Express yourself with the WEA

The WEA has been providing adults with the opportunity to learn for over a century, with our performing arts courses proving to be a popular choice for the thousands of learners who choose to study with us each year. We’ve supported more than two million people to reveal hidden talents, discover their purpose, find a community, or take control of their lives.  

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What performing arts topics are available? 

Our performing arts courses cover a wide variety of topics, from drama classes to dance directing and production. Whether you're looking to pursue a passion, or just want to improve your existing skills, our performing arts courses are the perfect choice. You might have always had a talent for performing arts, or maybe you’re completely new to it all and just want a new hobby that you’d like to explore further. Whatever stage you’re at, we’ve got a course to help you progress.  

If drama is a topic you’ve always wanted to get to grips with, then choose from one of our many courses running throughout the year. If your passion and interest is more in the writing than performance, then one of our scriptwriting courses could be right up your street. Or maybe dancing is more your kind of thing? We’ve a range of styles on offer and different classes running each term. Our directing focused courses are ideal if you’re a more of a behind the camera type, offering you that creative outlet, whilst there’s also production too. 

Online and in-person performing arts classes 

From workshops and group discussions to more tailored sessions, you can choose the perfect performing art class for you in a variety of locations across the country. Whether it's online or in-person, you'll learn from one of our experienced tutors and develop a broad range of skills and knowledge that will help you reach your goals,

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Performing Arts & Dance:

A fun and friendly class for adults with learning disabilities. A funky dance workout to get you moving; dance along to your favourite music and why not sing along too! Lots of different dances with pom poms, tambourines and ribbons too. Join in at your own pace and have lots of fun! The Reaching Out Programme classes are open to people living in the community that can have their needs met by the class. This is a class for people with a learning disability.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 16/09/2024 -
Mon 30/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
33 sessions
Location:
Ferring Country Centre (Ferring)
Rife Way, Ferring
Ferring
BN12 5JZ
Tutor:
Suzanne Swain
Course code:
Q00010906
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £207.90

Performing Arts & Dance: Plays and Performance

We will be studying plays and how they are, or might be performed. As far as possible we will choose plays that we can see locally, either at nearby theatres, mainly Derby and Nottingham or streaming. Our aim is to enhance our understanding and enjoyment of theatre and to explore its relevance to our life today. We will read extracts, discuss the themes and how they are presented, and consider the current performance.
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Course Information

Dates:
Tue 01/10/2024 -
Tue 10/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
11 sessions
Location:
Bramcote Memorial Hall (Nottingham)
Church Street
Bramcote
Nottingham
NG9 3HD
Tutor:
Hazel Salisbury
Course code:
Q00016285
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £56.70

Fitness and Exercise: Movement This Autumn (Basic Disco Dance Steps for Everyone)

Start your week with a fun and feelgood hour of breathing, stretching and dancing. Keep fit, move and groove to some uplifting and energising music. During this five-week course you’ll learn some funky DISCO steps and complete some simple choreography. Dancing is proven to be good for your body and your mind. For improving your cognitive skills. Through learning a simple dance routine, you will: improve flexibility, minimize stress, increase energy levels and have better coordination, balance and strength. So come and release your inner disco diva and dance like no-one (or maybe everyone!) is watching.
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Course Information

Dates:
Mon 04/11/2024 -
Mon 02/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Helen Watson
Course code:
Q00010730
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £18.50

Personal Development: Taster session Drama.

Drama is a perfect vehicle to express yourself. We will learn how to regain confidence and self esteem through Drama. Creating moments of wellbeing in the day is essential for our emotional and mental health. Telling stories, creating a setting or exploring performance will give the opportunity to work with like minded people in this course, where all are welcome to enjoy exploring narrative and self-expression. This allows people to express themselves and explore different emotions and perspectives through role-playing and improvisation.
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Course Information

Dates:
Thu 12/12/2024 -
Thu 12/12/2024
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
The Exchange Recovery College (Barnsley)
33 Gawber Road
Barnsley
S75 2AH
Tutor:
Carrie Hanson
Course code:
Q00012814
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £8.40

WEA Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

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Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
WEA Membership

Performing Arts & Dance: Managing Stress through Drama

Relax and unwind with this creative drama Course. We will learn how to regain confidence and self esteem through Drama. Creating moments of wellbeing in the day is essential for our emotional and mental health. Telling stories, creating a setting or exploring performance will give the opportunity to work with like minded people in this course, where all are welcome to enjoy exploring narrative and self-expression. This allows people to express themselves and explore different emotions and perspectives through role-playing and improvisation.
View details

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 09/01/2025 -
Thu 06/02/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
The Exchange Recovery College (Barnsley)
33 Gawber Road
Barnsley
S75 2AH
Tutor:
Carrie Hanson
Course code:
Q00012743
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00