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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Fitness and Exercise: Spring in to Summer Dance Exercise

Put a Spring in your step and a smile on your face. A great way to start your day with a fun and friendly dance exercise class. Get a full body workout, have fun and get your mind and body set for the day ahead.
Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 10:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Suzanne Swain
Course code:
Q00020072
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
5 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Fitness and Exercise: Feel good Dance Fitness

Give your mind and body a boost with this fun and friendly dance workout. You will join in dance routines to a wide variety of music, tone your body, improve strength and coordination and release endorphins to improve your mood and set you up for the day ahead.
Dates:
Wed 23/04/2025 -
Wed 16/07/2025
Times:
9:30am - 10:30am
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Suzanne Swain
Course code:
Q00020073
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
4 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £44.40

Fitness and Exercise: Summer Music and Dance

A fun and relaxed class with singing, dance, drama games and activities. We will work towards a performance at Apulstock in July. Suitable for all abilities. Come join in the fun.
Dates:
Mon 28/04/2025 -
Mon 14/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 11:30am
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Ferring Country Centre (Ferring)
Rife Way, Ferring
Ferring
BN12 5JZ
Tutor:
Suzanne Swain
Course code:
Q00020074
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

Fitness and Exercise: Summer Dance and Performing Arts

A fun and relaxed class with singing, dance, drama games and activities. Suitable for all abilities. Come join in the fun.
Dates:
Thu 01/05/2025 -
Thu 10/07/2025
Times:
11:00am - 12:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Ashley Place (Bognor Regis)
Kings Parade
Bognor Regis
PO21 2QP
Tutor:
Suzanne Swain
Course code:
Q00020075
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £63.00

WEA Membership

WEA membership is changing: more information is coming soon!

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Performing Arts & Dance: Drama Queens Performing Arts

This course is for women attending WHIST only. Enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of working in a creative environment and boost your self-confidence with this exciting Performing Arts Class. Discover more about Musical Theatre, Acting, Singing and Dance.
Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 11/07/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
WHIST (South Shields)
Salus House
33 Mile end Road
South Shields
NE33 1TA
Tutor:
Kelly Ness
Course code:
Q00021936
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Performing Arts & Dance: Stage Management

This course is for women attending WHIST only. Enjoy the thrill and satisfaction of working in a creative environment and boost your self-confidence with this exciting Stage Management Class. Discover more about Costume Design, sewing skills, Props and set design.
Dates:
Fri 02/05/2025 -
Fri 11/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
WHIST (South Shields)
Salus House
33 Mile end Road
South Shields
NE33 1TA
Tutor:
Kelly Ness
Course code:
Q00021938
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
8 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee:
Free

Fitness and Exercise: Monday Movement this Summer - Basic Contemporary Modern Dance Steps for All

This is a great way to start the week if you like doing exercise, dancing and having fun. Keep fit and exercise with a fun and feelgood hour of music and movement and relaxation. Work at your own pace and level. Each session you will work on: - breathing exercises - simple stretching (to get warmed up & alert) - easy aerobic sequences - basic CONTEMPORARY MODERN dance moves (to incorporate into an uplifting song)
Dates:
Mon 12/05/2025 -
Mon 16/06/2025
Times:
10:00am - 11:00am
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Helen Watson
Course code:
Q00018020
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £18.50