Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Theatre Royal Performance Academy?
Theatre Royal Performance Academy and Performance Academy Kidzis a Saturdayperformance training program for young people aged 5-18 years. The training takes placein Wakefield andPontefract.
The Theatre Royal Wakefield has been creating quality and well-regarded Musical Theatre performances with young people every summer for many years. We have recently produced Youth Musical Oliver! (2014),Cats! (2015)and Jesus Christ Superstar (2016).Thiswork is billed under the title Wakefield Youth Music Theatre. We recognised a desire, and a need, to create year-round training for young people in musical theatre disciplines.
Performance Academy is a three-hour Saturday Musical Theatre programme for young people aged 7-18 year olds in Wakefield and Pontefract. Participants are trained for an hour each in singing, dancing and acting. Theatre Royal Wakefield hosts our annual Performance Academy showcase, Sing! Dance! Act! Participants are also invited to audition for our summer musical, the annual panto and to take part in other opportunities.
Performance Academy Kidzis a 1.5 hour Saturday session for 5-7 year olds in Wakefield and Pontefract. The sessions support the use of imagination and play using drama, dance and song. We will aim to build confidence and develop performance skills in readiness for the Performance Academy.
There are currently two Performance Academy centres:
- Performance Academy Wakefield and Performance Academy Kidz Wakefieldtakes place in Wakefield City Centre at Wakefield College, Waterton Building
- Performance Academy Pontefract and Performance Academy KidzPontefract takes place at Carleton Community High School, Pontefract
Overview:
What: / Age range / Location: / Time of session: / To join:Performance Academy Kidz Pontefract / 5-7 years / Carleton Community High School, Pontefract / 11am-12.30pmSaturdays / Contact Gavin
Performance Academy Pontefract / 7-18 years / Carleton Community High School, Pontefract / 10am- 1pmSaturdays / Contact Gavin
Performance Academy Kidz Wakefield / 5-7 years / Wakefield College, Waterton Building / 2pm-3.30pmSaturdays / Contact Gavin
Performance Academy Wakefield / 7-18 years / Wakefield College, Waterton Building / 2.30-5.30pm Saturdays / Contact Gavin
How are the Academy age groups split?
The Academy groups are split in to three or four age groups:
PontefractWakefield
PA1: 7-10 yearsPA1:7-8 years
PA2:11-13 yearsPA2:9-10 years
PA3:14-18 yearsPA3:11-13 years
PA4:14-18 years
How much does the Academy cost?
- Payments can be made monthly via Direct Debit or termly in full.
- Sibling discounts available (15% reduced rate).
- We have a limited number of financially-assessed, supported places available (either free bursaries, or 40% reduced places).
Price Point / ‘Per term’ price / Direct Debitfor 9 months (Sept-Nov 2016 then Jan-June 2017)
Performance Academy / £295 per term / £96.65per month
Performance Academy ASSISTED
(40% discount) / £180 per term / £58.33per month
Performance Academy SIBLING
(15% discount) / £250 per term / £82.16 per month (per sibling)
PA Kidz / £150 per term / £48.33per month
PA Kidz
ASSSISTED
(40% discount) / £90 per term / £29per month
PA Kidz
SIBLING
(15% discount) / £125 per term / £41.16 per month (per sibling)
Do I have to audition to get a place?
We do not audition young people to take part and so there is a range of abilities at the Academy. However, attendance, behavior and discipline areimportant at the Academy and students/ parents are asked to sign up to a Behavior Contract. We hope that young people in the Academy will consider careers in the Performing Arts, but ultimately we aim to raise self esteem and develop skills including team work and good communication within the participants that we work with.
What if I’m not sure but I want to try it out?
We offer Taster Sessions at the beginning of each term (on the Academy groups we still have space in) so you can have a go at one session before you pay for the whole term.
You must book onto our Taster Session:01924
Please be aware that reserving a taster session does not reserve you a place for the whole term. If you want to sign up after the taster session you must then phone Box Office to pay for the whole term.
Is there a uniform?
Uniform is supplied directly from Imagine Dance in Wakefield. Their shop is very close to the central Wakefield Performance Academy venue, and they can also arrange for delivery if you are unable to make it to their shop.
Contact Imagine: 01924 367603
Uniform requirements:
- All students should have a Performance Academy t-shirt.
- Performance Academyhoodies are optional.
- Black leggings / tights, or black jogging bottoms should be worn.
- We also ask that students have a pair of split-sole jazz shoes. These should be black for boys, and tan for girls. If girls have black jazz shoes, it would be appreciated if they could move to tan once they outgrow their current shoes.
- We also recommend that girls invest in a leotard for dance.
- For our PA Kidz group (age 5-7), we simply recommend that students attend in clothes that are comfortable for movement.
What do students need to bring with them?
Students should bring an A4 folder for holding scripts and song lyrics. There is a short break so students should bring waterand a snack.
How can I contact you if a student will be late/ absent?
Notifications of absence should be made in advance by email to .
You can report lateness/ absence on the day by calling the Performance Academy Mobile:
07950 675563.
Will students be offered opportunities to perform at the theatre?
The Academy hosts an annual showcase of students’ work at the Theatre Royal Wakefield. Please see our information pack for dates, including performance and rehearsals. In addition, they will be invited to audition for our summer musical, the Theatre Royal Wakefield’s annual pantomime and other opportunities.
What if my question has not been answered here?
Then please th your query and a phone number we can get in touch with you on.