WEEKEND AND EVENING CLASSES

Wac Arts Summer term classes are open for enrolment!

Enrolments for this academic year close on Friday 24th May. Click below to enrol in the Summer Term (Start Date: 20th April),

Enrol Now!

(*Actors Company enrolments are now closed for the academic year.)

At Wac Arts, we offer weekend and evening classes for ages 4 – 30. Our classes are designed to be enjoyable and engaging while fostering skill development and progression in each discipline. Being part of the Wac Arts community inspires young people to grow and achieve, providing them with essential time and space for the arts, which is often limited within mainstream school schedules.

Our curriculum is structured for weekly attendance to maximize participants’ opportunities for growth. Regular attendance enables them to enhance their technical abilities, deepen their knowledge and understanding of the artform, and improve their artistic and interpersonal skills.

Take a look at the classes we have to offer. We also offer specialised evening classes for young people aged 9 – 30 with learning disabilities through our Wac Nites classes.

Performing Arts and Creative & Digital Arts

Actors Company

*Actors Company enrolments are now closed for the academic year.

Ages: 14 – 30

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Sunday

Times: Sunday timetable

Fee: £7 per 3-hour rehearsal, Fee with Bursary: £3.5 subject to availability

Over the course of the year, the young actors’ company will work on a full-length play, developing essential skills such as ensemble work and team building, sight reading, and script analysis. Structured warm-ups and theatrical preparation will also be emphasized, along with time management and discipline within a professional company. Character development and research will round out the comprehensive skill set. Join us for an exciting journey in the world of theatre.

Animation

Ages: 7-10, 11-15

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £6 per 90-minute class, Fee with Bursary: £3 subject to availability

In our Animation classes, you’ll explore both 2D and 3D techniques to create captivating animated films. You’ll get the opportunity to bring your characters to life while learning essential skills such as design, lighting, modelling, surfacing, and visual effects. Drawing, illustration, and graphic design software are used to enhance the creative process. Under the guidance of our skilled instructor, you’ll learn the motion animation fundamentals, including storyboarding, material selection, and stop motion movement techniques. Additionally, students can add a personal touch to their films by creating soundtracks using music and recorded dialogue.

Art & design

Ages: 8 -14

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £6 per 90-minute class *Fee with Bursary: £3 subject to availability

The class begins with an introduction to the topic, theme, or technique. The tutor demonstrates specific techniques, materials, and processes related to the project. This might include techniques like drawing, painting, sculpture, printmaking, digital art, or other forms of artistic expression. After the demonstration, students start working on their projects. This is the main creative phase of the class where students put into practice the techniques they’ve learned. They experiment with different materials, tools, and methods to bring their artistic vision to life. Depending on the nature of the assignment, students might work individually or collaboratively. Individual work allows students to explore their personal creativity, while group work encourages teamwork, idea exchange, and a collaborative approach to problem-solving.

ballet

Ages: 5+, 7+

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Tuesday

Times: Tuesday timetable

Fee: £4-5, Fee with Bursary: £2-2.5 subject to availability

Class begins with a warm-up at the barre, performing exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscles. Dancers then move to the center of the room to practice various ballet movements and techniques, such as pliés, tendus, and pirouettes. The class may also include jumps, leaps, and allegro combinations to develop agility and coordination. Throughout the class, the tutor provides guidance on posture, alignment, and expression, emphasizing the precision and grace that characterize ballet. The class usually concludes with a cool-down and some stretching exercises.

dance

Ages: 6-7, 6-10, 8-10, 11-15, 14-26

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £4 per hour class, Fee with Bursary: £2 subject to availability

Our dance classes include a warm-up, technique development, and learning routines for performances. The classes cover a blend of styles, such as contemporary, street, jazz, and musical theatre. Alongside set routines, you’ll learn how to create your own performance pieces. These classes focus on skills development, enhancing your strength, flexibility, movement memory, and coordination. During each class, you’ll have the opportunity to develop routines in styles set by the tutor.

Whether you’re a beginner, have some experience, or are returning to dance, our lessons will be tailored to meet your individual needs. At the end of each term, you will have chance to showcase your progress to your family and friends.

