The Belfast School of Speech & Drama

Established in 1995

Fun, creative and confidence-building speech and drama classes for children and young people, delivered by fully qualified and experienced speech & drama and primary school teachers.

View class times Book a trial class

Established in 1995

About us

We are a group of fully qualified LNEA Speech & Drama teachers and have been running these classes since 1995. We are also experienced primary school teachers.

Each year our pupils are offered the opportunity to participate in a Christmas Production, Regional Performing Arts Festival and Fully Accredited Examinations through The New Era Academy.

Our unique, confidence-building drama classes inspire children to find their voice, build self-esteem, and express themselves creatively in a fun, supportive environment.

Young performers taking part in a Snow White production

“The greatest role you can play in life is to be truly, wonderfully, unapologetically you!”

Claire Kieran McGrogan

BA (Hons), PGCE, LNEA, ANEA (Acting)

Anne Cassidy

BEd (Hons), MA (Eng), Dip (Educ), LNEA

Katrina Cassidy

BEd (Hons), MBS, CiM, LNEA

Why Choose Us?

We offer more than just a children’s drama class.

Our classes are designed to help pupils develop confidence, creativity and performance skills, while also providing exciting opportunities to perform, achieve and progress.

Each year, alongside our Christmas Play, pupils have the opportunity to take part in a variety of local Performing Arts Festivals, including:

Belfast Musical Festival
Lagan Festival of Speech, Drama, Music & Art
Carrickfergus Musical Festival

These experiences allow our pupils to perform in front of an audience, develop their stagecraft and gain valuable experience in a supportive and encouraging environment.

For pupils looking to take their skills further, we also prepare students for a range of fully accredited examinations through the New Era Academy of Speech & Drama. From Level 3 upwards, these qualifications can provide valuable UCAS Tariff points, helping pupils to build recognised qualifications alongside their passion for the performing arts.

From building confidence to performing on stage and gaining recognised qualifications, we give every pupil the opportunity to find their voice, develop their talent and shine.

New Era Academy

Fully Accredited Examinations

Pupils can work towards fully accredited New Era Academy examinations in a range of performance and communication disciplines. Pupils completing Level 3 qualifications and above can also earn valuable UCAS Tariff points towards university entry.

Speech & Drama
Acting
Devised Drama
Musical Theatre
Acting for Screen
Public Speaking
Mime
Reading for Performance

Find out more at The New Era Academy

We encourage children to let their imaginations run free!

Our pupils don’t just memorise lines for plays; they create their Christmas performances themselves. Starting with a basic plot, they work collaboratively to write their own scripts and bring original characters to life. It’s the ultimate way for children to build self-esteem, value their own ideas and make lasting friendships!

Confidence & communication

Games and activities encourage pupils to speak clearly, express themselves and feel increasingly comfortable performing in front of others.

Acting & creativity

Pupils explore acting, improvisation, character work and other creative exercises in an encouraging group environment.

Performance opportunities

Throughout the year, pupils may take part in the Christmas Production, Regional Performing Arts Festival and New Era Academy examinations.

Three young performers taking part in a creative performance

“Let your creativity shine.” A place to build confidence, use your imagination and enjoy performing.

Class times

Classes currently run in Carryduff, North Belfast and Finaghy/Dunmurry.

Thursdays

St Joseph’s, Carryduff

8 Knockbracken Drive, Carryduff

4–5pm Ages 4–6

5–6pm Ages 6–9

6–7pm Ages 9–12

Fridays

St Peter’s, North Belfast

Fortwilliam Drive, Belfast

4–5pm Primary 1–2

5–6pm Primary 3–4

6–7pm Primary 5–7

7–8pm Year 8+

Saturdays

St Anne’s Primary School

50 Kingsway, Finaghy

10–11am Ages 4–8

11am–12pm Ages 9–16

New pupils

Book a trial class before registering

Children are welcome to try their first class before registering for the term. Some classes are currently full, so please get in touch beforehand to check availability.

Carryduff & North Belfast Text Claire on 07793 045071

St Anne’s Text Katrina on 07855 388251