The Complete Parent’s Guide to Children’s Musical Theatre Classes in South Tyneside

What this guide is for

Choosing a performing arts group is about more than finding a class at the right time. Parents want to know what their child will actually do, whether beginners are welcome, how performances work, who teaches the sessions and how children are supported.

STAMP is the South Tyneside Academy of Musical Performance, a Community Interest Company based at Frederick Street in South Shields. Since 2006, we have provided singing, dancing, acting and performance opportunities for children and young people across South Tyneside.

This guide explains what you and your child can expect from STAMP. For current class times, prices and availability, always use our class pages, as these details can change.

What children do at STAMP

STAMP is centred around musical theatre and performance.

Our sessions combine singing and vocal work, dancing and movement, acting and drama, rehearsing for upcoming productions, performance skills, confidence building and working as part of an ensemble.

The exact content varies from week to week. We don't follow an identical lesson plan every session because what members are working towards changes throughout the year.

At some points sessions may concentrate more heavily on singing, dance or acting. When a production is approaching, more session time will naturally be spent rehearsing and preparing material for the stage.

Our Minis groups follow the same broad approach at a lighter level for younger children. Sessions include singing, movement, acting and creative activities, including arts and crafts.

Whatever the group, our aim is to help members develop their skills, build confidence and become comfortable performing on stage.

Our classes

STAMP currently has three regular groups.

Minis is for children aged 3–6 and runs weekly on both Saturdays and Sundays. Sessions introduce younger members to singing, movement, acting, creative play and arts and crafts in an age-appropriate environment. There is no previous experience required and no audition to join the regular Minis sessions.

Blue Group is for children aged 7–12. Sessions cover singing and vocal technique, dance and movement, acting, drama and performance skills. Blue members also work towards STAMP productions and other performance opportunities. Weekly sessions are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Green Group is for young people aged 13+. Green is performance-focused and develops singing, acting, dance, ensemble work and preparation for productions. Weekly sessions are available on Mondays and Thursdays.

You can find current times, fees and joining availability on our classes page.

Beginners are welcome

Children and young people do not need previous performing experience to join STAMP.

A new member isn't expected to walk through the door already able to sing solo, pick up choreography immediately or understand everything that happens in a rehearsal room.

Some members arrive already confident performers. Others join because they enjoy singing at home, like dancing, enjoy drama at school, want to make friends or simply want to try something new.

Our job is to help them develop from wherever they are starting.

Regular weekly membership is not audition-only. Auditions for roles in specific productions are separate from joining STAMP.

Read more in our Musical Theatre for Beginners guide.

Building confidence

Confidence has always been an important part of what we do at STAMP.

Over the past 20 years, more than 1,000 young people have come through our doors, and helping members grow in confidence has remained a central part of the STAMP experience.

Not every child arrives ready to put themselves forward immediately.

Our approach is to encourage members to challenge themselves and take opportunities where possible, while respecting what they are comfortable with. There can be as much or as little opportunity as a member feels ready to take.

For one child, progress might mean joining in with a group number. For another, it could be singing a line on their own, auditioning for a role or eventually taking a principal part in a production.

We encourage development without expecting every member to progress in exactly the same way or at the same speed.

If your child is nervous about joining, read Classes for Shy Children and Building Confidence Through Performing Arts.

Singing, dancing and acting

Musical theatre brings singing, dancing and acting together, and all three form part of the STAMP experience.

Singing and vocal work feature across Minis, Blue and Green. Members can work on areas such as ensemble singing, songs from productions, vocal technique and communicating a song as part of a character or story.

Our weekly groups are musical theatre sessions rather than individual one-to-one singing lessons. Read more about Singing Classes for Children.

Dance and movement are also part of our regular sessions and production rehearsals. Members learn choreography and develop movement, coordination, timing and the ability to perform as part of an ensemble.

STAMP's dance work is focused on musical theatre and performance. We do not advertise the weekly groups as graded dance examination classes. Read more about Dance Classes for Children.

Acting and drama are included across all three regular groups. For younger members this can include creative play, characters and storytelling. Older members work with scripts, scenes, characters and material from upcoming productions.

