Weekly drama classes for children: groups, places, the show

Organise children's drama classes by age group, each on a fixed weekly time with a set number of places, and let parents start with a trial class they book online. Once a child joins, book them into the rest of the term's sessions yourself, so their place is kept every week. Before the end-of-year show, add rehearsal slots for each group. Parents see clear times and groups, and you know exactly who will be in the room each week.

Children of seven and children of twelve don't play the same games or read the same texts. Group them by age, and keep groups small enough that every child gets a turn on stage in each session. The number you choose becomes the number of places on each slot. A mixed-age group can work for older, experienced children, but keep beginners together.

Durations, places and prices are examples: set your own. On Book, each service has a name, a price and an optional description shown on your public page. You open slots for each service, with their own number of places, and you can repeat them each week on chosen weekdays until a date, such as the end of term. Each booking takes one place; a full slot disappears from your page, which doesn't show how many places are left.

Booking the term yourself keeps each child's place safe: the slots fill with your regulars, and only the places you leave free stay visible for trials.

The public booking form asks for first name, last name, email and phone, plus an optional note you read in your new-booking email. Parents book with their own details; ask them to write the child's first name, age, and anything you should know, such as shyness or a medical condition. The note can't be edited once the booking exists, so put the questions in the service description.

A predictable shape helps younger children settle: a warm-up game, voice and body exercises, improvisation in small groups, then work on scenes, and a closing circle where each child says what they liked. Vary the games to keep it fresh, but keep the structure. Short sessions for the youngest, longer ones for teenagers who can hold a scene for longer. Parents waiting outside appreciate a clear pick-up time; say it in the description and end on time.

When a child will be absent, the parent tells you. You can cancel that session's booking from your bookings list, which frees the place for a trial, or keep it if the child's place stays reserved. Book doesn't email parents about changes, so confirm yourself.

In the weeks before the show, open rehearsal slots for each group, and a dress rehearsal with the full cast. Book each child in from your calendar, or let parents book if you prefer. Say in the description what to bring: costume pieces, water, a snack. Slots sit within one day, so the show and its rehearsal are separate slots. Book doesn't sell tickets or take payments; it handles the bookings. It costs €5/month, everything included: unlimited services and bookings, no commission, no contract.