Does my child have a say in the show?

Imogen and Jocelyn from Centrestage talk about how to unlock creativity and support children in a non-traditional way

59 seconds

In conversation with Imogen, founder and Jocelyn, artistic director at Centrestage Studios

When deciding whether a drama class is for your child or not, it is easy to think this is only for people who like the stage - however that's the opposite of what I discovered, being able to express their own ideas, to feel confident in front of people and to work with a group of others are universal skills that are more important than ever

CentreStage Studios was set up by Imogen who emphasises creating a safe environment where the children feel like they can be fully themselves and own their performance. With incredibly high quality teaching - it is the official LAMDA school for Hong Kong

From being shy at school, to becoming artistic director at Centrestage Studios, Jocelyn talks about how she felt freer singing, dancing and acting with people who enjoyed the same things.

I asked what they do when a child has stage fright.

Imogen brings it all back to the environment they create, it's structured, but there is also room for children to make mistakes, to look silly and try again. They pay more attention to the learning process and not just the final performance, doing what's best for the kids in helping them find their voice

I asked about how the children make the show their own

Jocelyn emphasised how the children have a say in how they interpret a role, they aren't there to follow directions or carry out the director's vision. They’re really there to help shape ideas into a production, and when the kids are feeling proud - that's what matters the most

I asked what children get from drama and theatre, is it just for potential performers?

Aside from communication skills, thinking on their feet and working with others, Jocelyn spoke about friendships and the bonding experience of being part of a production together. Of feeling confident speaking in public, or in a room of strangers

Worth considering

Try them out and see if your child likes it - would ask how different children contribute their idea and see what happens when someone is feeling nervous