For Ages 14 – 26, our high-energy dance will develop choreography in lyrical, commercial, and musical theatre styles. You will also have the chance to create routines in styles set by the tutor. During each class, you can boost your strength, flexibility, movement memory, and coordination with our skill development. The classes are open to anyone looking to improve fitness and have fun in an informal setting.

drama

Ages: 6-7, 8-10, 11-15

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £4 per hour class, Fee with Bursary £2 subject to availability

Throughout the classes, you’ll gradually build on acting techniques, culminating in portraying full characters in monologues, duologues, and scenes. We’ll also focus on the physical aspect of character portrayal, teaching you how to adapt your physicality to truly embody a character.

Ensemble work will form an important part of your training as well as work on scenes and scripts. No matter your ability level, our drama classes are tailored to suit all. Whether you’re aspiring to become a professional actor or simply looking to boost your public speaking skills, these classes are the perfect fit for you.

DRAMA & PHYSICAL THEATRE

Ages: 7-10, 16-26

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £4 per hour class *Fee with Bursary: £2 subject to availability

In our Drama & Physical Theatre classes, you’ll enhance your characterisation skills and learn to deliver well-rounded performances. We’ll work on improvisation and responding to stimuli, while focusing on the physical aspect of character portrayal. Ensemble and individual scenes will be explored, offering opportunities for creativity and devising your own work.

FILMmakING

Ages: 7-10: Intro to Filmmaking, 11-15: Filmmaking

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £6 per 90-minute class *Fee with Bursary: £3 subject to availability

We offer two Filmmaking classes, perfect for aspiring filmmakers ready to dive into the world of short films. Covering key elements of filmmaking, our classes will equip you with the skills to produce your own movie or film productions. You will learn about roles on set, camera operation, lighting, sound recording, editing, and much more. We will explore various filmmaking styles, from high-spec DSLRs to guerrilla filmmaking using portable cameras. You will learn skills for films on any subject and in any genre, from fantasy to documentary.

MUSICAL THEATRE

Ages: 4-5

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £4 per hour (£8 per 2 hour class), Fee with Bursary: £2 per hour (£4 per 2 hour class) subject to availability

Our Musical Theatre class comprises of digging into the three facets of Musical Theatre: Singing, Dancing, and Acting. You’ll engage in games, songs, choreography, and exercises that boost your performing confidence and provide simple techniques to develop throughout the term. Key skills include learning rhythms and melody through song, refining physical control and coordination in dance, gaining confidence in speech through acting exercises, identifying and expressing emotions, and fostering teamwork.

Percussion (Djembe)

Ages: 4-8, and 18+

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £4 per hour class, Fee with Bursaries: £2

Adult Class Fee: £2 per hour class.
Adult percussion has been priced at a universally subsidised fee to allow as many members of our community to ability to participate as possible.

In our Percussion class, you will learn to play the Djembe – a goblet drum, played with bare hands. You will learn to play in a group ensemble, and adapting to different rhythmic structures. You will develop your rhythm skills and musical theory, exploring traditional rhythms, solo phrases, and improvisation. You will master counter rhythms, syncopation, and polyrhythm. Whatever your level of skill and experience, there is a place for you in the group ensemble.

SINGING

Ages: 6-7, 8-10, 11-15

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £4 per hour class, Fee with Bursary: £2 subject to availability

In our Singing classes, we will work on vocal techniques and have fun learning songs together to put those techniques into practice. We’ll explore a range of songs from musicals, pop, and even welcome your favourite songs to share with the class. It’ll be a varied term, where we’ll learn songs as a group, but each one of you will have the opportunity to workshop songs that suit your voice! Key focus areas include improving your vocal range, mastering ‘Belt’/’Mix’ techniques, enhancing vocal agility, breath control, and phrasing. We’ll also explore what songs and styles best suit your voice and delve into storytelling through song. Throughout the term, you’ll work on your individual repertoire, as well as group songs in harmony.

