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Act One Beginners is a part-time drama school which currently runs classes in Copthorne and Felbridge. Since opening in April 2003, the school has grown and now runs 11 drama classes a week with around 200 pupils between the ages of 4 and 19. Pupils are taught in age based groups of Juniors (4 - 8 years), Inters (9 - 11 years), Seniors (11 -13/14 years), Advanced (13/14 – 15 years) and Graduates (15-19 years). In addition the school offers Singing and Dance Classes, along with private tuition to prepare students for LAMDA exams and competitive festivals and auditions. We stage both large scale musicals for students from across the school, as well as plays for our older students and we hold a yearly Prizegiving and Showcase day.

At Act One Beginners we run well planned and structured classes through which the children are encouraged to discover and develop their own talents and self-confidence in a fun and exciting way. In addition, the Advanced and Graduates classes complement GCSE and A Level drama studies, introducing students to the theory as well as the practice of drama, along with a variety of production and playwriting skills. Our Singing and Dance classes aim to develop technical and performance skills through the medium of music and movement and both are taught by skilled and experienced practitioners. Drama, Dance and Singing classes can be taken either as 'stand-alone' classes or in combination with others.

Participation in the Performing Arts is such a positive and exciting activity for children and young adults. It instils discipline, promotes self confidence, encourages social interaction and embraces their imagination, enthusiasm, energy and positive, fun attitude to life.

In Act One Beginners classes we work hard to get to know each child as an individual. Whether a child simply wishes to increase his/her confidence and communication skills, or is keen to act in large scale productions and compete in drama festivals, our excellent teaching and range of opportunities ensure that our students achieve far more than they ever thought possible. 

The information on the following pages should provide a taste of who we are and what we do. However the best way to really get to know us is to try us out by attending one of our classes, or seeing us in festival or our next show. Whatever you choose, I hope that reading these pages will inspire and encourage you as much as the students of Act One Beginners do me.

Beverly Hewitt