How to Join STAMP

Joining STAMP

Joining STAMP starts with finding the right group for your child's age and checking whether that group is currently accepting new members or trial bookings.

You don't need previous performing experience to join our regular weekly groups, and children don't need to audition for membership.

STAMP has three regular groups for children and young people:

• Minis: ages 3–6
• Blue Group: ages 7–12
• Green Group: ages 13+

All three combine singing, dancing, acting and opportunities to develop confidence and performance skills.

Step 1: Find the right group

The first step is choosing the group appropriate for your child's age.

Minis

Minis is for children aged 3–6.

Sessions provide a lighter introduction to performing arts through singing, movement, acting, creative play and activities including arts and crafts.

Minis runs weekly on Saturdays and Sundays.

Blue Group

Blue Group is for children aged 7–12.

Sessions combine singing and vocal work, dance and movement, acting, drama and performance skills.

Blue Group runs weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

Green Group

Green Group is for young people aged 13+.

Green is performance-focused and combines singing, acting, dance, ensemble work and preparation for productions.

Green Group runs weekly on Mondays and Thursdays.

Visit our Classes page to compare all three groups.

Step 2: Check current availability

Availability can change throughout the year.

Some groups may be accepting new members, some may have trial sessions available and others may be full.

Always check the relevant class page for the current status:

• Minis
• Blue Group
• Green Group

The class pages are the best place to check the latest session times, fees and joining availability.

Step 3: Book a trial or register

Where a group is accepting new members or offering trial sessions, follow the joining or trial button shown on that group's page.

STAMP uses ClassManager for member registration and administration.

The website will direct you to the appropriate registration process where online booking is available.

If a group is currently full, follow the instructions shown on its class page.

Please don't use an old registration link from a previous social media post or message, as joining arrangements and availability can change.

Does my child need to audition?

No.

Children and young people do not need to audition to join our regular weekly STAMP groups.

Beginners and newcomers are welcome.

Auditions are held separately for roles in many of our productions, particularly for Blue and Green Group.

Once members are involved in a production, they may have the opportunity to audition for individual characters or roles.

Joining STAMP and auditioning for a production are two different things.

Does my child need previous experience?

No.

Your child doesn't need to have attended singing, dancing, acting or musical theatre classes before joining STAMP.

Some members arrive with previous performing experience and others are trying musical theatre for the first time.

We don't expect a new member to already know choreography, understand how rehearsals work or be confident performing in front of other people.

Our teaching teams help members develop from wherever they're starting.

Read our Musical Theatre for Beginners guide if this will be your child's first performing arts class.

What if my child is shy or nervous?

That's absolutely fine.

Children don't have to arrive at STAMP ready to sing a solo, speak in front of everyone or immediately put themselves forward for a role.

A nervous member can begin by getting to know the group and taking part in ensemble activities.

As they become more comfortable, we encourage them to take new opportunities where possible while respecting what they feel ready for.

Read Classes for Shy Children and Building Confidence Through Performing Arts for more information about our approach.

Step 4: Complete your registration information

When registering your child, please provide the information requested through the registration process.

It's important that STAMP has the information needed to support your child appropriately.

If your child has an access, medical or support need that may affect their participation, please make us aware through the appropriate registration process.

If there's something you'd prefer to discuss before joining, use our Contact page and we can advise you on the appropriate way to provide further information.

Step 5: Get ready for the first session

Once your child's place or trial has been confirmed, you can start preparing for their first visit.

For their first session, we recommend:

• comfortable clothing suitable for moving around;
• suitable shoes;
• a snack;
• a drink for the break.

There's no need to buy specialist clothing before their first session.

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

Read Preparing for Your First Class for more information.

Where are STAMP classes held?

Our regular weekly classes take place at:

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

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

If this affects your child, please contact STAMP before registering or attending so we can discuss the venue with you.

What happens when we arrive?

Your child will join the group and take part in whatever they're working on that week.

There isn't a special fixed lesson for every new member because our sessions change depending on the group and the productions we're preparing for.

They might encounter singing, dancing, acting, performance activities or material from an upcoming show.

The teaching team will know they're new, and they aren't expected to already know the material.

Read What Happens During a STAMP Class? to find out more.

Do parents stay during the session?

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

This forms part of our security and safeguarding arrangements and also helps members settle into the group, concentrate on the session and become comfortable participating independently.

We understand this can feel like a bigger step for younger or nervous children.

If there's something we need to know before your child attends, please contact us in advance.

What happens after joining?

Once your child becomes a STAMP member, they'll take part in their regular weekly sessions and become part of their group.

What they're working on will change throughout the year.

At some points sessions may focus on developing singing, dancing and acting skills. At other times, particularly when a production is approaching, more time will be spent rehearsing songs, scenes, choreography and full company numbers.

Performance is an important part of STAMP, and regular members are given opportunities to take part in productions and performances.

Specific roles aren't guaranteed and may be decided through separate auditions.

Read more about Student Performance Opportunities.

How much does STAMP cost?

Fees vary by group and attendance option.

Rather than repeating prices here, we keep the current fees on the individual class pages so you can see the latest information when you're ready to join.

Visit:

• Minis
• Blue Group
• Green Group

for current fees, session times and availability.

Still have a question?

If you've checked the class page and still aren't sure about something, please get in touch.

For general enquiries:

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

You can also use our Contact page.

If you're contacting us about joining, tell us your child's age and which group you're interested in so we can give you the most useful answer.

Ready to join STAMP?

Start by choosing the group appropriate for your child's age:

• Ages 3–6: Minis
• Ages 7–12: Blue Group
• Ages 13+: Green Group

Check the current availability on the class page and follow the joining or trial instructions shown there.

We look forward to welcoming you to STAMP.