Location
Classes take place at the Magna Academy, Ashdown Close, Canford Heath, BH17 8RE.
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Autumn Term 2025 Dates
Saturday 13th September - 6th December
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Pre-Junior Acting
4-7yrs (Years R-2) - Saturdays
9.15-10.15am
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Pre-Junior sessions are for our littlest stars!
Each student learns how to express themselves creatively, building confidence, self-esteem and social skills through play. These sessions use drama games, storytelling, music and movement to entertain and engage.
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Students are encouraged to take part in regular end of term presentations for parents, although the emphasis of these sessions is fun, fun, fun!​
Junior Acting
8-11yrs (Years 3-6) - Saturdays
9.30-10.30am
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Junior sessions are for those who want to learn the basics of acting through imaginative play and drama games. We explore devising, characterisation and basic voice work through fun games and exercises. Each student learns how to express themselves creatively, building confidence and self-esteem.
Students are encouraged to take part in an annual production as well as regular end of term presentations for parents, although the emphasis of these sessions is fun, fun, fun!
All DDA students have the opportunity to audition to be on the books of our in-house talent agency 'DDA Talent'.
Intermediate Acting
11-14 yrs (Year 7-9) Saturdays - 10.30-11.30am
Intermediate sessions are for those who want to learn the craft of stage acting through imaginative play and drama games. We explore improvisation, characterisation and voice work through fun games and exercises. Each student learns how to express themselves creatively, building confidence and self-esteem.
Intermediate students begin to experience industry standard training, including at least one audition panel scenario each academic year.
Students are encouraged to take part in an annual production as well as regular end of term showcases and festivals.
All DDA students have the opportunity to audition to be on the books of our in-house talent agency 'DDA Talent'.
BOOK A FREE TASTER NOW!
Due to popular demand, Intermediate Acting 2 launches in January 2026!! Our current Intermediates class is FULL, so please book a free trial for this new class
Senior Acting
14-16yrs (Years 10-11) Saturdays - 11.30-12.45pm
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Senior sessions build on the concepts of intermediate classes, further exploring improvisation, devising, characterisation and voice work. Students also have the opportunity for monologue and scene study. We continue to build confidence and self-esteem, with an emphasis on performance presentation.
Each student is encouraged to take part in an annual production as well as regular end of term showcases and festivals. Our Seniors regularly perform as part of NT connections and usually stage at least one production a year at the Lighthouse, Poole.
All DDA students have the opportunity to audition to be on the books of our in-house talent agency 'DDA Talent'.
BOOK A FREE TASTER NOW!
Advanced Company
16-21yrs (Year 13-Adult) Saturdays - 12.45-2.00pm
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Advanced sessions are for young adults who would like comprehensive, professional training in stage acting. This class explores advanced techniques in improvisation, devised theatre, scripted work, physical theatre and voice. Our Advanced Company stage multiple full productions a year, including performing as part of NT connections at the Lighthouse, Poole.
Senior and Advanced classes form our Senior Improv Troupe who entertain audiences throughout the year.
All DDA students have the opportunity to audition to be on the books of our in-house talent agency 'DDA Talent'.
