When parents consider enrolling their children in performing arts classes, they often envision budding performers singing show tunes or delivering lines with theatrical flair. While our musical theatre classes certainly form a vibrant part of the experience at The Pauline Quirke Academy, our academies offer so much more than singing and dancing. Beyond the stage and spotlight, our classes are designed to enrich young minds with a comprehensive set of skills that extend far beyond the arts.
Our weekend classes at PQA are about more than just learning to act, sing, or dance. They serve as a nurturing ground for emotional development and personal growth.
One of the most significant benefits is the boost in self-confidence. Standing in front of an audience, whether to deliver a monologue or participate in a group performance, helps students overcome stage fright and builds their self-assurance. This newfound confidence often translates into other areas of their lives, making them more self-assured in social situations and academic pursuits.
Encouraging Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
Through acting, students learn to step into the shoes of various characters, understanding their motivations, feelings, and actions. This practice fosters empathy, as they learn to appreciate diverse perspectives and emotions. Emotional intelligence is further developed as they navigate the complex emotional landscapes of the characters they portray.
Promoting Resilience and Adaptability
Performing arts training involves a fair share of constructive criticism and setbacks. Our young people learn to handle feedback gracefully, adapt to new roles and challenges, and persevere despite difficulties. This resilience is a valuable life skill, preparing them to face challenges with a positive and determined mindset.
While the emotional growth fostered in our academies is invaluable, the functional benefits of our performing arts classes are equally impressive.
Enhancing Communication Skills
Whether it’s through spoken dialogue, song, or dance, effective communication is at the heart of performing arts. Our young performers learn to express themselves clearly and confidently, skills that are crucial in both personal and professional settings. They also learn the importance of non-verbal communication, using body language and facial expressions to convey meaning.
Developing Teamwork and Collaboration
Many performances require students to work closely with their peers, learning to collaborate, share ideas, and support one another. This teamwork fosters a sense of community and teaches valuable lessons in cooperation and mutual respect, essential skills for any future workplace.
Cultivating Discipline and Time Management
Preparing for performances requires a great deal of practice and dedication. Young people learn to manage their time effectively, balancing rehearsals with schoolwork and other commitments. The discipline required to perfect a performance instils a strong work ethic that benefits them in all aspects of life.
We all know and love our Head Principal, Pauline Quirke MBE, from her performances in TV shows such as Broadchurch and Birds of a Feather. Our unique filmmaking module offers students an exciting opportunity to follow in her footsteps! Young filmmakers will explore the world of TV and film, covering everything from writing scripts, producing and recording short films, as well as screen acting.
Developing On-Screen Acting Skills
Acting for the screen requires different techniques compared to stage acting. Our young actors get to follow in Pauline’s footsteps and learn to perform with subtlety and nuance, adapting their skills for close-up shots and various filming conditions. This specialised training opens doors to careers in film and television, broadening their horizons beyond theatre.
Using Industry-Standard Equipment
This module provides practical experience in front of and behind the camera. Students learn about camera angles, lighting, sound, and editing, gaining a comprehensive understanding of the filmmaking process. This hands-on approach helps demystify the world of film and television, making it accessible and exciting.
Membership at PQA comes with a wealth of additional benefits that enrich the overall experience and provide further opportunities for growth and development.
Masterclasses With Performing Arts Professionals
Our academies regularly host masterclasses led by industry professionals. These sessions provide students with unique insights and advanced training from experienced actors, directors, and other performing arts experts. Learning from those actively working in the industry can be incredibly inspiring and educational, offering a glimpse into the realities of a performing arts career.
Film Screenings and Local Performance Opportunities
Students at PQA have the chance to showcase their work through film screenings and local performances. These events are not only a fantastic way to share their talents with friends and family but also a crucial part of the learning process. Performing in front of an audience or seeing their work on the big screen gives students a sense of accomplishment and motivates them to continue honing their craft!
Graded RSL Awards
Our partnership with the RSL (Rockschool Ltd) allows students to work towards graded awards in musical theatre and other disciplines. These qualifications are recognised internationally and can be a significant boost to a student’s academic and professional profile. The structured nature of the RSL awards also provides clear goals and milestones, helping students track their progress and celebrate their achievements.
At PQA, we offer more than just singing in rhymes, dancing in time and learning lines. Our varied classes, learning and performance opportunities nurturing not just performers, but confident, empathetic, and resilient young people, ready to take on the world.
Find out more about our classes.
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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.