Senior Stages

NOW ENROLLING FOR SPRING TERM 2024

Senior Stage is an intensive but enjoyable 3 hour programme for ages 7 to 9, 10 to 12 and 13 to 18 years in which students develop a professional training in a “triple threat” environment of Dance, Drama and Singing lessons with our friendly, caring and Garda vetted teachers.

Students are placed in classes of a similar age. Each small class spends one hour learning to sing, one hour on dance and one hour on drama. When the hour is up, students rotate so by end of three hour session, they have trained in all three disciplines giving an all rounded arts education.Taught by many of the country’s leading practitioners which creates a fun and vibrant atmosphere. Parents and children feel that electricity! We set high standards so students and teachers work hard but always with a sense of fun and achievement. .

Students learn different rhythms, tempos, singing styles and vocal techniques in our singing lessons, while dance classes feature pop, street and musical theatre routines. In acting classes, children enjoy working on role play, imaginative improvisation, physical theatre, text based work and performance.

Senior Stage classes are designed for 7 to 18 year olds, with children split by age into small groups so we can give everyone the attention they deserve. With three terms a year, we structure the lessons so that one term focuses on the skills of singing, dancing and acting, another term allows students to practise, hone these skills and demonstrate their class work at the end of term, and the third term sees students gaining performance experience to a live audience in a professional theatre.

These fun and friendly performing arts classes operate during term time, out of school hours, and run for three hours each week.

Classes are fun but challenging, aiming to stretch and inspire students, creating opportunities to perform and learn in a supportive environment. The focus of the classes is to build quality ensemble work, rather than the individual and for students to note the importance of this over their own creative experience.

New students may always come in on a trial. You pay only a deposit to secure your place and cover the cost of the first two weeks of term. This way both you and your child get to trial us out before committing to a full term.

Class Schedule and Locations

Acting, Dancing and Singing classes, maximum school numbers size is 54 students, divided into three CLASSES of 18 students, early booking advised as online bookings are very busy for January classes in all centres.

We are now enrolling on a 70 euro deposit for SUMMER TERM in our Dublin, Galway, Clare and Mayo Centres.

FAQs

My child is seven, should they be in Junior Stage or Senior Stage?
Once your child is seven, they are eligible to be in Senior Stage, however many thrive in the younger class. The goal is to find the programme that is the best fit for your child and allow them to grow and develop where they are most comfortable. You may consider whether your child does better around older or younger children, or which class is the best fit for your schedule. Our teachers can usually evaluate children in a very short space of time and help you with the decision.

The programme in which your child will have the most fun will be the right one. The two week trial period can be a great way to test this out. If you enrol in the younger class and after two weeks, we think they are ready for Seniors you can make a switch on the third week of the term as long as a space is still available.

My child is very shy, will StageSchool be a good fit?
This is quite normal and our mission is to develop each child’s natural ability through acting, singing, and dance. Our goal is to increase each child’s confidence and allow them to feel comfortable expressing themselves creatively. If your child is shy, or has never taken an acting, singing or dance class, we will work with them to make sure they are comfortable. We will continually offer them opportunities to come out of their shell, such as offering them a solo in singing class, or asking if they would like to lead an exercise in dance or drama. But our teachers respect the “no” of every child, and students are never coerced into the spotlight if they are not ready. We believe this can be counter productive to self-confidence, and it goes against everything we stand for.

What does my child need to bring to class?
Children should wear comfortable pants they can easily move in, such a leggings or sweats, with a Tshirt and jazz shoes or trainers they can move around in. Boots, Crocs, and open toed sandals are not allowed. They should also bring a small snack and a water bottle. We provide all other materials needed for the class and the end of term performance.

How can I know how my child is doing in the class?
Your child’s teacher is always happy to speak with you before or after class regarding your child’s progress. In addition, at the end of each summer term you will receive a detailed student report that the teachers and principal has filled out for your child. The student report will summarise the material covered in singing class, acting class, and dance class. It will also highlight specific successes your child had, as well as what they would like to work with your child on in the following term.

Can my child try the class before committing to the full term?
Yes! The deposit you place allows you to try the class for the first two weeks of the term. It also guarantees your place if you choose to continue. If your child loves the class (and we hope they will!), you arrange payment of the remaining balance on the third week. If you choose not to continue after the second week, you are under no obligation to pay anything further. At that point the deposit is not refunded.

Does my child need to have previous experience in the performing arts?
Not at all. We welcome children of all different levels but the one thing a child or teenager must have is enthusiasm.