About Us
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Our history
Perform was launched in 2000 as a new kind of drama school – one that has child development at its very heart.
The founders, Will Barnett and Lucy Quick, both had a passion for the performing arts and wanted to create a unique organisation to help build children’s self-esteem and life skills.
Prior to establishing Perform, Lucy trained as an actor and appeared in a number of shows in the West End and regionally. During this time, she was also working extensively with children at a variety of children’s drama schools.
Will studied Law and worked in the commercial world at a leading advertising agency. He also worked as a Musical Director and composer in London and across the UK.
The aim of Perform was to use performing arts games, exercises and materials to help boost child development. Rather than teaching rigorous techniques and requiring the endless memorisation of lines or steps, the sessions would use specially devised activities, each with the aim of developing a specific life skill or social attribute. With smaller classes and lots of individual attention, Lucy believed that children would be able to grow and develop at their own pace while Perform focused on the 4 Cs – confidence, concentration, communication and coordination.
Starting with two schools in Primrose Hill and Islington, Perform has grown to over 300 venues across London and the South and West of England. It now encompasses hundreds of weekly classes for 4-7s and 7-12s, weekly dance classes for 6-12s, holiday courses, unique party entertainment and Perform for Schools – a thriving programme of workshops in primary schools.
Lucy and Will continue to drive the business. As Principal, Lucy is responsible for recruiting, training and monitoring Perform teachers, developing the Perform curriculum and writing the games and exercises used in Perform classes. Will oversees marketing, finance, IT and operational areas as well as writing the songs and scripts the children learn.
Read about Lucy’s tips for child development and her blog, or follow her on Twitter.
My daughter is always happy when she comes back from Perform and she’s always eager to show me what she's learnt. The joy on her face is enough for me to know she really enjoys it.
I’ve definitely noticed a positive difference in the children since attending Perform. They are confident and always bounce out of their session. We couldn’t be happier!
Both my children love Perform. They return from each class buzzing and are enjoying using the app at home too. It was interesting to see what they do in the session in the recent Open Workshop video and we enjoy the summary emails of topics covered. Impressive organisation!
Josh and Aaron have been loving the classes. I love the ethos and wish we had signed up sooner. James is brilliant!!
The classes are really helping James build confidence and he comes out feeling motivated to learn his part. I can see he is enjoying it.
Both my boys absolutely love Perform and look forward to the class each week! It has really helped their confidence. Alana and Lizzie are both fantastic.
Sienna's confidence is growing and it's so lovely to see. She is so excited every session and loves being able to come home with the stickers to add to her poster each week. We are so happy with everything.
Sahira absolutely loves it!
My children are delighted with Perform! It is their favourite activity of the week.
George loves the classes. He is much more confident and more expressive; singing more and communicating more effectively.
