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Guildhall Young Artists Norwich Drama Course
Our practical Drama Course for those aged 11–18 teaches acting skills through inspiring weekly practical classes as well as offering regular performance opportunities and a space for young people to develop their own creative practice and projects.
Key information:
- Course dates:
- Saturday term time
- Course times:
- Dependent upon class timetable
- Age:
- 11–18
- Art form:
- Drama
- Fees:
- £335 per term (£33.50 per week)
- Level of study:
- Short Courses & Summer Schools, Workshops & Saturday Centres (under 18)
- Mode of study:
- In-person
- Venue:
- Wymondham High Academy
- Contact details:
- gyanorwich@gsmd.ac.uk
Intro text
Our practical Drama Course for those aged 11–18 teaches acting skills through inspiring weekly practical classes as well as offering regular performance opportunities and a space for young people to develop their own creative practice and projects.
Using a wide range of text based, non-text and improvised approaches, Drama Course classes include vocal and movement exercises, relaxation techniques, improvisation, devising and script work with regular opportunities for performance, including independent and interdisciplinary projects.
Beginner to advanced performers are welcome. Classes are tailored to individuals and are suitable for those who are thinking about taking their drama and performance studies a step further, or those who simply want to spend time exploring their creativity with newfound and likeminded friends.
Drama Classes
Acting for Stage (Int-Adv Yr7+) with Arianna Gasperini
Acting for Screen (Int-Adv Yr7+) with Ben Nash
Creative Writing and Professional Skills Class (Adv Yr10+) with Ben Nash
Advanced Acting and Physical Theatre Company (Adv Yr 10+) with Ben Nash * Entry by audition
The Advanced Acting & Physical Theatre Company is a training ensemble for young performers who wish to develop their acting, devising and physical theatre skills at a higher level. Students work using professional rehearsal room practices, exploring ensemble performance, physical storytelling, chorus work, character creation, script analysis and devising techniques.
Membership of the company is by audition (date to be confirmed).Places will be offered to students who demonstrate commitment, creativity and a genuine desire to develop their craft. It is for young people who want to challenge themselves, work collaboratively and take ownership of their artistic development.
Led by Ben Nash, director, performer, choreographer and theatre-maker, this advanced class is designed for those who want to deepen their understanding of acting, devising and physical theatre. Ben trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School and is Co-Artistic Director of Drama Mavericks CIC and Co-Artistic Director of Vatic Theatre, alongside his work with GYA students.
Through physical theatre, chorus work, improvisation, actioning text, character development and ensemble performance, participants also develop the skills that sit beneath successful GCSE and A-Level Drama work. Rather than teaching directly to an exam specification, the focus is on practical tools that help students become stronger performers, devisers and collaborators.
Students on our Drama Courses are invited to access classes from our Music Course at no extra cost. Please view our Music Course page to see the list of classes on offer.
Looking for private tuition with one of our expert tutors? Book a 30-minute LAMDA, acting & public speaking, instrumental or vocal lesson, to be taken alongside the Drama Course. Register your interest when signing up for a course.
Fees
£335 per term (£33.50 per week)
With one-to-one lesson
Add an individual 30-minute drama lesson (subject to availability) for an additional £26.50 per Saturday + the cost of the course
Payment Schedule
We ask you to pay termly and once you’ve settled in we ask for half a term’s notice if you decide not to continue.
Five Week Trial
All new students will be given a five-week trial period (payable) if they have joined Guildhall Young Artists Norwich in the first five weeks of the term. Please see full terms and conditions on our finance and funding page.
Deposit
We ask for a £50 holding deposit to secure your place. On receipt of your application, a friendly member of our team will discuss your requirements noted on the application form and send a payment link for the reservation of a place. This payment will be taken off one terms fees, or any outstanding balance refunded to your account if you give notice within the five-week trial period.
Bursaries
We offer a large number of bursaries to attend GYA Norwich. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch and ask about these – it’s entirely confidential and we keep the application process as simple and quick as possible.
ACADEMIC YEAR 2026/7
Autumn Term 2026
Saturday 12 September
Saturday 19 September
Saturday 26 September
Saturday 03 October
Saturday 10 October
Saturday 17 October
Half-term – (no sessions on Saturday 24 & 31 October)
Saturday 07 November
Saturday 14 November
Saturday 21 November
Saturday 28 November
Saturday 05 December
Spring Term 2027
Saturday 09 January
Saturday 16 January
Saturday 23 January
Saturday 30 January
Saturday 06 February
Half-term – (no sessions on Saturday 13 & 20 February)
Saturday 27 February
Saturday 06 March
Saturday 13 March
Saturday 20 March
Summer Term 2027
Saturday 17 April
Saturday 24 April
Saturday 01 May
Saturday 08 May
Saturday 15 May
Saturday 22 May
Half-term – (no sessions on Saturday 29 May & 5 June)
Saturday 12 June
Saturday 19 June
Saturday 26 June
Saturday 03 July
We regret it is not possible to give refunds in the event of absence as the Centre has to continue paying professional tutors and overheads. GYA Norwich expects as close to 100% attendance as possible, to ensure you develop and get the most out of your membership.
Half a term’s notice is required to stop attending (except in exceptional circumstances). This notice period is required to fulfil obligations to the professional tutors, pay for facilities and to encourage you to be fully committed to the courses chosen.
Classes and Ensembles
You will be given a tailor-made timetable before your start date, which will be based on your interests and experience. This will be updated as you progress and develop your interests.
Join the Drama Course
Complete our enquiry form