Classes

Little Munchkins

Our youngest students develop skills in acting, music and movement, while improving speech clarity, language and confidence in self-expression.

This class takes place in a fun-filled studio setting, and the group is small to ensure children receive individual attention. At this stage in their development children enjoy music and movement in such a natural way — this is an excellent time to get them exploring the worlds of drama, song and dance.

Classes last one hour weekly, and children are offered the opportunity to perform on stage throughout the year. This is not compulsory at this young age — we want to encourage the kids to develop, but without the pressure of performing for an audience unless they want to.

Performing Arts

Weekly classes in drama, music and dance in a studio setting, divided by age into smaller groups so we can give everyone the attention they deserve. Children and teens flourish while improving their drama, singing and dance skills — and no two lessons are the same, as students experience a wide variety of performance skills and styles.

We teach many different techniques of acting, covering a large variety of styles — from Stanislavski's naturalistic approach to character development, expression and dialect, to more physical and epic theatre techniques through workshops and improvisation tasks. Students develop as all-round performers, understanding the teaching of each practitioner and style, through script work and self-devised theatrical pieces.

Students work towards large-scale productions, speech and drama exams, competitions, auditions and much more. Although weekly focus is on acting in the studio, as we prepare for musical performances there is considerable music and dance covered in weekly lessons from specialist tutors.

There are three terms in each academic year with approx. 12–13 weeks per term. Students are given the opportunity to perform in annual large-scale musical productions, take NEA Speech & Drama, Acting and Musical Theatre exams, take part in Feis competitions and even complete their GCSE or A Level Drama and Theatre Studies exams.

GCSE Drama

Students who are entering Year 11 or Year 12 are able to complete AQA GCSE Drama at Hazel Wand. This course is completed in one academic year and taught by PGCE qualified teachers. The weekly GCSE class lasts two and a half hours.

The course encompasses two practical elements — one scripted and one devised — one piece of coursework, a live theatre visit and a written paper with main focus on the study of a set text.

Students thrive in their studies in this more casual studio setting and achieve very highly in their qualifications.

A Level Drama & Theatre Studies

Students who are entering Year 13 or Year 14 are able to complete AQA A Level Drama and Theatre Studies at Hazel Wand. This course is completed in one academic year and taught by PGCE qualified teachers. The weekly A Level class lasts three hours, with additional rehearsals closer to practical assessments.

The course encompasses two practical elements — one scripted piece performed in front of a live audience and one recorded devised performance — two pieces of coursework, at least one live theatre visit and a three-hour written paper with main focus on the study of two set texts and analysis of live theatre.

Students thrive in their studies in this more casual studio setting and achieve very highly in their qualifications.

Music Tuition

Leanne PGCE (Mus) and Paula PGCE (Mus) offer weekly tuition to individuals and small groups in piano, voice and musical theatre. Students can prepare to take a classical grade in piano and singing, prepare for a musical theatre exam, or simply develop their techniques and talents in these individually tailored lessons.

Spaces are extremely limited — get in touch to check availability.