SINGING & SONGWRITING

Ages: 14-26

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £6 90-minute class, Fee with Bursary: £3 subject to availability

Our 90-minute Singing & Songwriting classes are designed to develop your singing and songwriting voice. You’ll gain insight into song structures, lyrical content, and musical composition. Drawing inspiration from situations and surroundings, you’ll write meaningful songs. Building confidence in performing your own work, you’ll learn to write lyrics and create a unique sound. With a focus on vocal techniques and harmony, all experience levels are welcome. Join us on this creative journey!

SMALL GROUP MUSIC TUITION

Ages: 7+
Term length: 30 weeks
Days: Saturday
Times: Saturday timetable
Fee: £9 per 45 minute class  *Fee with Bursary: £4.50 subject to availability

Music tuition begins at age 7 and is delivered in small groups of four students, ensuring you receive personalized support each week. You will choose to be in either a beginner, intermediate, or advanced group, in Keyboard/Piano, Guitar, Saxophone or Drums.  Please look carefully at the different skill levels needed to make the right choice.

You will practice in a range of music genres and styles. You will develop your ability to read music:
Beginner: Ages 7+ no previous experience required
Intermediate: Ages 8+, at least one years of previous experience
Advanced: Ages 9 +, At least two years of previous experience

*The age and experience requirements are indicated below. This is subject to change depending on feedback from the tutors. If the tutor suggests that another class would be better suited, then the young person will be moved.

Drums

Ages: 7+

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £9 per 45 minute class, Fee with Bursary: £4.50 subject to availability

In the Drums class, you will take part in warm-up exercises and learn new rudiments. You will work on reading sheet music, rhythm, and drum kit notation. Beginners will feel comfortable with basic backbeats. You will improve your drum kit playing with better speed and coordination as well as explore creating musical variations between music sections. During these classes you will also develop the stroke technique, accuracy, relaxation, and economy of motion, improve Hi-Hat, Ride Cymbal, and Kick Drum technique and experience playing different styles, genres, as well as the ability to improvise.

Guitar

Ages: 7+

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £9 per 45 minute class, Fee with Bursary: £4.50 subject to availability

In our beginner Guitar class, you’ll learn how to tune your instrument and the letter names for each of the 6 strings. We’ll also introduce you to the fretboard and explore the different parts of the instrument. Correct plucking or strumming technique will also be covered.

In intermediate and advanced Guitar classes you’ll build skills in hammering on, pulling off, and sliding on strings. Further development will include thumb independence with an alternating thumb pattern accompanied by melodic lines. Experience songs that depart from pattern fingerpicking, and learn how to play licks, riffs, runs, and embellishments in various keys.

Keyboard

Ages: 7+

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £9 per 45 minute class, Fee with Bursary: £4.50 subject to availability

Our keyboard/ piano class provides a structured learning journey that combines theory, practice, technique, and creativity to help students become proficient keyboard or piano players.

Keyboard and piano classes incorporate music theory concepts. Students learn about notes, scales, chords, rhythm, and other fundamental elements of music. This theoretical foundation is essential for understanding how music works and applying it to practical playing. To build dexterity and control, students engage in finger exercises. These exercises help strengthen the fingers, improve hand coordination, and develop the ability to play smoothly and accurately. Students gradually start learning to play simple songs. These songs are chosen based on the students’ skill level and incorporate the techniques and theory they’ve learned. Starting with easy songs allows students to experience the joy of playing music early on.

Like any skill, practice is crucial. Students are encouraged to practice regularly outside of class to reinforce what they’ve learned. The instructor will provide guidance on effective practice routines and techniques. In all classes, students have the opportunity to interact with their peers. They can learn from each other, share their progress, and collaborate on ensemble pieces.

Saxophone

Ages: 7+

Term length: 30 weeks

Days: Saturday

Times: Saturday timetable

Fee: £9 per 45 minute class, Fee with Bursary: £4.50 subject to availability

Beginners can expect to learn to assemble and care for a Saxophone, read and interpret sheet music and music notation, perform 3 major scales and 3 minor scales, develop playing technique and sight-reading, and be able to play in unison and as a solo. We’ll move on to working on developing musical pieces chosen by the class participants. By the end of the term students will have a couple of songs under their belt and a wider understanding of the workings of the saxophone (and the tricks to making it sound great!)

