AKT - Kids Theatre

Saturday classes in Drama and Acting for children and young people. All classes taught by our enthusiastic and industry experienced tutors who are all CRB checked. Classes take place in our professionally equipped studio spaces.

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 safe and supportive atmosphere. Drama can give children an outlet for emotions, thoughts and dreams that they might not otherwise have a means to express. 
 
AKT Youth Win 1st Place in 'Group Acted Scene' at the Springboard Brighton and Hove Youth Performing Arts Festival 2010.

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.

"Every child is brilliant in his or her own way. Theater Games motivate children to think in new ways and move in new directions to explore their relation to each other, themselves and their environment. Playing theater games helps to draw out the natural intelligence and humor inherent in each student, creating opportunities to explore their unique abilities and explore their own treasure house of creativity." The Spolin Centre

Stretching mind, body, voice & imagination

Mini 6-8 years
Using movement, speech & song to develop language & performance through story-telling & play.

Junior 9-12yrs
From Spidey to Hermione, Disney Princesses to Superheroes improvising & Devising to create & perform Myths & Legends inspired by the children's own favourite characters.

Youth 13-18 years
Voice, Movement & Acting Technique classes designed to harness & develop young talent in an encouraging, supportive & creative environment.

Youth Members can also enrol for the prestigious Trinity Guildhall Speech & Drama exams (tuition & exam fees available on request). ACT is a registered Trinity Guildhall Examination Centre.

Enrolling now....

All classes taught by experienced industry professionals from ACT's Vocational Actor Training courses.

Classes take place on Saturdays.
Please contact us to book a taster session.

Email: info@actbrighton.org 

12 weeks per term - 3 terms per year

Mini 9.30am-10.15am £4.50 per week
Junior 10.30am-12noon £8.50 per week
Youth 12.30pm-3pm years £15.00 per week 


STOP PRESS: AKT Youth Present Bassett by James Graham

AKT Youth are taking part in The National Theatre Connections 2011 - the UK's most exciting festival of youth theatre - ten thrilling new plays for young people, commissioned by the National Theatre from some of the most exciting contemporary playwrights around.

AKT Youth will be performing Bassett by James Graham at the Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton 11th and 12th March and at Chichester Festival Theatre 25th March. Please see our What's On Page for more details.