acting course for young children

[begolina]

My dd is 8 years old and goes to Stagecoach in South West London since almost 2 years. People there are very nice, very professional and my daughter really likes it. Problem is that I think the quality of the performance they do at the end of the term is very low (sort of holidays resort end of the week shows, only less funny) and doesn't justified how expensive it is. It looks like a school for spoil and rich children that pretend to learn a bit of singing and acting because you never know it might come out useful... if you know what I mean.
Someone talked to me about Pineapple in Covent Garden but they teach only on Sunday mornings and I would preferred Saturdays or other days. Any suggestions of good places in London in the South West area? Thanks

[sophiesocks]

have you thought about sylvia young or italia conti?

[Caroline A-C]

Where in the South West would you be talking about? There is Redroofs (Maidenhead) and Jackie Palmers (High Wycombe). Think Italia Conti have a part time school in Wokingham and there is Act Now Entertainment. Hope this helps a bit.

[begolina]

Thanks for the suggestions. I am nearer Hammersmith area. I couldn't find if Italia Conti runs children's weekly course. Sylvia Young does it at Thursday evening and Saturday. SY website doesn't say if you need to audition for the partime classes or you just pay the fee. Maybe it is not a problem because they have lots of teachers, for instance in drama they have Bryn, Rob, Georgia, Lydia, Simon, Michael D. Do I have to choose or they would give you a space when and where is available? Does someone knows them? Singing the same , Maxwell, Bobby, Daniel...

[jasmine2]

my dd started at SY as a saturday student many moons ago and they are taught by teachers from the full time school..very high standard..she then progressed to full time school and had the honour of being head girl in year 11...I would recommend it...

[begolina]

Thanks again for the advise. I just told the head she is not going from January. It is always a bit awkward when you have to say you want to leave.

[Amandapanda]

Begolina, did your Dd start part time at Sylvia Young? I have a similar issue. What did you decide to do? Thanks

[Dogcop]

Amandapanda my Ds attended part time classes at SY before going to the school full time. He loved and as said by Jasmine2 the teaching was good and we got a feel for the school too. We had to travel 90 minutes to get to the school on a Thursday evening, but felt it was worthwhile

[begolina]

yes, we are going on Thursday evening, the quality is very good for drama and as Dogcop says it is interesting to check it. For singing she goes to a local Sing Up group which is free and very professional. There are professional school and groups that are part of reach out in the community with schemes like Sing up that worth investigate. For the moment she is happy and then I will explore further more.