for kids near me”, or put your local town, for example “Acting Classes in Newcastle”. If you’re prepared to travel, you could search a wider area, such as “Drama Classes in North Tyneside”. Google will show you a map of your area, with the relevant organisations clearly marked with a red pin.
You can click on the pin, or on the results listed below the map. You could click on the sponsored links, but that’s no guarantee of the best class – rather those who’ve paid to get a top spot. Instead, go straight to the websites of those acting classes in your area, and check out what they have to offer.
Check out their reviews on Google. The best acting classes will have lots of reviews from satisfied parents. Companies can’t change the reviews on Google, so it’s a great place to see what people really think of the drama provider. In particular, look for lots of reviews, where parents have taken time and effort to praise the company.
ACTING CLASSES OR DRAMA CLASSES?
There is little, if any, difference between an “Acting Classes” and a “Drama Classes”, when looking for activities for young children and teenagers. Acting classes may focus more on the craft of acting, whereas drama classes might also teach how drama is made, and how to create a character, and craft stories. Definitions will vary, depending on the institution; so it’s more important to research what each location has to offer on their website, than worry about the name.
If your child loves singing, dancing and acting, search for “Performing Arts Classes”. If you are more interested in traditional performances (live theatre), search for “Stage Classes” or “Theatre Classes”, which is more likely to train young actors for performances in shows in front of an audience. If your child wants to be a film star, then search “Screen Acting Classes”. Screen acting classes focus on building skills in acting for film and television.
LOOK FOR QUALIFIED DRAMA TEACHERS
Once you’re on their website, you should easily be able to find details about their services, along with prices, timetables and, most importantly, information and policies about safety and child protection.
You want the best for your child: look for drama classes run by qualified teachers, with expert drama knowledge and professional acting experience. Policies should be clearly visible, and their website should give you a sense of confidence.
Find out their prices – drama provision ranges from free, to hundreds of pounds per term. Don’t be fooled into thinking that more expensive means higher quality – it could mean that the drama school is more concerned with profit than quality experiences for children and young people.
Watch out for hidden costs. Some companies charge for uniforms and equipment; some charge an admin fee if your child drops out. Pick drama classes with an easy payment plan, and avoid those who want to charge you a huge leaving fee if your child changes their mind mid-term. High quality acting classes should be reasonably priced, and the best acting classes will be set up to receive childcare vouchers and child tax credits to help lower income families.
Choose acting classes within your budget, that you would be happy to continue paying for, as long as your child loves drama (which, with the best acting classes, should be forever!)
WHAT TO ASK THE PROVIDERS
The website should have a “Contact Us” page, with helpful staff who get back to you quickly. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, to ensure your child has a safe and enjoyable experience. If there’s a telephone number, call them up. A great acting school, with that personal touch, will be happy to talk about your questions and concerns. The company should be able to accommodate any additional requirements you or your child may have.
Make a note of any questions you’d like to ask, and contact the drama group. Ask any potential drama providers the following questions, to be absolutely certain that your child’s safety and wellbeing is their top priority:
- Are the acting classes run by qualified acting teachers?
- Do all staff have enhanced DBS checks?
- Are they first-aid trained?
- Are all classes inclusive/SEND friendly?
- Are there any hidden fees, like uniforms, equipment, or other charges?
- Will my child need a child performer’s licence?
- Does the school have qualified chaperones?
GET FREE ACTING CLASSES!
Visiting the drama class website is a great way to narrow down your selection, but don’t make your mind up just yet – to be absolutely sure, try out a few, before picking the one that’s right for you and your child. Most organisations offer a free trial, so pick a handful of your favourites, spend some time there, and don’t make any decisions until you’ve really experienced what they are like. Most reputable acting schools should offer you between a week and a month of free acting classes, because they are confident your child will love their classes, and join up.
WHICH ARE THE BEST DRAMA CLASSES FOR ME?
There are so many excellent acting classes in the UK, each with a different ethos, and such a variety of styles and services (such as singing, dancing, acting, filmmaking, art and design), that it is an impossible task to compare like-for-like.
However, there is no definitive “best acting class” because the best acting class will be the acting class that your child likes best. And because you want your child to be safe, happy, and doing something they love, only you can make that decision together.
So if you take your time, and do your homework, you will definitely find the best acting class for you and your child.
