Not all children are little extroverts who like to perform to an audience but most will gain pleasure and camaraderie in a dance or drama group. London has such variety on offer! There are groups which perform nationally as well as in your local church hall - all are valid and most will offer your child an opportunity to explore new pastures, meet new friends and try experiences which may not be on offer at school.

From toddlers to teens

Most companies ought to offer a taster session so that both you and your child can find out if a particular class is appropriate before you sign up for a term. Always ask if this is available and if not, why not?

The Debra Bradnum Ballet School takes children from 3 years who are taught by ex-professional dancers.

Jacksons Lane in north London offers ballet, music, drama and dance for children aged 3+ and art sessions for children from 18 months. There are over 60 activities a week for both adults and children ranging from acting workshops to African drumming, flamenco to circus skills. After school clubs include Kung Fu, Tap dance, and drama and singing classes.

Jigsaw Arts run sessions in dance, drama and singing for children aged 3 - 18 years old. They have over 20 venues in London and the Home Counties.

StageCoach has a nationwide network of schools offering dance and drama and also run lots of holiday workshops.

Perform is another company with many locations and they work with visiting musicians, dancers and actors in the build up to an end performance.

Dramarama runs Dramatots which introduces very young children to the performing arts with games, acting stories, adventures and plays.

Other classes are held for 5-6 and 7-11 year olds

Tramshed in Woolwich offer a full range of drama, dance, including jazz, ballet and tap, music and arts & crafts sessions for children aged 5-12.

Theatre Street School of Performing Arts runs a full range of classes from Babes Song & Dance for little ones to Street Dance for your budding boy band members.

Masterclass is a unique arts initiative for young people. It provides year-round workshops and talks given by actors, directors, designers and writers working in theatre today. These are free of charge for young people and take place at the Theatre Royal, Haymarket.

Akademi focuses on South Asian dance in the UK aimed at broadening horizons through creative dance.

The National Association of Youth Theatres publishes a quarterly magazine Why Tea? as well as useful information on how to set up a youth theatre. It aims to increase the range and quality of youth theatres by generating public support at a national and local level.

The National Youth Theatre established in 1956 is Britain's longest established youth Theatre Company offering part time acting and technical theatre courses during school holidays and a season of productions, which plays in London and Edinburgh with occasional visits to other venues both in the UK and abroad. National Youth Theatre aims to give young people the chance to work in a professional Theatre environment. Courses are offered in various departments including acting, costume, lighting and sound and Stage Management. Membership is open to all young people between the ages of 13-21.

More information

We have many theatres listed on whatson4kids.com which offer children's and youth groups and offer both term time and holiday workshops. Check out whatson4kids.com/calendar for a full listing.