PQA Sunderland is a welcoming weekend performing arts academy based at Whitburn Church of England Academy, offering high-quality performing arts training in a safe, supportive and inspiring environment since 2016.

Every Saturday, young people aged 4-18 join us to build confidence, creativity, resilience, and essential life skills through engaging, industry-focused performing arts sessions.

Students aged 4-6 take part in our 90-minute Poppets classes.
Poppets introduces children to performing arts through simple creative activities that nurture imagination, communication, and early performance skills.

Students aged 6-18 follow our three-hour rotating model, exploring:
• Comedy & Drama: improvisation, devising, character work, and script skills
• Film & Television: storyboarding, filming, and acting for camera
• Musical Theatre: singing, dancing, acting for stage, and acting through song.

Our academy is based in the modern Whitburn Church of England Academy building, established in 2011 with a Sixth Form added in 2015. The venue offers complimentary on-site parking, bright rehearsal spaces, and water fountains throughout. Outdoor areas overlook the local coastline and beach, giving us beautiful surroundings that inspire creativity and support wellbeing. We often use these spaces for filming, outdoor rehearsal work, and summer activities where students enjoy learning in fresh sea air.

Local amenities include coffee shops, a Co-op, a nearby Morrisons, and green spaces such as East Street and Cornthwaite Park, featuring a play area, bowling green, and tennis courts.

Led by Principal Alec and Vice Principal Georgia, along with our DBS-checked and safeguarding-trained team, PQA Sunderland is dedicated to helping every young person grow, flourish, and discover their unique creative spark.

Whether they dream of performing on stage or screen, or simply want to build confidence and friendships, PQA Sunderland is the place to be.

academy location

Weekend Performing Arts Classes for Kids .

In addition to the exciting opportunities available at PQA, we also offer children the opportunity to delve into other creative aspects of the performing arts industry. Our team of industry professionals are here to help, guide and nurture your child on whichever path they choose – Comedy and Drama, Musical Theatre or Television and Film. Whether that be performing on-stage at His Majesty's Theatre in the West End to seeing your child's latest Film & TV work on the big screen - there's something for everyone at PQA. Take a look below at the exciting things we have coming up at PQA Sunderland.

We can’t wait to welcome you and your child at a session soon. Book your free session today and get started!

main academy
Ages 6-18
dance school
Our Main Academy sessions offer young performers, actors and filmmakers a 3-hour experience, with an hour spent in each
of our three modules.
Poppets
Ages 4-6
acting school
Our 90-minute Poppets classes introduce young children to singing, dancing, and acting, helping them build skills, and explore
new adventures together.
Your PQA Journey
pqa journey
Watch My PQA Journey here to get a glimpse inside PQA. Skye will guide you through everything to expect when you join your local academy.

PQA Sunderland.

Please check our class availability and book your free session.

Poppets
4 - 6 years
Saturday | 09:45 - 11:30
Limited availability
Check Availability
arrow_circle_right
Poppets
4 - 6 years
Saturday | 11:30 - 13:00
Limited availability
Check Availability
arrow_circle_right
Main Academy
6 - 18 years
Saturday | 09:45 - 13:00
Limited availability
Check Availability
arrow_circle_right
free session:
We welcome children and teens to try our performing arts classes by attending a full session at no charge. Come along and discover what makes PQA so unique, meet the team and join in the fun!

Your academy Principal will let you know how to become a member after your free session. Your child’s place is held for a few days after your session, giving you time to decide if PQA is the right choice for your child.
Fees:
  • Poppets
    4 - 6 years
  • £46.00
  • per month
  • Main Academy
    6 - 18 years
  • £92.00
  • per month
  • Main Academy Sibling
  • £69.00
  • per month

how to find us?

academy location
Enquiries
arrow_circle_right

Term Dates.

Academy Notices and Projects.

Academy notices, projects and events at PQA Sunderland
Poppets-Spaces-Mixed
  • Poppets Spaces Mixed
  • Spaces available for ages 4-6
Read More
Blue-Group-Spaces-Mixed
  • Blue Group Spaces Mixed
  • Spaces available for ages 10-12
Read More
Musical-Theatre-Once-Upon-An-Ensemble
  • Musical Theatre Once Upon An Ensemble
  • Once Upon an Ensemble is a vibrant Musical Theatre project i...
Read More

Meet The Team.

principal performing arts
Principal
Alec Gordon
Email Me
arrow_circle_right

Alec began his professional acting on television within 'Byker Grove' (BBC / Zenith North) and 'Wire In The Blood' (ITV). Alec attended Liverpool John Moore's University studying Drama (BA) Hons. Alec focused on acting, training within a variety of disciplines including Community Theatre, Acting for Screen, Stage Combat, Devised Theatre, Stand-Up Comedy and Directing. In 2023 - 2024 Alec furthered his learning with a Masters in Performing Arts at Performer's College, Essex.

read more...