We’re a friendly drama school with fun, lively classes in East and West Sussex. Everyone’s welcome in our little acting community, where kids and adults alike build confidence in their ability to express themselves – while having an absolute blast.

Why we do drama classes

Drama cannot be underestimated. The practice and discipline of theatre opens up worlds of possibilities. Creativity is key to adaptability. So when it comes to preparing our young people to be ready for the twists and turns of life, there’s no greater tool than drama. Besides, it encourages us to dream. Drama and theatre are where so many of us who work for Drama Kids Sussex 'found our tribe', it opens so many memorable opportunities and forges strong, lifelong relationships! telling you how.

Why parents & students come to us

Ours isn’t what we’d call a “jazz hands” drama school. Drama Kids + DK Youth Theatre, Sussex are part of a globally acclaimed drama programme stretching from the UK & Europe around the world, which means we work to high dramatic standards, with professional teachers and a unique programme. But there’s no pressure on our students. For us, participation is that bit more important than performance.

Our classes give each student a creative space in which they can participate freely – and flourish in their own unique way. Everyone has a part, no matter how they play it.

The results are plain to see. Boosted self-confidence, the ability to communicate well, and tremendous creativity that will take them places later in life – whether they end up in the boardroom or treading the boards.

Our promise

In our drama academy, everyone has a role. Every student is praised and rewarded. And we don’t favouritise individuals based on talent or keenness to perform lead roles. Instead we encourage them to support each other, and to spur one another along. We want our students to feel good in their own skin.

We try to guide everyone to fulfill their potential, from shy kids who just want to have more fun to aspiring young actors bound for the stage or screen. Everyone plays a part.

Student safeguarding

Our top priority is making sure we create a safe, inclusive, fun learning space for all of our students. To help us do this, we have in place full safeguarding and safety policies plus a rigorous code of conduct – which includes all the proper checks for our teachers. We also benefit from specialist support from Drama Kids UK safeguarding officer. Feel free to get in touch if you’d like to see copies of our policies or understand more about how we put them into practice.

What people say about us

“Hi Gareth just wanted to say I was so impressed with Drama kids yesterday. From Mel meeting us at the door with a huge welcoming smile and ‘hi 5’, to seeing them upstairs running a round laughing during the class it was such a fantastic experience. Our daughter had a brilliant time and is already counting the days until next class.
Many thanks”

Shoreham Parent, September 2024

“Hi Gareth, I just wanted to say what a massive change we are seeing in our son. He has become very theatrical, playing vr games with children, making little plays, and directing people on what to do! His confidence has come on massively. He’s also been reading his first script book which has really enjoyed. It’s quite amazing to see, and that can only come from drama.”

Worthing Parent, August 2024

“Thanks Gareth you are all amazing at what you do. It gives everyone confidence and allows them to just be themselves which is something we always encourage! ❤️”

Summer School Parent, August 2024

“We wanted to say a massive thank you for a great show and all your hard work ! Both enjoyed Drama club and we can see how confident they have become since the beginning of the year. They look forward to September. Have a great summer ! “

Ditchling Parent, August 2024

“My two 10-year-olds have been coming to drama since before they started school. They both love it! Their confidence in speaking and performing has grown immeasurably and it’s a club they have no intention of stopping out of the many they have attended. They have made wonderful friendships and their teacher brings such positivity and fun to the children. The summer show is wonderful to watch!”

Rachel, Drama Kids Sussex parent – Worthing

Thank YOU, Gareth. I am awestruck at how you and your team put on the show in such a short space of time – so impressive! She is in one of her happiest places when she is performing, thank you for helping to make her dreams come true!

Brighton Parent

He was on a total high after the showcase, he really loved it, & we thought the show was brilliant. Huge thanks far all your work and inspiration. As I write, he is currently making up a play in the garden!

 

Ditchling Parent, East Sussex

It was so wonderful to see him overcoming his nerves & confidently delivering his lines on stage! He was incredibly proud of himself, & his whole family was there to see.

This has done wonders for his self-esteem. No one would have thought it possible one year ago.

 

Haywards Heath parent, West Sussex

We are so proud af our daughter’s performance last Sunday. Showing all that confidence in front of such a large audience…

That is all down to your Drama Kids Sussex drama club!

Hassocks Parent, West Sussex

It was evident how much slog and tears had gone into the show and term. Brilliant teachers, it means a lot to us as you’ve known our daughter from a young age. Honestly, big congratulations to the whole team at Drama Kids Sussex.

Worthing Parent, West Sussex

A massive thank you for your help with our son this term. You’ve been amazing, and we appreciate the support. Last weekend’s shows were truly amazing, and we all thoroughly enjoyed it.

