What happens on my first day?

Please use the video access buzzer at the studio door on Lee St. Once we have buzzed you in to our waiting area, a member of staff will come down to meet you and your child for a welcome chat. Please do not come upstairs.

We will already have all your contact details from your online registration. The staff member will take your child up to the studio and they will be brought back out to you at the end of class. You are welcome to use the waiting area downstairs if you would like to stay in the building.

What should my child wear?

For your child’s first class a tracksuit or leggings and a T-shirt is ideal, with soft soled shoes or trainers. Act One uniform can be ordered after their second week. Please see our uniform page for further details.

They should also bring a non-spill bottle of water, not juice, and for those in the ShowStoppers Saturday class, a small snack. Please note; we are a NUT FREE school due to several of our pupils having nut allergies.

Do I have to pay fees up front?

Act One are happy to offer your child's first class as a singular, paid trial class. If your child enjoys their first class, fees for the remaining weeks of the half-term must be paid in full on your second week! We use the ClassForKids booking system, you can create a free account to register.

Can parents watch the sessions?

Strictly no parents or carers are permitted to spectate our classes under any circumstances, due to safeguarding. Please be rest assured, we will comfort your child and engage them in the session. Should they be distressed we will call you. With over 23 years of providing classes with children, we are very experienced in helping them to settle in to a new class. We offer Open Classes at several points in the year, where parents are invited in.

Will my child be safe?

Yes. Only trained staff teach your child. They’re selected and approved by our experienced team and hold enhanced DBS certificates and are licensed chaperones, having undergone safeguarding training. Plus, at least one member of staff (usually most of the staff) at each class has a Paediatirc First Aid Certificate. We strive to offer a very high ratio of staff to children at all times, above the recommended amount.

Will my child be given the chance to perform in shows and take exams?

All children who partake in classes are encouraged to take part in the school's shows twice a year. We also operate an open class once a term, if appropriate, for parents/carers. Exams are optional for pupils who attend 1:1 private lessons.

What makes you different than other chain/well-known schools?

• Act One Theatre School provide a safe and a friendly service above all else.
• Our studio is EXTREMELY safe and secure, with our own access-control system on exterior and interior doors and video door control.
• We offer a personal service in addition to our professional training.
• We recruit industry professionals, as teachers for your children.
• We are much less expensive than other national chain companies; passing our quality to our students.
• We select and design a curriculum that suits the pupils, we are proud to know them well.
• Shows are chosen to suit and complement the individual strengths of each group. We are not bound by a chain's curriculum.