We know that the best way to experience PQA is with a free session, but what’s the next best thing?
Seeing what goes on behind our academy doors on video!
Before you hit play on our new video, which you’ll find on our homepage, we wanted to share why this is so important. We also want to thank everyone involved who came together to capture our story.
We were delighted to work with Last November, who specialise in cinematic storytelling for brands that connects and captivates. Let’s be honest, trying to capture the spirit of PQA in a single video? Not easy. We wanted to share how PQA builds self-belief through the performing arts, telling both the student story and showcasing the breadth of performing arts training that makes PQA so different.
But most of all, the video had to feel like ‘us’ and how it feels to be part of PQA.
Collaboration is one of the PQA values, and the making of a video is a team effort. Our lead and supporting actors were cast by Quirky Kidz, PQA’s in-house agency. QK also arranged our BOPAs and chaperones, as even though this was a fun session for our students, it was also a working film set.
Students from PQA Amersham, PQA Uxbridge, PQA Ealing, PQA High Wycombe, PQA Maidenhead and PQA Northwood brought an amazing energy to the shoot, not always easy on a Sunday morning! Principal Lisa Taylor even popped in to see her students in action.
George and Hope led the Musical Theatre (singing, dancing, acting lessons), and Film & Television (filmmaking) classes on the day, bringing their professionalism and passion for PQA.
A huge thank you to Gerrards Cross Memorial Centre for hosting the shoot. It was important to us that the location reflected that many of our academy venues are schools and community spaces.
And of course, the team from Last November, who really understood what makes PQA different and knew how to find just the right shots that showed the students learning, having fun and being their amazing selves.
PQA are proud to provide professional performing arts classes for children and young people. But that’s not all we do. At the heart of the video is a story many of our students know well.
We follow Habiba as she arrives for a free session, nervous, unsure, and a little shy. Led by fantastic teachers, and supported fellow students, we see her blossom. She makes friends, finds her confidence, learns new skills, and by the end, she’s rocking her PQA t-shirt with pride.
It’s a journey we see time and time again, and Last November helped us tell the story in an authentic way; the story was beautifully acted by Habiba.
You’ve seen the video, now try PQA in real life!
Yes! Every academy offers one free trial session, as long as there is space available in the age group. If the group is currently full, you can join the waiting list, and we’ll contact you as soon as a place becomes available.
PQA runs for 41 weeks throughout the school year. You can find the full list of term dates on each academy’s webpage, just search for your local academy and visit its web page.
PQA provides performing arts training for children and teens aged 4–18. Our Main Academy (ages 6–18) includes three core classes:
Some academies also offer Poppets (ages 4–6), an energetic 90-minute class introducing young children to singing, dancing and acting.
PQA welcomes all children, whether they’re complete beginners or already confident performers. There’s no audition needed to join.
At PQA students in Main Academy are grouped by age, learning with other children and young people at similar stages.
This depends on where you feel your child will be happiest. Some 6-year olds are ready to join the 6-9 age group in Main Academy, others will feel more comfortable starting in Poppets.
Your always welcome to discuss what’s best for your child with your local Principal before booking your free session.