Shoreham Parent, West Sussex

My daughters had a lovely day yesterday and the show was superb. We all loved it. Everyone involved has been awesome. We will tell everyone we know to join Gareth’s Drama Kids Sussex drama academy!

Brighton Parent, West Sussex

Our daughter has come on so far with her confidence. I was just blown away to see how she has blossomed under you and your teacher’s care. Thank you, you truly make a difference.

Hassocks Parent

What a difference in him in a year. He didn’t seem nervous at all, remembering his lines perfectly. It was great to see him perform, was more confident than he has ever been before. That’s all due to you guys.

 

Worthing Parent

Throughout the 6 years of attending Drama Kids Sussex Academy, I have loved every second of it- from joining when I was 10 years old to leaving at 16. I used to be a very diffident, quiet person before joining, and now I’ve found myself to be quite the opposite. I think this is to a large extent thanks to my experience at Drama Kids Sussex. Through Drama Kids Sussex, not only have I gained confidence that will stick with me for life, but I have also made some amazing friends along the way. I used to never think I’d have the guts to perform on stage Infront of lots of people, but the atmosphere provided by the Drama Kids Sussex team and being able to perform with people I got on with really well really made those performances turn into happy memories that I’ll cherish forever. The teachers made every class very enjoyable and inclusive. 

I have done a fair few Drama Kids Sussex summer schools during my time and that’s been a memorable experience, getting to know other people from different groups that share the same passion as you. This academy allows us as students to be creative and gain confidence.

From Anna aged 16

The contribution these online classes have made to the confidence and self-esteem of my children is priceless.

Parent

The Summer School was the highlight of my son’s holiday. He had brilliant fun, made new friends and learnt loads too. His only complaint was that it had to come to an end.    

Natasha, George’s mum

Both of my children have been attending the drama class for over a year. It’s a great opportunity for them to build up their confidence and be able to speak comfortably in public.

Dan, Ying’s mum

My son’s drama teacher at Drama Kids Sussex has been a huge inspiration to him. The lesson has benefited him in countless ways and he enjoys and looks forward to every lesson. He would go every day if he could!

Natasha, George’s mum

I’ve made new friends because I have the confidence to speak to others outside of my friendship group.

Lily, 10

Doing drama has been such a rewarding experience for me, helping me to gain useful skills like public speaking, working in groups and thinking on my feet. It also gave me the drive, passion and confidence to apply to and attend professional drama school.

I’ve also seen drama transform people’s self confidence, help the quiet ones to express themselves and teach people a lot about themselves through being other people!

Daniel, previous student

Everyone is welcome and after just one hour you will be willing to come back again, because you will have done all sorts of amazing, great things such as speech, articulation, lots of plays, and best of all you will have made lots of new friends.

Toni, Willow’s mum

I would highly recommend both the Drama Kids Sussex drama classes and the Drama Kids Sussex summer school. The teacher is great with the kids – they love her – and she works hard with them to put on shows they are proud to be part of.

Julie-Anne, Noah’s mum

My son is loving every second of his Drama Kids Sussex drama class. It has given him confidence and brought him out of his shell. He absolutely loves it and looks forward to it every week. I couldn’t recommend Drama Kids Sussex classes enough.

Niki, Noah’s mum

My son was really shy and wasn’t good at joining in with others. But since starting at Drama Kids Sussex, he has really come out of his shell; his confidence has grown and he now loves to join in and try new things. Also, his communication skills have really improved and he has become a lot more creative in how he plays. The teacher is so great with him. Thanks!

Julie-Anne, Noah’s mum

Eva has loved coming to Drama Kids Sussex drama classes. She is always keen and reports that she has had fun. The teachers are really warm and friendly and they have a great rapport with both the children and the parents.

Jon, Eva’s dad

My daughter finds school frustrating. But since she started Drama Kids Sussex drama classes, she has found somewhere she can thrive. She recently auditioned for the school play, performing a poem she learnt… and she was given a lead part. My daughter now walks a little bit taller.

Helen, Izzy’s mum

Gerri-Jo finds Drama Kids Sussex drama a very rewarding and stimulating environment. She feels comfortable and confident to be part of such a great team – in her own words: “It’s my absolute favourite thing to do after school”. We will continue to to be part of a great academy!

Emma, Gerri-Jo’s mum

Drama Kids Sussex Drama classes and Drama Kids Sussex summer school are fantastic! Amy has such a lot of fun and has recently developed her confidence in talking to an audience. The teacher is always so enthusiastic and puts a lot of energy into providing exciting performances.

Amy’s mum