Intermediate and advanced Saxophone classes will explore playing a wide variety of genres, including classical and jazz. Enhance and apply finer artistic skills, such as phrasing, gradual tempo and dynamic shifts, key changes, and stylistic detail. You will learn to add emotion to your performance using inflections like vibrato and musical ornaments. Vocalize the sound by effectively bending your notes, using dynamics to add depth, drama, and storytelling.

Timetable

Tuesdays

Saturdays

Sundays

Term dates

TERM DATES 2023 – 2024

Term 1

Saturday 16^th September – Wednesday 18^th October 2023

HALF TERM – Thursday 19^th October – Monday 30^th October 2023

Tuesday 31^st October – Sunday 3^rd December 2023

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAY – Monday 4^th December – Friday 5^th January 2024

Term 2

Saturday 6^th January – Wednesday 7^th February 2024

HALF TERM – Thursday 8^th February – Monday 19^th February 2024

Tuesday 20^th February – Sunday 24^th March 2024

EASTER HOLIDAY – Monday 25^th March – Friday 19^th April 2024

Term 3

Saturday 20^th April – Wednesday 22nd May 2024

HALF TERM – Thursday 23^rd May – Monday 3^rd June 2024

Tuesday 4^th June – Sunday 7^th July 2024

SUMMER HOLIDAY – Monday 8^th July 2024

Day	September	October	November	December	January	February	March	April	May	June	July
Saturday dates	16th, 23rd, 30th	7th, 14th	4th, 11th, 18th, 25th	2nd	6th, 13th, 20th, 27th	3rd, 24th	2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd	20th, 27th	4th, 11th, 18th	8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th	6th
Sunday Dates	17th, 24th	1st, 8th, 15th	5th, 12th, 19th, 26th	3rd	7th, 14th, 21st, 28th	4th, 25th	3rd, 10th, 16th, 24th	21st, 28th	5th, 12th, 19th	9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th	7th
Tuesday dates	19th, 26th	3rd, 10th, 17th, 31st	7th, 14th, 21st, 28th		9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th	6th, 20th, 27th	5th, 12th, 19th	23rd, 30th	7th, 14th, 21st	4th, 11th, 18th, 25th	2nd
Wednesday dates	18th, 27th	4th, 11th, 18th	1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th		10th, 17th, 24th, 31st	7th, 21st, 28th	6th, 13th, 20th	24th,	1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd	5th, 12th, 19th, 26th	3rd

bursary

Wac Arts uses the arts to empower young people to transcend the barriers they face to opportunity and in so doing, plays its part to reduce persistent inequality in our society. In practice two principles are used to inform our decision-making:

Classes and activities are priced at levels to ensure they are genuinely affordable for people and families on low incomes
Everyone at Wac Arts pays the same fee regardless of their ability to pay

Wac Arts can offer bursary support to the following:

The recipient is currently in care or is a care leaver
The recipient is aged between 4-30 and currently seeking asylum in the UK
The recipient is a full-time carer for a parent or sibling
The parent/ guardian/ young person is in receipt of universal credit

23-24-Wac-Arts-Bursary-Policy-27.10.23-Download

Our Bursary Fund has reached its capacity, and as a result we are unable to accept new applicants. We understand the importance of financial assistance, and we encourage those interested in accessing our Bursary Fund to join our waiting list. In the event of additional Bursary Funding becoming available, we will notify individuals on the waiting list. Thank you for your understanding and patience as we strive to support as many young people as possible.

Wac Arts Bursary Waiting List

Quality Assurance

All of Wac Arts classes adhere to our Quality Code, and tutors plan an annual curriculum of content that aligns with our Aims of Participation. Wac Arts has regular sharing’s of the class work, an end of year sharing in our large performance space, other external performance opportunities and our annual achievement awards. We survey our students, parents & guardians annually and evaluate this feedback to improve and grow our programme offer. Our tutors are observed three times per year to ensure the continued development and growth of the young people who choose to study with us. We have excellent facilities with full disabled access at our building in Belsize Park, as well as tutors who are passionate an committed to the growth and development of each of our students.