Read more about Drama Classes for Children.

Preparing for productions

Productions are a major part of the STAMP experience.

Throughout the year, weekly sessions can change depending on the production members are working towards. As a show approaches, rehearsals may concentrate on learning and polishing songs, scenes, choreography and full company numbers.

This gives members the experience of taking work from the rehearsal room to the stage in front of a paying public audience.

Regular members are given opportunities to take part in STAMP productions and performances, although specific roles are not guaranteed.

Current and upcoming productions can be found through our Box Office.

Auditions and casting

For most Blue and Green productions, we hold auditions for individual roles.

We see auditions as an important part of members' development.

Members are encouraged to research the show, think about the character or role they would like, prepare audition material and put themselves forward.

It gives young performers experience of the preparation and audition process they may encounter elsewhere in performing arts, while also encouraging them to work towards the roles they would like to achieve.

Not every member will receive the role they audition for, and specific roles are never guaranteed. Members continue to have opportunities to perform as part of the wider production and ensemble.

Casting within Minis is more relaxed and age appropriate. We still encourage younger members to try small speaking or singing parts where appropriate, helping them gradually become more comfortable performing in front of an audience.

Our professional productions

STAMP productions are more than an extension of a weekly class.

We stage productions for paying public audiences and bring together the work of our members, creative team and professionals from different areas of theatre and live production.

Depending on the production, this can include professional expertise in technical production, lighting, costume, scenery and set, direction, choreography, music and vocal work.

Members therefore get to experience the wider process involved in taking a production from rehearsal through to a fully staged public performance.

Recent productions include Disney's Frozen: The West End Musical at Brinkburn in May 2026, with Rapunzel – The Panto being staged in December 2026.

Performance opportunities vary between groups and productions, so membership does not guarantee a particular number of performances or a particular role.

Read more about Student Performance Opportunities.

Twenty years of STAMP

STAMP was founded in South Tyneside in 2006.

The organisation grew from earlier local performance projects and has developed over the past 20 years into a Community Interest Company with regular performing arts groups, productions, studios and a team of teachers, creatives and volunteers.

One of the things we are particularly proud of is the number of former members who have remained connected to STAMP.

Some have progressed into further or professional performing arts training and careers. Others have returned to STAMP as teachers, directors, choreographers and members of the creative team.

That continuity means today's members can be taught and supported by people who understand STAMP because they once stood in the same rehearsal rooms as members themselves.

You can explore the story in our STAMP History and browse individual records in our Archive.

The STAMP team

Our sessions and productions involve people working across group leadership, singing and voice, acting, choreography, directing, wardrobe and costume, technical production, health and safety, safeguarding and chaperoning.

Current teaching relationships include Leigh Grant, Molly Featherstone, Lucy Martin and Leonie Reay with Minis; Ruby Bourdiec and Emily Wright with Blue Group; and Christopher Perry-McCourt, Lucy Robson and Harvey Johnson with Green Group.

You can read individual biographies, roles and confirmed credentials in our Team Directory.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is an important part of how STAMP operates.

STAMP has named safeguarding leads and appropriate DBS arrangements for relevant members of the team working with children and young people.

During productions involving children, we use licensed child chaperones.

Our voluntary licensed chaperones follow the appropriate application process, including enhanced DBS checks, safeguarding training, references and licensing through South Tyneside Council.

Safeguarding responsibilities continue throughout rehearsals and performances, including supervision, performance hours, rest periods, illness and the safe collection of children.

If there is an immediate risk to a child, the appropriate emergency service should always be contacted.

Parents during sessions

Parents do not stay in the studio or wait with their child during a normal STAMP session.

This forms part of our security and safeguarding arrangements and also allows members to settle into their group, concentrate on the session and develop some independence without continually looking for a parent or carer.

We understand that leaving a child at a new activity can feel like a big step, particularly for younger or nervous children. If there is something we genuinely need to know to support your child, please tell us through the appropriate registration or contact process before their session.

Our studios

Weekly classes take place at:

STAMP Studios
5 Frederick Street
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE33 5DY

Our studios are on the first floor and do not currently have step-free access.

