In fact, this is one of the most common conversations I have with parents before they book a taster at Theatretrain. Many have been thinking about it quietly for months (sometimes even years) before getting in touch.
They’re not usually asking, “Is this a good class?”
They’re really asking, “Is this right for my child?”
And that’s a very different question
Choosing a Performing Arts Class in Leicester
Every child comes to Theatretrain for a different reason.
When parents look for drama classes, dance classes or singing lessons for children, they’re rarely looking for the same thing.
Some children:
- Love performing and can’t wait to get on stage
- Enjoy singing and dancing at home but lack confidence elsewhere
- Are naturally shy and need gentle encouragement
- Struggle to find their place socially
- Spend a lot of time on screens and need something that engages them differently
All of those children come through our doors, and all of them belong here.
A performing arts class doesn’t suit one “type” of child. What matters far more is how the class is run, and how children are supported once they’re in the room.
What actually happens in a Theatretrain taster?
LeicesterOne of the most helpful ways to decide if a performing arts class is right for your child is to see it in action.
A Theatretrain Leicester taster session isn’t a shortened trial or a drop-in. It’s a full Saturday morning or afternoon that mirrors a real Theatretrain session.
Children:
- Take part in drama, dance and singing
- Are supported by experienced teachers
- Work in age-appropriate groups
- Join in as much as they feel comfortable
Some children jump straight in. Others watch, listen and warm up gradually. Both responses are completely normal and both are respected.
For many parents, the taster is the point where things become clearer because they can finally see how their child responds in a calm, supportive environment.
Parents often tell me that the biggest surprise is how relaxed their child feels by the end of the session.
How confidence develops over time
One of the biggest misconceptions parents have about performing arts classes is that children need to arrive confident.
In reality, confidence develops gradually when children are:
- Given time to settle
- Encouraged without pressure
- Allowed to participate at their own pace
- Surrounded by kind, supportive peers
At Theatretrain Letchworth, Hitchin and Stevenage we work with children aged 4–18, and confidence looks very different at each stage. A confident 6-year-old might simply be willing to join in. A confident teenager might be prepared to try something new in front of others.
There’s no expectation to be loud, outgoing or “performance-ready” on day one.
What we focus on during sessions
Parents sometimes worry that their child might not be “good enough” for a performing arts school.
That’s completely understandable.
Our sessions are designed around:
- Learning through doing
- Developing skills gradually
- Working as part of a group
- Exploring creativity in a structured, supportive environment
Children don’t need previous experience in drama, dance or singing. What they need is a space where they feel safe to explore, try things out and grow in confidence over time.
That’s why we encourage parents to pay attention not just to what their child produces, but to how they feel during and after each session.
Signs a performing arts class might be right for your child
Every child is different, but many parents decide to book a taster when they notice things like:
- Their child enjoying imaginative play or storytelling
- A love of music, movement or acting things out at home
- Growing self-consciousness or hesitation in social situations
- A desire for an activity that supports confidence gently
- A need for something purposeful and engaging away from screens
You don’t need to be certain before booking a taster. The session itself often answers the question far more clearly than any description ever could.
Why trying it properly matters
Parents sometimes ask whether they should “wait and see” a bit longer.
Of course, that’s always your choice, but many families tell us that once they finally book a taster, they wish they’d done it sooner.
That’s because seeing your child:
- Walk into a new environment
- Be welcomed and supported
- Take small steps outside their comfort zone
- Leave with a smile (often a tired one!)
…gives you real insight, rather than guesswork.
A gentle next step
If you’re a Leicester parent weighing up whether drama, dance or singing classes would benefit your child, a taster session is simply a way to explore that properly.
There’s no pressure to continue afterwards, just an opportunity to see how your child responds in a calm, friendly and well-supported environment.
If Theatretrain might be right for your child, the next step is simply seeing it in action.
You can find details of our upcoming Theatretrain Leicester taster sessions below.
And if you’re still unsure, that’s okay too. These decisions matter. Asking the right questions is part of being a thoughtful parent.
Find out more about our
amazing performing arts classes here
Theatretrain Leicester
Saturdays
Brockington College
10am-1pm
