Central Film School is delighted to announce the launch of the Young Performers Academy, an exciting new training programme for young people aged 7–15 who are passionate about creativity, performance, storytelling, and developing confidence.
Led by acclaimed performer, educator, and director Sharon Sexton, the Academy offers a unique approach to performer training that combines creativity, imagination, and self-expression with acting technique and professional industry insight.
Unlike many traditional performing arts schools, the Young Performers Academy separates the development of creativity and confidence from the development of acting craft. We have designed a curriculum to help young people develop the human skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.
Students attend two core classes every Saturday, designed to complement and strengthen one another.
Hear from Parents ...
Sharon Sexton
The Young Performers Academy is led by Sharon Sexton, an award-winning West End actress, director, and educator with more than 25 years of experience inspiring young performers. Best known for starring in Bat Out of Hell and The Karate Kid – The Musical, Sharon combines a successful international performing career with an outstanding reputation in arts education, having led programmes at respected institutions across the UK and Ireland.
With qualifications in Speech & Drama, Theatre Directing, and Singing Teaching, Sharon has dedicated her career to helping young people build confidence, creativity, and communication skills. Her approach goes beyond teaching performance techniques; she creates a supportive environment where every child is encouraged to grow, express themselves, and develop skills that will benefit them both on stage and throughout life.
Students enrol for the academic year, which is divided into three ten-week terms.
Regular attendance is encouraged to ensure continuity of training and progression throughout the programme.
Saturdays
10:00 am - 10:30 am - Optional Singing Class
10:30 am - 11:25 am - CORE CLASS - Creative Drama
11:25 am - 11:35 am - Supervised Break
11:35 am - 12:30 pm - CORE CLASS - Acting
12:30 pm - 1:00 pm - Optional Speech & Drama Class
Saturdays
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm - Optional Singing Class
12:30 pm - 1:25 pm - CORE CLASS - Creative Drama
1:25 pm - 1:35 pm - Supervised Break
1:35 pm - 2:30 pm - CORE CLASS - Acting
2:30 pm - 3:00 pm - Optional Speech & Drama Class
Saturdays
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm - Optional Singing Class
2:30 pm - 3:25 pm - CORE CLASS - Creative Drama
3:25 pm - 3:35 pm - Supervised Break
3:35 pm - 4:30 pm - CORE CLASS - Acting
4:30 pm - 5:00 pm - Optional Speech & Drama Class
Select a heading to view more details.
Uniform
Students are required to wear the Academy uniform.
We require students to wear a YPA polo shirt and/or YPA t-shirt. Students may wear comfortable clothing of their choice on the lower half, suitable for movement and drama activities, along with trainers / soft sole shoes.
Uniform costs will be detailed prior to enrolment.
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Fees
Core Academy Training
£295 per ten-week term
Optional Singing / Speech & Drama small Group Classes
£130 per ten-week term
Sibling Discount
20% discount for each additional child from the same family.
Performance Opportunities
Students will work towards two major performance events each year & one optional performance exam.
Winter Presentation
An informal in-house sharing of work at Central Film School in December.
Summer Showcase
An end-of-year performance celebrating the achievements of all students.
YPA will also host industry professional tutors to lead core classes, as well as additional
workshops & masterclasses throughout the year.
Optional LAMDA GROUP ACTING Exam
Students will have the opportunity to participate in an optional group LAMDA Performance examination in Term 2.
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Optional Elective Training in “Speech & Drama” & “Singing”
Alongside the core programme, students may choose to enrol in optional specialist classes with limited availability.
Speech & Drama (LAMDA)
Small group classes have been designed to develop confident communication, clear and articulate speech, expressive vocal skills, and presentation techniques through engaging work with poetry, prose, storytelling, and performance. Students can work towards nationally recognised LAMDA performance examinations in:
• Verse & Prose
• Public speaking
• Acting Singing Performance
(LAMDA) Small-group singing classes
have been designed to develop healthy vocal technique, musicianship, musical interpretation, and performance skills, while preparing students for optional nationally recognised LAMDA Singing examinations.
• Musical theatre
Exams are not mandatory, and students are entered for examinations only when they are ready and at the level most appropriate to their individual abilities and experience. Examination fees are not included in term fees.