Families with access requirements should contact STAMP before attending so we can discuss the venue with you.

Productions may take place at other venues. Current productions use venues including Brinkburn CIO Theatre on Harton Lane in South Shields.

Always check the relevant production page for the venue of a particular performance.

Your child's first session

There is no need to buy specialist clothing before your child's first STAMP session.

For their first session, we recommend comfortable clothing suitable for moving around, suitable shoes, a snack and a drink for the break.

The priority is for your child to be comfortable and able to take part.

Any ongoing classwear or production-specific requirements will be communicated separately.

Before attending, make sure you have checked the correct group, day and session time.

Read Preparing for Your First Class for more information.

Fees and session times

Our current fees, days and session times are published on the individual class pages.

Because these can change, we deliberately keep the live class pages as the main source for current operational information rather than repeating every price and timetable throughout the website.

Use the Classes page to compare Minis, Blue Group and Green Group and see the latest information.

Frequently asked questions

What age can my child start STAMP?

Minis is for ages 3–6, Blue Group for ages 7–12, and Green Group for ages 13+. If you're unsure which group is appropriate, contact us and we'll help.

Does my child need previous experience?

No. Beginners and newcomers are welcome.

Does my child have to audition to join?

No. Regular weekly membership is not audition-only. Auditions are held separately for roles in many STAMP productions, particularly for Blue and Green Group.

What if my child is shy?

That's absolutely fine. We encourage members to get involved and challenge themselves, but we also respect what each person is comfortable with. Members can take as much or as little opportunity as they feel ready for, and confidence can build over time.

Do parents stay during classes?

No. Parents do not stay in the studio or wait with their child during normal sessions as part of our security and safeguarding arrangements.

What should my child wear for their first session?

Comfortable clothing and suitable shoes. They should also bring a snack and a drink for the break.

Will my child get to perform?

Performance is an important part of STAMP and regular members are given opportunities to take part in productions and performances. Specific roles are not guaranteed and may be decided through auditions.

How often are productions held?

There isn't a guaranteed fixed number for every member or group. Our programme changes throughout the year. You can see current productions on the Box Office.

Where are classes held?

Regular weekly classes are held at STAMP Studios, 5 Frederick Street, South Shields, NE33 5DY.

How much does STAMP cost?

Current fees are shown on the relevant class pages, so families always see the latest published price.

Can my child try a class?

Trial and joining availability changes throughout the year. Check the relevant class page or our joining page for the current status.

For more answers, visit our full Frequently Asked Questions page.

How to join STAMP

Joining starts with choosing the group that matches your child's age: Minis for ages 3–6, Blue Group for ages 7–12 and Green Group for ages 13+.

Visit the Classes page to compare the groups and check current availability.

Where trials or registrations are available, follow the joining link provided on the website. STAMP uses ClassManager for member registration and administration.

If a group is currently full, follow the waiting-list or contact instructions shown for that group rather than using an old registration or social-media link.

Visit Join STAMP for the current joining options.

Contact STAMP

For general enquiries:

Email: info@st-amp.co.uk
Telephone: 0191 580 1959

STAMP Studios
5 Frederick Street
South Shields
Tyne and Wear
NE33 5DY

Existing members can use ClassManager for member administration.

Tickets for current public productions can be purchased through the verified links on our Box Office.

You can also visit our Contact page for the appropriate way to get in touch.

Is STAMP right for my child?

No performing arts group is going to be the right fit for every child.

STAMP may be a good fit if your child enjoys singing, dancing, acting, performing, stories, music or simply being creative with other young people.

They do not need to arrive confident or experienced.

For some members, STAMP becomes somewhere to perform and develop their skills. For others, it is somewhere to make friends, build confidence and enjoy being part of a group. Some go on to further training or careers in performing arts; others simply take the experience and confidence with them into whatever they choose to do next.

What we can offer is an established South Tyneside performing arts community, weekly musical theatre sessions, opportunities to perform on stage and encouragement to take the next step when each member is ready.

If that sounds right for your child, start by exploring Minis, Blue Group and Green Group and checking which sessions are currently accepting new members.