This week, we were incredibly lucky to welcome the founder of Raindance Film School, Founder of the Raindance Film Festival and Founder of the British Independent Film Awards, Elliot Grove, to PQA Croydon for a 99 Minute Film Masterclass with our students!

acting club blogs

Elliot teaches filmmakers and screenwriters throughout the UK, Europe, North America, and Japan.

He has directed 5 feature films and produced more than 150 short films as of 2012.

 

Our students were rightly, very excited to take part in the masterclass with Elliot. Elliot went through the whole process with them – going from wanting to be a filmmaker, to how to go about it, get funding, marketing, all aspects of becoming a filmmaker!

 

Students were also able to ask as many questions as they wanted to gain as much advice and support as they could from Elliot, which he gladly shared.

 

Elliot left saying how much he enjoyed delivering the session to our students and that they loved welcoming our students to the film screening and to the panels at Raindance.

Find more about PQA Croydon here

Popular Posts.

Exciting Updates from PQA Cardiff AM academy: “Across the Line”
Academy
Exciting Updates from PQA Cardiff AM academy: “Across the Line”
pqa
Maira A
01, May, 2025
Lights, Camera, Action: Our Journey Through "Big Screen Classics”
Academy
Lights, Camera, Action: Our Journey Through "Big Screen Classics”
pqa
Maira A
01, May, 2025
Capturing the Magic of PQA’s Performing Arts Classes 
Academy
Capturing the Magic of PQA’s Performing Arts Classes 
pqa
Melissa Lawrence
03, September, 2025

FAQ's.

Can I try a session at PQA before signing up? 

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.

What are PQAs Term Dates? 

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.

What Performing Arts Training Does PQA Offer? 

PQA provides performing arts training for children and teens aged 4–18. Our Main Academy (ages 6–18) includes three core classes:

  • Musical Theatre – singing, dancing and acting, with skills in choreography, script work and vocal technique.
  • Comedy & Drama – traditional acting training, including improvisation, physical theatre and devising comedy.
  • Film & TV – handson filmmaking, from screenwriting and directing to lighting, sound and animation.

Some academies also offer Poppets (ages 4–6), an energetic 90-minute class introducing young children to singing, dancing and acting.

Does My Child Need Performing Arts Experience? 

PQA welcomes all children, whether they’re complete beginners or already confident performers. There’s no audition needed to join.

Will My Child Be with Others Their Own Age at PQA?   

At PQA students in Main Academy are grouped by age, learning with other children and young people at similar stages.

  • Green Group: Ages 6-9
  • Blue Group: Ages 10-12
  • Red Group: Ages 13-18

Should My 6-Year-Old Join PQA Poppets or Main Academy? 

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.