actfirst drama

act first drama offer children’s drama classes, drama groups and drama summer schools for children, in the Hampton Hill area of South West London, convenient for Twickenham, Teddington, Hampton and Richmond-upon-Thames. We are dedicated to providing high quality professional tuition in a fun and informal environment, plus the opportunity to perform on stage. Established in 1999, the aim of actfirst is to develop children’s knowledge of drama and performance skills – mainly acting, also incorporating singing, movement and mime. Most importantly, students learn, through drama, to develop the communication, confidence and teamwork skills essential to their future careers. The emphasis is always on fun!
Students are also offered the opportunity to take examinations in acting through LAMDA (The London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art).

There are a few places available for new students wanting to join in September 2012. For more info please contact Jacquie on 020 8894 3053 or 07956 441481 to book a FREE trial class, see sidebar for class times/locations etc.

Latest news: May 2012

Recently, all actfirst students performed in shows at Hampton Hill Playhouse: “The Pied Piper – A Question of Rats!”,and “Hood!” (comedy plays), also “Shooting Truth”, a dramatic and challenging play performed by actfirst seniors theatre group (13 to 17 year olds). All the shows went exceptionally well, with some outstanding performances, and the audiences were full of praise afterwards. A great achievement that they can all be proud of!
The summer term is now underway, with lots of exciting projects planned for the 5 groups, including productions of “A Midsummer night’s Dream” and “Snow White”, and including mask work.
Congratulations to actfirst students who have sucessfully auditioned for various professional film and theatre roles, including starring alongside Simon Callow in an cinema advert for “Liberty”, the Human Rights charity.

Here’s what people say about actfirst…..

“Our daughter Amy has been attending actfirst drama for the past few years. Her confidence has grown during this time, especially in performing in front of an audience. She thoroughly enjoyed preparing for and taking her first LAMDA exam and Jacquie’s encouragement is always very forthcoming.” – Marian and Tom. Isleworth

“My son adores his drama class and is inspired and stimulated by the work they do there. It’s amazing what the class manages to achieve each term and I have watched him grow in confidence and ability over the two years that he has been doing the class. The teaching is first rate.” – M Gallagher. Twickenham

“Since attending actfirst drama club, teachers have noted how my daughter’s reading aloud skills and general confidence have improved. Little wonder, since Francesca has experienced performing with children of all ages from different schools, to packed houses on real stages, such as the Hampton Hill Playhouse and Normansfield Theatre. This is definitely one after-school activity I never have to drag my child along to!”- G Daly, Twickenham

“actfirst (over a number of years now) has helped to give my children confidence, as well as being fun. Jacquie’s enthusiasm, energy and supportive and caring approach is great! They particularly love the summer schools“ – A Flatley, Hampton

“My daughter has been coming to actfirst drama for 5 years now and it has helped her grow so much in confidence and her acting ability has improved beyond belief. Jacquie also tutors for LAMDA examinations and she has helped tutor my daughter to achieve a distinction in her grade 5 examination. Jacquie is a true professional and the children love coming to her classes because they achieve so much through hard work but have lots of fun along the way.” – T Gilmour, Twickenham

Here’s to an exciting term!

Best wishes

Jacquie Kirke