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10 Things to Look For In a Theatre School for Kids

21 October 2024 - 0 comments - by Spotlights

Finding the right theatre school for your child is like casting the perfect lead in a showโ€”everything has to be just right! From nurturing talent to offering the right training program, choosing the perfect drama school can help your child shine both on stage and off.

According to a Primary Times report, over 90% of parents believe performing arts help children develop essential social skills, such as confidence and communication. Thatโ€™s because theatre creates an environment where young people can thrive both creatively and socially.

But what exactly should parents look for in a theatre school for kids? Letโ€™s take centre stage and break it down.

10 Things to Look For In A Musical Theatre School for Kids

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into the key factors to consider when choosing a theatre school for your child. From the quality of teaching to performance opportunities, these are the things that will ensure your little star gets the spotlight they deserve!

1. A Curriculum That Covers All Theatrics

A theatre school is more than just jazz hands and high kicksโ€”itโ€™s about developing well-rounded skills that go beyond the spotlight. Look for musical theatre classes that encompass a variety of disciplines.ย 

Acting, singing, dancing, and even backstage skills like stage management should all feature in the program. Schools that offer performing arts training in all these areas give students a better understanding of the stage from every angle.

Many drama schools also include elements like improvisation, voice control, and movement training, all of which help to build confidence and versatility. The right drama school will ensure your child gains the tools to be adaptable and confident in any situation, whether on stage or behind the scenes.

Find Out More: What is Musical Theatre School for Kids?

2. Experienced Teachers Who Know the Stage and the Industry

The teachers are the directors of your childโ€™s learning journey, so they should have plenty of professional experience to pass on. Ideally, theyโ€™ll have worked in the professional world themselves, with a strong understanding of what it takes to succeed in the industry. A school where teachers can offer both theoretical and practical insights is the sweet spot.

Whatโ€™s even better is when these teachers have industry connectionsโ€”whether itโ€™s through casting directors, agents, or theatre companies. Schools with these links can open doors for students, giving them opportunities to perform in public performances, attend workshops with professionals, or even get advice on navigating drama school auditions.

Theatre School for Kids

3. Opportunities to Perform on Stage Regularly

Thereโ€™s no substitute for experience. A theatre school that offers plenty of opportunities for public performances is essential for young performers to hone their skills. Whether it’s end-of-term showcases, full-scale productions, or local community events, giving students regular performance opportunities helps them develop stage presence and confidence.

Studies show that young people who participate in frequent performances have a higher chance of improving their skills quicker than those who donโ€™t. Not only that, but public performances give them the invaluable experience of performing in front of an audienceโ€”a skill theyโ€™ll need if theyโ€™re thinking of drama school auditions down the line.

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4. A Strong Focus on Building Acting Skills

Your childโ€™s passion for performing may have started with musicals, but that doesnโ€™t mean they shouldnโ€™t develop strong acting skills as well. A theatre school should offer in-depth acting training that covers techniques like method acting, Stanislavski, and improvisation. These skills will serve them well, whether theyโ€™re performing in musical theatre or tackling more dramatic roles later in their career.

Look for a school that offers acting classes with different approaches so students can find what works best for them. After all, versatility is key in the performing arts, and being able to switch from musical numbers to serious acting pieces will set them apart from other students during drama school auditions.

See Also: 10 Ideas for Making Your Own Character in Theatre

Building Acting Skills

5. Small Class Sizes and Individual Attention

Spotlights on a big stage are great, but when it comes to learning, your child needs attention! A good theatre school will offer smaller class sizes, ensuring that every student gets personalised feedback and support. It can be hard to stand out in a large group, so a school with manageable class sizes will give your child the chance to shine, develop their unique style, and feel seen by their teachers.

One-on-one coaching is often available in schools with smaller class sizes, and this is a huge advantage when it comes to preparing for specific challenges like a drama school audition.

6. A Proven Track Record of Success

Before you sign your child up for a theatre school, itโ€™s important to check their success rate. Do their graduates go on to attend well-known drama schools like RADA, LAMDA, or Urdang? Do they offer a solid pathway to professional experience or to musical theatre degrees?

A school that regularly sends students to prestigious institutions and produces successful performers speaks volumes about the quality of its training. Look at the schoolโ€™s alumni and whether theyโ€™ve gone on to have careers in the industry. These results can be a solid indicator of the quality of the school.

See Also: The 8 Best Theatre Podcasts

7. Realistic Expectations and Hard Work

The arts are known for their glamour, but anyone whoโ€™s ever been backstage knows itโ€™s 10% applause and 90% hard work. A good theatre school will instil the importance of dedication and effort. While itโ€™s great to have fun and explore creativity, students need to learn the discipline required to succeed in the professional world.

The most important thing here is balanceโ€”students should learn to enjoy what they do but also understand the hard work and effort required to make it in the industry. Schools that encourage this mentality help to prepare students for the demands of a future career in the performing arts.

8. Preparation for Drama School Auditions

If your child dreams of pursuing a musical theatre degree or studying at a top drama school, finding a school that provides specific drama school audition preparation is key. From helping students choose the right monologues to guiding them through the audition process, schools that offer this support can make a huge difference.

Some schools even invite casting directors and professionals to hold mock auditions, which not only prepares students but helps them get comfortable with the process. This kind of preparation gives them a better shot at standing out from the competition.

9. A Friendly and Supportive Environment

Performing arts can be competitive, but the environment should never feel cutthroatโ€”especially for younger students. A theatre school should foster a supportive, inclusive, and encouraging atmosphere where kids feel safe to express themselves and try new things. Look for a school where students celebrate each otherโ€™s successes rather than just compete with other students.

Building friendships and learning from peers is an essential part of any theatre school experience. The community and camaraderie foster creativity and confidence, making the learning process more enjoyable and productive.

Read More: 10 Benefits of Musical Theatre for Kids

Supportive Environment for Kids

10. Exposure to the Professional World

A top-notch theatre school should provide exposure to the professional world, whether through visits from industry professionals, workshops with seasoned performers, or excursions to real performances. These experiences allow students to see what life in the industry is like, demystifying the journey from school to stage.

By interacting with professionals and understanding how the industry works, students get a better sense of whatโ€™s expected of them. Whether itโ€™s learning about the challenges of getting an agent, understanding the demands of working in a touring production, or preparing for an audition, these real-world insights are invaluable.

Looking for the Best Musical Theatre School for Kids in London?

With all the elements of the stage in place, youโ€™ll be giving your child the perfect stepping stone to bigger thingsโ€”perhaps even a drama school audition for a coveted place at a top musical theatre degree program. So, raise the curtain on their potential and find a school that will help them hit all the right notes!

At Spotlights Theatre School in London, we offer a range of musical theatre classes designed to help children shine.

Our range of weekly classes and holiday workshops cater to children of all ages and skill levels, making it an inclusive and nurturing environment for all.

Book your free trial or get in touch for more information!

 

Things to Look for in Theatre School FAQs

What age should my child start theatre school?

Children can start as young as 4-5 years old. Many schools offer beginner classes designed to build confidence and introduce kids to acting, singing, and dancing.

How often do theatre schools hold performances?

Most schools offer regular public performances, typically at the end of each term or academic year, giving students the chance to showcase their skills and gain valuable stage experience.

Are auditions required to join?

It depends on the school. Some may require auditions for more advanced classes, while others accept all levels without auditions for beginner programs.

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