Musical Theatre lessons for children aged 3 upwards
About Us
KS Musicals is a weekly singing, drama and movement class for children aged 3 – 17. We focus on musical theatre (West End/Broadway/Musical film) type pieces incorporating the 3 disciplines of voice, drama and dance. This includes improvisation, technique, breathing and harmonies for the older children and introduction to the world of singing and performance to the younger children. Children are split into 4 age groups and are taught with children of a similar age.
We work towards shows for family and friends performed at various venues around the area. We are also often asked to perform at various functions and concerts. Generally, we do one show at Christmas and one in the Summer term.
Our main aim is for the children to have fun and enjoy themselves whilst learning about the fundamentals of theatre performance.
All children are made to feel very welcome and we have a wonderful environment where everyone feels safe, the children love meeting like-minded new friends from various schools. There is no requirement for coming to our classes, just a willingness to join in and participate in all the activities.
Classes & Groups
Classes are held on Tuesdays of term time at Chetwynde School, Barrow in Furness from 4.30 pm onwards.
Classes are £6 per week which must be paid in advance at the start of each half term.
As there are no additional charges for costumes/shows etc each term must be paid in full, we do not do refunds if your child misses a week.
Our main aim is for the children to have fun and enjoy themselves whilst learning about the fundamentals of theatre performance.
All children are made to feel very welcome and we have a wonderful environment where everyone feels safe, the children love meeting like-minded children from various schools. There is no requirement for coming to class except a big smile and willingness to join in and learn!
Group 1
These classes introduce children to the world of musical theatre and performing arts. Children are encouraged to explore their creativity whilst learning the basics of the discipline required to be part of a production on stage.
We introduce children to the idea of singing by teaching them how their voice works and how to control it. Children begin to learn about diction and rhythm by learning popular show songs.
Group 2
This is the most popular age group for a child to become interested in performing arts and is a great age to get involved!
Every child has a chance to shine, learn and develop in musical theatre through singing dance and acting. Singing lessons can be daunting for children which is why we use a mixture of musical theatre, pop songs as well as vocal technique exercises.
This combination builds confidence slowly and usually when the children begin to feel comfortable most will want to try to sing solo in class or in a show without any pressure.
Our classes are an excellent outlet for a child’s imagination as well as boosting self-esteem and encouraging teamwork.
Group 3
School Years 3 – 6 split into 2 teaching groups
At the age of 7 (once your child is in Year 3) they will join group 3. Every session starts with a vocal warm-up, teaching children how to control their voices and reach their full potential in singing.
Children work on various songs from musicals, film and pop whilst studying vocal harmonies, singing and breathing techniques in groups, duets and wherever possible as a solo singer. As well as singing the children work on confidence building, improvisation, acting techniques and voice projection.
We combine the songs they are learning with movement and dance. These age children often work with the older children to build their confidence further and give them experience of working with more experienced young adults.
Group 4
School Years 7 – 11
Usually, children who get involved at this age are already attending dance, drama or singing classes elsewhere which is fantastic!
We understand that children who want to perform like to do it as much as possible so it is great to get involved with as many different areas of performing arts as they can!
We are happy to help children get more involved in our town’s rich musical theatre scene. We are often asked if we have children who would be interested in taking part in large-scale productions.
History
KS Musicals was founded in 2011 by Katherine Smith as a group for her private singing students to perform together. Katherine used her dining room as the main teaching space but as word soon spread the number of children interested grew and we moved to larger premises, we have since needed an even bigger space which has brought us to our current home – Chetwynde School in Barrow in Furness.
We now have 7 age groups with 25 children in each age group ranging from 3 – 18 years old and classes are held every Tuesday night. As well as learning the skills of performance in lessons, children get to put these into practice in our concerts and performances. Every Christmas we have our annual Christmas concert and Summer show and we also take part in other performances throughout the year.
Our children are in demand and often asked to sing at many local events. If you would like the children to perform at an event you are organising please don’t hesitate to get in touch!
Kath Parkinson
I am Katherine Parkinson (I was Katherine Smith hence the KS!) the founder and lead teacher at KS Musicals. I have a BA (Hons) in Music specialising in performance from Liverpool University as well as a PGCE and I am a qualified Performing Arts teacher specializing in musical theatre.
I am currently Head of Creative Faculty and lead Performing arts teacher at Chetwynde School in Barrow In Furness as well as running KS Musicals.
I have produced and directed musicals for over 20 years both in Barrow and in Liverpool where I studied Music and Singing. I have worked professionally as a singer and entertainer on Cruise ships around the world, mainly with Princess Cruises.
I have been running KS Musicals for 11 years now, we started with 12 children which has quickly grown to over 100.
Since KS has grown so rapidly other adults now help me run the classes, these are all CRB/DBS-checked qualified teachers or experienced Musical Theatre Performers.
Currently my team is Louise Atkinson (dance teacher), Samantha Walton (dance teacher) and Maisie Preston (singing/dance). Every adult working and helping at KS Musicals is DBS-checked and registered with Cumbria County Council as a matron.
Every session has a qualified first aider present. We take our responsibility as adults working with children extremely seriously and have appointed Sam Walton as our head of safeguarding
KS at Disney!
In October 2018, 35 children from KS Musicals travelled to Disneyland Paris to perform on the Disney Stage as part of the Disney Performing Arts programme. This was an amazing experience for all involved. We are hoping to take part in this programme again in the not-too-distant future.
Holiday Clubs!
During the summer school holidays, we run Musical Theatre Clubs for children aged 4– 13. The children are split into age-appropriate groups and work towards performing a mini-show at the end of the week. Musicals we have performed extracts from in the past are The Little Mermaid, Joseph and His Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, The Rocky Horror Show, and Mamma Mia.
Please note holiday club is very popular and as spaces are limited children who attend weekly classes do get priority.