AKT Kids’ Theatre

“Every child is brilliant in his or her own way”

enrolling now....

All new students begin with a free taster session. Please choose the appropriate class below to book through ClassForKids.

Following the taster, if a place is available and the class is suitable, your child will be invited to enrol. It may also be possible to join during a term, depending on availability and what the group is currently working on.

If you are unsure which class would be most suitable, please email akt@actbrighton.org or call 01273 818266.

Classes run on Saturdays during our published term dates at: ACT Brighton 8-10 Rock Place, Brighton BN2 1PF

Established in 1997 ACT is the only Drama School on the South Coast offering professional actor training. We bring the same ethos and expertise from our Adult Actor Training to our Youth Theatre.

As well as developing confidence and the ability to work as part of a team students studying drama have the opportunity to develop skills and understanding in creative problem solving, communication, self discipline, tolerance and empathy.

Drama allows children to be active learners and engage and experience a vast range of ideas and situations in a non-competitive and encouraging environment. Drama can give children an outlet for emotions, thoughts and dreams that they might not otherwise have a means to express.

At the end of each term, parents are invited in to see the work that the children have been doing. We believe that the real benefit of drama for children is in the exploration and development of the work - but performance is also a big part of drama - as well as a fun and exciting platform to demonstrate your skills. So end of term showings are geared towards 'work in progress' in a safe and supportive atmosphere. All students are given equal stage time and we embrace diversity in terms of ability and experience.

approach

These are practical classes that develop a range of communicative and interactive skills as well as self awareness and self discipline. Any children's Drama School, course or class will advertise and praise the benefits of Drama - and it is true Drama can be hugely beneficial for children.

However there is a world of difference between running around and playing a few games and a structured well balanced programme of activities that develop skills in a positive and safe environment and then allows for those skills to be put into practise.

Drawing on our professional and educative expertise we have developed a programme that utilizes the work not only of great acting practitioners like Stanislavski, Michael Chekhov and Augusto Boal but also children's drama specialists like Viola Spolin, Dorothy Heathcoat and Gavin Bolton.

Mixing the methodology of these tried and tested practitioners with the practical experience of our acting tutors means that our courses have both a solid educative core as well as being full of fun, adventure and discovery.

Times & Fees

Juniors: ages 7–11

Saturdays, 10.30am–12.00pm
£37.20 per month

Seniors: ages 12+

Saturdays, 12.30pm–3.30pm
£60 per month

ACT Youth Theatre: ages 14+

Saturdays, 12.30pm–3.30pm
£59.22 per month

Fees are paid by monthly subscription through ClassForKids. The annual cost is spread evenly across 12 monthly payments, including the school holidays. The monthly payment does not relate to the number of classes taking place in a particular calendar month.

Enrolment is not a weekly or drop-in arrangement, and refunds are not given for missed classes. Full payment and cancellation terms are provided when booking through ClassForKids.

juniors 7-11yrs

From Spidey to Hermione, Disney Princesses to Superheroes Improvising & Devising to create & perform Myths & Legends inspired by the children's own favourite characters.

seniors 12+ years

Voice, Movement & Acting Technique classes designed to harness & develop young talent in an encouraging, supportive & creative environment.

ACT Youth Theatre 14+ years

The youth theatre are our oldest group and operate very much as a theatre company. As well as classes they work on a production each term for either in-house presentation or in a public venue. ACT Youth Theatre has successfully participated in several National Theatre New Connections as well as the Brighton Fringe Festival.

productions and credits

Anyone may enrol throughout the year to join ACT Youth: however for specific productions or projects (such as when participating in the official Brighton Festival or National Theatre Connections project) application to join the Youth Theatre is by Audition only. Productions and projects will incur additional costs and a binding commitment to the rehearsal and performance schedule for students.

Auditions are open to members and non-members of ACT Youth Theatre. For any members not wishing to take part in the productions or projects, classes will take place alongside these as normal. Please contact the office for details.