Drama classes are a brilliant way for kids to build confidence, make friends and explore their creativity in a supportive setting. Perth has a wide range of performing-arts schools and theatre companies, from suburban studios to established theatre venues. This guide explains what to look for, what classes typically cost, and the questions worth asking before you enrol.
Perth Martial Arts Centre (Malaga, WA) offers Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Capoeira, and Muay Thai for all ages and fitness levels. Kids BJJ program runs from age 3 to 15. Instructors are internationally qualified, including world champions. Free trial class available.
Joondalup Entertainers Theatre School (JETS) in Joondalup, WA offers theatre and performing arts classes for children. The school focuses on nurturing creativity, artistic development, and confidence in a warm, positive environment. No specific age ranges or trial class information is explicitly stated on the website.
Eden Dance Institute in Osborne Park offers dance classes for children from age 2. Programs include Tippy Toes (ages 2–5) with ballet, jazz, acro and creative movers, Upper School (5+) with ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, musical theatre, contemporary and flamenco, plus an Academy stream. Free trial classes are offered.
Desiree Dance Academy in Butler, WA offers dance classes for ages 3 to 73, including ballet, jazz, hip hop, tap, lyrical, contemporary, acrobatics, musical theatre, and heels. Classes run from Mum & Me toddler sessions through to adult classes, including Sensory Saturdays. No exam or competition pressure. No trial information explicitly stated.
Miss Nat's Dance School is a boutique dance school in Cockburn Sound, WA, offering Classical Ballet, Creative Dance, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop, Musical Theatre, Lyrical, and Acrobatics for ages 2 and up, including toddlers, teens, and adults. Free trial classes available. No exams or pressure philosophy.
Filmbites Screen Academy in Malaga, WA offers youth screen acting and screen production courses (filmmaking, animation, game design) for young people. Programs range from beginner to advanced levels, plus school holiday workshops and school/community incursions in screen acting, animation, make-up SFX, and game design. No specific age ranges or trial offers stated.
Glitterati Performance Co. in Yangebup/Cockburn offers children's and adult dance classes including Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Acrobatics, Lyra, Tiny Dancers, and Musical Theatre. Director Rachel Morris has 16+ years of teaching experience. No trial class information explicitly stated.
The Production Academy in Leederville offers dance, singing, and acting classes for young people, including full-scale musical theatre productions. Operated by industry professionals and a registered talent agency, the studio is all-inclusive. A free trial class is available. Students aged approximately 7–13+ are referenced in testimonials.
Drama classes go well beyond learning lines for a play. Most programs blend a mix of improvisation, theatre games, storytelling, movement, voice work and group scenes. The aim is usually as much about building life skills — public speaking, teamwork, listening and self-confidence — as it is about producing polished performers.
Depending on the provider, classes may focus on pure acting, or combine drama with singing and dancing as part of musical theatre. Some schools work towards an end-of-term showcase or full production, while others keep things process-focused with no pressure to perform. Both approaches have value, so it's worth deciding what suits your child.
Many Perth providers run classes from around age 3 or 4, where the focus is on imaginative play, songs and simple movement. From roughly 5 to 8, classes introduce more structured games, character work and short scenes. The 9 to 12 age group typically tackles scripted material, improvisation and performance technique, while teenagers (13+) may work on audition skills, monologues, screen acting or full stage productions.
Classes are almost always grouped by age and stage, so children work with peers at a similar level. If your child is shy or new to drama, ask whether there's a beginner-friendly group.
A first class is usually relaxed and welcoming. Expect plenty of warm-up games to break the ice, some group activities, and a chance to try improvisation or simple scene work. Good teachers won't force a nervous child into the spotlight — they'll gently encourage participation at the child's own pace.
Many providers offer a free trial or a discounted first session. This is the best way to see whether the teaching style, the group and the venue suit your child before committing to a full term. Watch how the instructor manages the room, includes quieter kids and keeps energy positive.
Prices vary depending on class length, group size and whether a production is involved. As a general guide (and these are rough ranges only — always confirm current pricing directly with the provider):
Musical theatre programs that include singing and dancing, or those building towards a major production, tend to sit at the higher end. Some schools also charge separate costumes, costume, props or showcase fees, so ask what's included up front.
This page features a range of well-regarded Perth providers, including suburban performing-arts schools such as Joondalup Entertainers Theatre School (JETS) in Joondalup, Glitterati Performance Company in Yangebup, THEATRE 180 in Como, The Production Academy in Leederville and Evoke Performing Arts Academy in Palmyra, as well as established theatre venues and companies like The Blue Room Theatre, Old Mill Theatre in South Perth and Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA. Ratings and review counts can help, but they're only a starting point — the right fit depends on your child.
When comparing options, look for:
Before enrolling, consider asking:
Taking the time to ask these questions — and ideally attending a trial — will help you find a class where your child feels safe, included and excited to come back each week.
Or read the full drama classes guide, or browse all Perth providers.
Many Perth providers offer classes from around age 3 or 4, focused on imaginative play and songs. More structured acting and scene work usually starts from around age 5, with teen-specific programs covering auditions and full productions. Always check the age groupings with the individual provider.
As a rough guide, term fees often range from about $150 to $350 for an 8–10 week term, with casual classes around $20–$40 and holiday workshops around $50–$120 per day. These are general ranges only — confirm current pricing and any extra costs directly with the provider.
Yes. In Western Australia, anyone working with children must hold a current Working With Children Check (WWCC). Always confirm that all instructors and assistants hold one before enrolling your child.
Many Perth drama schools offer a free or discounted trial class. This is the best way to see whether the teaching style and group suit your child before committing to a full term, so it's worth asking each provider directly.
Drama classes are often excellent for building confidence in shy children, as good teachers encourage participation gently and at the child's own pace. Ask the provider how they support first-time or nervous students, and consider a trial class to see how your child responds.