Drama and performing-arts classes are a brilliant way for kids to build confidence, make friends and let their imaginations run wild. Canberra has a healthy mix of theatre companies, dance and movement studios, and performing-arts academies catering to different ages and interests. This guide explains what to expect, typical costs, and how to choose the right class for your child.
Drama Stars Academy in Mitchell, ACT offers speech and drama classes for students of all ages, including social skills classes, 1:1 coaching, public speaking, and school holiday programs. Over 250 students attend on term-by-term enrolment. A free trial class is available. End-of-year concerts and competitions feature regularly.
iV Learning in Dickson, ACT offers 1-on-1 English and maths tutoring for Years 1–12, public speaking/confidence classes (Speak Up), hands-on STEM workshops (Years 3–11), and school holiday programs (Years 3–12). Classes run in small groups during school terms. Free consultations available.
OnBeat Dance Studios in Calwell, ACT offers dance classes including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theatre for all ages and abilities. Free trial classes are available. Students can compete at dance festivals and access private lessons via an online parent portal.
Prestige Dance Company in Fyshwick, ACT offers dance classes for ages 1 through adult, including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, Aerial Silk, Musical Theatre, and Pilates. Programs include Mums & Bubs, adults, and an inclusive program for dancers with additional needs. Free trials are available.
OnBeat Dance Studios in Belconnen, ACT offers dance classes for children and individuals of all ages and abilities, including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, lyrical, and musical theatre. Free trial classes are available. Students participate in competitions and festivals.
Dance Edge offers dance classes at Tuggeranong and Gungahlin studios for ages 2 and up. Preschool programs cater to ages 2–5; recreational classes (ballet, jazz, tap, acro and more) start from age 5. Performance opportunities including concerts and troupe are available for all ages. No trial class explicitly mentioned.
Mill Theatre at Dairy Road (Fyshwick, ACT) is a performing arts venue offering theatre productions, a Theatre Studio program, and drama-related activities. The site references a 'Players' group and stage productions. No specific children's class age ranges, trial offers, or named instructors are explicitly stated in the available text.
Dare to Dance Canberra offers dance classes (ballet, jazz, tap, acro, hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary) for ages 2 to adult, and music and movement classes for 6 months to 2 years. Dance parties available for ages 5–12. First lesson is a free trial. No prior experience necessary.
Drama classes are about far more than learning lines for a play. For younger children, sessions are usually play-based — think imaginative games, storytelling, movement, role-play and lots of pretend. As kids get older, classes start to introduce real skills: improvisation, character work, voice and projection, stagecraft, script reading and sometimes a performance or showcase at the end of term.
The goal is rarely to create professional actors. Most parents enrol their kids because drama builds confidence, public-speaking skills, teamwork and emotional awareness. Shy children often come out of their shells, while energetic kids learn focus and self-control. It's also genuinely fun, which keeps them coming back.
Some providers focus purely on theatre and acting, while others — like several of the dance-led studios featured on this page — weave drama into a broader performing-arts program that includes movement and music. If your child loves singing and dancing as much as acting, a musical-theatre style class can be a great fit.
Drama classes are offered for a wide age span:
Classes are typically grouped by age, so children are working with peers at a similar stage. If your child sits on the boundary, ask the provider which group would suit them best.
A first class is usually relaxed and welcoming. Expect warm-up games to break the ice, some group activities, and gentle encouragement rather than pressure to perform. Your child won't be put on the spot in front of strangers on day one.
Wear comfortable clothes that allow movement, and bring a water bottle. For younger children, you may be able to stay nearby for the first session, though many providers prefer parents to wait outside the room once kids settle, as children often participate more freely without an audience.
It's completely normal for a child to feel nervous at the first class. A good instructor will notice a hesitant child and ease them in. By the second or third session most kids have found their feet.
Prices vary depending on the provider, class length and whether it's a casual drop-in or a full term. As a general guide for Canberra (and these are indicative ranges only — always confirm current pricing directly with the provider):
Some providers charge a one-off registration or costume fee, and productions or showcases may involve extra costs. Ask for the full picture before enrolling so there are no surprises.
Canberra has a good range of options, from established theatre companies such as Canberra REP Theatre and community theatres in Belconnen, through to performing-arts and dance studios in Mitchell, Phillip, Hume and beyond. Use ratings and reviews as a starting point, but visit or call before committing.
Things to look for:
Taking the time to ask a few questions and try a trial class will help you find a program where your child feels safe, supported and genuinely excited to come back each week.
Or read the full drama classes guide, or browse all Canberra providers.
Many providers offer play-based classes from around age 3, with more structured drama and acting programs from primary-school age through to teens. Check each provider's age groupings, as they vary.
As a general guide, casual classes run roughly $20–$40 each, while a full term (around 8–10 weeks) is often $150–$350. These are indicative ranges only — confirm current pricing and any extra costume or registration fees directly with the provider.
Yes. Anyone working with children in the ACT must hold a valid Working With Children Check. It's completely reasonable to ask a provider to confirm that all their instructors are checked before you enrol.
Many Canberra providers offer a free or low-cost trial class. This is the best way to see whether your child enjoys the format and connects with the teacher before committing to a term.
Often, yes. Good drama programs ease nervous children in gently through games and group activities rather than putting them on the spot. Many parents find their shy kids grow in confidence over a term or two.