Business Details
27 Years
experience
Performing Arts Classes for Children in London
Established in 1999, Centre Stage has been nurturing young talent in North London for over 25 years. Our theatre school provides comprehensive performing arts training in drama, dance, and singing to students aged 4-19, fostering confidence and creativity through structured classes and professional productions. We prioritise individual growth within a supportive community, offering tailored peer groups and performance opportunities that challenge both beginners and advanced students. Our experienced instructors include industry professionals who bring real-world expertise to every lesson. With Saturday classes at St Monica's Primary School and full-scale musicals in professional theatres, we combine technical skill development with character-building experiences.The annual CS Oscars celebrate student achievements, while our alumni have progressed to prestigious institutions and successful careers in the arts. We maintain a family-oriented ethos, ensuring every child feels valued and empowered through the transformative power of performance. Our unique approach balances rigorous training with joyful learning, preparing students for both professional aspirations and personal development. Regular showcases and collaborative projects reinforce our commitment to holistic artistic education.
Services
Drama Classes
Dance Classes
Singing Lessons
Musical Productions
Awards Ceremony
Details
- Year established: 1999
Highlights and features
- 25+ years specialising in youth performing arts education
- Professional instructors with industry experience
- Progressive peer groups tailored to age and ability
- Guaranteed performance opportunities across disciplines
- Proven track record of alumni success in professional arts
What people say
Grew in confidence
Loved every minute
Inclusive environment
Professional training
Family feel
Services
Drama Classes
Structured drama instruction develops acting techniques through script work, improvisation, and character exploration. Students aged 7-19 engage in team-building exercises and performance projects tailored to their skill level. Weekly Saturday sessions at St Monica's Primary School focus on building stage presence and narrative understanding.
Dance Classes
Comprehensive dance tuition covers modern, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles with technical precision and creative expression. Age-specific groups practice choreographed routines that enhance coordination and group performance skills. Classes incorporate diverse genres from musical theatre to street dance for holistic development.
Singing Lessons
Specialised singing instruction focuses on breath control, vocal range expansion, and microphone technique through musical theatre repertoire. Students receive individualised feedback within group settings, with opportunities for cabaret performances and vocal exam preparation. The curriculum balances technical mastery with artistic interpretation.
Musical Productions
Full-scale professional musicals feature student casts performing in established theatres with live orchestras and technical production. These annual productions provide real-world stage experience from auditions to final performances. Recent shows include 'Shrek the Musical' and 'Les Misrables', showcasing students' acting, singing, and dance abilities.
Awards Ceremony
Annual awards celebration recognises student achievements across all performance disciplines. The event features live entertainment, peer-voted accolades, and special prizes for outstanding contributions. This family-friendly ceremony concludes with a disco, creating memorable experiences beyond regular training.
People
Carole O'Shea
School Principal
Founder with 25+ years experience in performing arts education. Established Centre Stage in 1999 after teaching career. Holds music scholarship background and former theatrical agent. Oversees school's artistic direction and family-oriented ethos.
Nick Hooton
Artistic Director
Qualified LAMDA examiner with professional acting credits across TV and film. Leads drama instruction and directs productions. Focuses on expanding student performance abilities through practical application and creative challenges since 1999.
Lucy Sardinha
Head of Singing
SLS vocal technique specialist with professional music career. Teaches singing since 2019 after graduating from Centre Stage. Combines industry experience with exam coaching, achieving 100% distinction rate in LAMDA assessments.
Eliz Bragoli
Head of Dance
Trained in multiple dance disciplines with Centre Stage alumni background. Holds dance education qualifications and secondary school teaching experience. Develops choreography that challenges students across lyrical, contemporary, and percussive styles.
Jack McGinn
Drama Tutor
Professional actor with screen credits including 'Eastenders' and 'Black Mirror'. Teaches acting for camera techniques and drama school audition preparation. Brings industry insights to Centre Stage after graduating from Drama Centre London.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We teach ages 4-19 across seven ability-specific groups from Reception to post-13 years.
Where are classes held?
Saturday term-time classes take place at St Monica's Primary School in Southgate, London.
Do you offer trial sessions?
Yes, we provide free trial sessions for new students to experience our performing arts training.
What performance opportunities exist?
Students participate in internal productions, cabaret evenings, and full-scale musicals in professional theatres annually.
How do you develop confidence?
Through structured peer group activities, performance opportunities, and supportive teaching environment that values individual contributions.
What qualifications do instructors hold?
Our staff include LAMDA examiners, SLS vocal coaches, and industry professionals with teaching qualifications and active performance careers.
