One of the greatest life skills we can teach our kids is to communicate confidently. This is why drama is such a valuable tool in preparing them to be all they can be in the world.

Drama skills for life skills

From the very start, our stimulating classes get students thinking, speaking and moving more creatively – individually and as a group. So, whatever their background, personality or ability, they come on leaps and bounds in being able to interact positively and confidently with others.

We do this through the unique Drama Kids + DK Youth Theatre programme: a highly developed curriculum focusing on three key areas…

Speech

Our strong focus on verbal dynamics and English language helps students to develop a clear, compelling voice and good listening skills. Immensely useful stuff, whether they’re expressing themselves on a public or theatrical stage.

Movement

Physical expression, miming to music, and a bit of dance –though no dancing shoes are required. As well as improving their coordination, students learn to feel good in their own bodies, improve their posture and hold their own in a social and creative space.

Drama

We stimulate creativity through structured improvisation, dialogue, characterisation, snippets, scene starters, and acting out original scripts as an ensemble. This practice goes beyond stage skills, helping kids to socialise and overcome shyness in groups.

Benefits of our classes

Our lessons aim to nurture high levels of confidence, creativity and communication in our students. These things translate to both everyday and specialist skills that benefit them throughout their lives, from better concentration in the classroom through to public speaking in their careers. Most importantly, our method of teaching inspires kids to grow into happy – and resilient – young people who form healthy relationships with the world around them.

Our principal, Gareth Corke, visits classes regularly to monitor the children’s development and provide support for teachers. Here’s what we see coming out of the classes:

    Increased listening and concentration
    Improved speech and movement
    Enhanced language and vocabulary
    Positive, effective body language
    Creative thinking and performance skills

    Higher self-esteem and skill set
    More confidence in public speaking
    Stronger friendship groups
    Motivated to interact and work as a team
    Able to discuss social issues

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

Everyone’s a star

Our drama academy is like a community for our students (adults included) and their families. We get people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities coming out of their shells, coming together, and feeling like they belong to something positive.

Even the shyest of voices grow in confidence – by interacting, making friends and having huge amounts of fun. Some may go on to be stars of the stage, but we’re not pushy like that.