You might be looking at your child or teenager right now and wondering whether performing arts is really their thing. Maybe they don’t fit the stereotype you have in mind. They’re not loud, not quick with a joke, not bursting to be centre stage. Perhaps the idea of the spotlight actually makes them want to hide behind you. If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We hear this all the time.
But here’s something we love to share with parents, because it often comes as a surprise: performing arts isn’t just for one type of child or teen. In fact, it’s one of the few spaces where every personality type can thrive. From the confident show-stealers to the quiet observers, the thinkers, the collaborators, there’s room for everyone to find their place at PQA.
At the Pauline Quirke Academy of Performing Arts, our academies are full of wonderfully different children, and that’s exactly how we like it. Let’s meet a few of the personalities you’ll find in our classes, and why PQA is such a great place for each of them to shine.
Let’s start with the one everyone expects. This is the child who performs wherever they go: living room concerts, school assemblies, supermarket aisles. They dream big: the West End, film sets, curtain calls, and cameras rolling. They love learning new moves, new lines, and new songs, and they’re always first to put their hand up and give something a go.
At PQA, these confident performers are in their element. With our three core classes: comedy & drama, musical theatre, and film & TV, plus a jam-packed calendar of performances and filming opportunities designed for children to enjoy, they’re constantly challenged and inspired. They learn not just how to shine, but also how to grow as performers. For them, PQA is a place to develop their skills and feel right at home.
Then there’s the child who might not say much at first. They watch. They listen. They take everything in. And while they may not rush to the front, never underestimate what’s going on beneath the surface.
Quiet observers are often deep thinkers and natural storytellers. They’re brilliant at seeing the bigger picture and spotting details others might miss. At PQA, these students flourish in roles that shape the story from behind the scenes; directing, producing, editing, storyboarding, or operating the clapperboard. These roles allow them to lead, create, and express their imagination without feeling pressured to be in the spotlight. At PQA their thoughtful nature is celebrated.
Every group needs them… the child who lifts others up, listens carefully, and thrives on working together. Team players are caring, thoughtful, and happiest when they’re collaborating with friends. They love sharing ideas, supporting others, and building something together.
Performing arts is built on collaboration, PQA is the perfect place for team players to work on group projects, performances and filmmaking. Whether working in small groups on scenes, building ensemble numbers in musical theatre, or creating films together, team players learn how valuable their voice is within a collective.
Some children are bursting with ideas. Their imagination runs wild, and they’re full of stories they want to tell. For them, performing arts is a creative playground.
For big thinkers, PQA becomes their place where their creativity has room to grow. From scriptwriting and improvisation to storyboarding for film and TV, comedy sketches, drama scenes, and full musical theatre performances, students are invited to bring parts of themselves into their work. Personal experiences, thoughts, and ideas are not just allowed, they’re celebrated. Through this process, children often learn more about who they are and how they want to express themselves.
And finally, the shy starter… the child who might arrive quietly, stay close at first, and need time to feel comfortable. They may not jump at opportunities straight away, and that’s absolutely okay.
At PQA, confidence grows naturally, with the support and encouragement in a safe space. They’re given space, encouragement, and reassurance to build confidence at their own pace. Time and again, we see shy starters surprise themselves, taking brave steps, growing in confidence, and realising just how capable they truly are.
So now you know: performing arts really is for everyone. It doesn’t matter if your child is extroverted or introverted, bold or reserved, centre stage or behind the scenes. At PQA, creativity, individuality, and personality are all celebrated.
We have countless stories of children finding their place, discovering their voice, and growing in confidence throughout their PQA journey. Because at the heart of everything we do is one simple belief: we ask every child to ‘be yourself, be amazing’.
Help them discover where they belong with a free session
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.