March 15, 2023

Theatre Company Vs Theatre Classes – What’s The Difference?

What’s the difference between theatre classes and a theatre company? Discover the benefits of both to choose the best place for your child…

Looking for performing arts training for your child? Interested in theatre classes? Got a budding performer who’s keen to take to the stage? Choosing the right type of theatre training can be hard, especially if you’re new to performing arts! 

When you’re unfamiliar with the world of theatre, it can be easy to think that all classes are similar. But that’s not the case… 

If you’re not sure where to start, the first step is to understand which type of theatre classes will give you the experience and results that you’re looking for. 

In this blog, we’re answering the question “theatre company vs theatre classes?” What’s the difference, how do they compare and which is best for your child? 

Keep reading to find out… 

Theatre Company Vs Theatre Classes – What Are Theatre Classes?

Theatre classes offer your child the opportunity to learn a broad range of performing arts skills and develop their talent through a more formal approach to learning stagecraft. 

Students work with teachers across the spectrum of performing arts, teaching ideas, history and skills. They’ll receive expert training, opportunities to practice their skills and valuable feedback as they develop and grow as a performer. In some theatre classes, students are set exercises and will take exams to check their understanding.

This type of class may offer a specific set of achievements or certifications, which can be useful if your child will be interested in pursuing further or higher education in the performing arts. 

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The Benefits Of Theatre Classes

  • A structured approach to learning performing arts skills 
  • A strategic and goal-oriented learning environment
  • Each class may follow a syllabus, covering a range of topics that let your child work toward formal exams. 
  • Students are taught skills that can be useful outside of their classes
  • Practice on their own or through team exercises
  • Lots of individual attention and feedback 

Theatre Company Vs Theatre Classes – What Is A Theatre Company?

A theatre company is very different from theatre classes. Unlike theatre classes, in which the focus is on the learning and development of the students, in a theatre company the whole focus is on the performance of a show. 

Performers get regular opportunities to take part in large-scale and small-scale shows alike, giving them real-life performance experience that can’t be found elsewhere. Although children are guided by industry professionals, there’s little or no training provided. 

The Benefits Of A Theatre Company

  • Join a community of like-minded people, all working toward a common goal 
  • Learn through action and example
  • Explore what performance is in an immersive and experiential way
  • Develop a clear sense of self and grow in confidence 
  • Learn first-hand what it is to be a performer, 
  • Develop valuable life skills in an organic way 
  • No comparing exam results or vying for the spotlight
  • Get real-world performance experience and make lifelong friends along the way

Theatre Company vs Theatre Classes – The Best of Both Worlds? 

If you’ve read this far, then I know what you’re probably thinking – both of these sound great! I want them both for my child! 

And that’s where Theatetrain can help. 

At Theatretrain, we understand the importance of theatre training and real-world performance experience, that’s why we developed our unique hybrid approach that combines the best of both worlds. 

With Theatretrain, your child will get all the benefits of structured theatre classes including expert tuition, feedback and the opportunity to develop their skills in a fun and friendly theatre training environment, as well as the opportunity to collaborate and perform in large-scale performances, as they would with a theatre company. 

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Is Theatretrain Right For Your Child? 

Our professional theatre training company is much more than weekly classes to attend. It brings a love of the arts to a new level by giving your child a role within a professional environment whilst still giving them a safe place to learn and grow as a performer.

Still wondering if your child would prefer theatre classes or a theatre company? Get in touch with your local theatre company director and have a chat.

Theatretrain, a nationwide provider of weekend theatre schools for young people aged 4-18, specialises in weekly classes in acting, singing, and dancing. An emphasis is placed on learning valuable life skills such as confidence, empathy, courage, and resilience. If you know a child who loves to dance, act and sing or could do with a little confidence boost why not visit to find out what our performing arts classes can offer your child at one of our 80 locations across the UK.

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