PQA St Albans

PQA St Albans The classes are an early stage approach to acting and musical theatre. They can Dress up, enjoy being creative and become ‘Poppet of the Week’.

Providing performing arts classes on Sunday mornings in Musical Theatre, Film and TV and Comedy and Drama for young people aged 4 - 18
DM/comment for more info! Our Performing Arts Academy operates out of The Sandpit Theatre on site at The Sandringham School, Ridgeway, St Albans, AL4 9NX every Sunday morning from 9.45 - 1pm. Poppets (4-5)
This class will run for 90 minutes and offer children the c

hance to enter imaginary worlds with great adventures all guided through song, dance and movement. Main Academy (6-18)
These classes will run for 3 hours. The 3 modules the students participate in are; Comedy and Drama, Musical Theatre (singing and dancing) and Film and Television (which covers film making and all aspects of media training). Each project we offer in the main Academy is so different and is a unique road of self-discovery that each student embarks on; developing new skills, new friendships and a new level of self-belief. Students also have the opportunity each week to be awarded 'Performer of the Week or 'Film Maker of the Week'. They will take part in at least 1 large production each year and have the opportunity to Perform every few years in the PQA West End production and see themselves on the BIG screen at Academy film viewings. From Ian the Principal.. I feel very privileged to be the Principal at PQA St Albans. Working alongside such inspirational teachers who have worked extensively in the Performing Arts industry combined with watching such talented students explore the various disciplines of Performing Arts in a completely practical and creative way puts a massive smile on my face! We’re committed to creating a safe space where students can take risks, experiment and think outside the box! It is vitally important to me that in all classes students have the freedom to find out who they are and grow in confidence, whilst receiving quality training which opens their eyes to different areas of the industry. Above all we want everyone to be themselves and be amazing! If you have a child that has lots of energy, an interest in the Performing Arts or maybe is just lacking in confidence, then PQA St Albans should be their first point of call every Sunday morning at The Sandringham School Campus. If you’d like to experience any of these great opportunities, then feel free to call me so we can arrange a FREE TASTER SESSION

We look forward to welcoming you to PQA St Albans

Ian Mayhew
Principal
[email protected]
07552 346511

12/08/2026

WE ATE! Our children looked great in their newsies costumes! fo

06/08/2026

A little peek at our home at PQA St Albans at Verulam School✨

🎭 Drama Studio�🎤 Main Hall�🎥 Classroom
✨ Poppets Space

Plus… we’ve got access to even more spaces for filming!

This is where the magic happens 💫
�Ready to join us? Book your free taster session now via the link in bio 🔗

04/08/2026

Trying On The PQA Uniform For The First Time Was Surreal - I Can't Wait To Wear This Every Sunday


Hello, my name is Grace and I’m super excited to be the new Principal of PQA St Albans!I am a proud northerner, born and...
04/08/2026

Hello, my name is Grace and I’m super excited to be the new Principal of PQA St Albans!

I am a proud northerner, born and bred in Darlington, and ever since I was 7 years old I have always wanted to perform. I attended various theatre schools, including Act Pack, Stagecoach and Stockton Riverside College, before eventually training at the Guildford School of Acting.

Performing Arts gave me confidence that not only helped me in my career, but also in everyday life. It develops so many valuable transferable skills including teamwork, communication, resilience, creativity and self-expression. My hope is to create a welcoming and inspiring environment where young people can grow in confidence, make friends and discover their potential through Performing Arts.

At PQA, students will develop social skills alongside technical training in singing, dancing and acting, as well as learning stagecraft, camera acting, improvisation, script work and performance techniques for both stage and screen.

By day, I work as a local primary school teacher, and by night I perform with local amateur dramatic companies. Teaching and performing go hand in hand for me, as both allow me to inspire young people, encourage creativity and help build confidence in others. So, whether your child wants to have loads of fun, build their confidence or dare to dream, we can offer them an amazing performing arts journey at PQA St Albans!



02/08/2026

This is Grace. New PQA St Albans principal.
She's finally posting her first video instead of overthinking it. First time business owner and excited to bring her visions to life t

✨ Exciting news at PQA St Albans! ✨A brand new chapter begins as we welcome our new Principal - Grace!We can't wait to b...
01/08/2026

✨ Exciting news at PQA St Albans! ✨

A brand new chapter begins as we welcome our new Principal - Grace!

We can't wait to bring fresh energy, creativity, and
unforgettable experiences to our amazing academy.

We're so excited to welcome everyone back on Saturday 6th September for the start of a fantastic new term filled with performing, creating, and making memories together. Whether you're returning or thinking of joining us for the first time, we can't wait to see you!

Here's to an incredible year ahead!

08/06/2026

Hello PQA St Albans…

I have just emailed out the weekly Newsletter...

It was great full days rehearsal on Sunday, all students were brilliant, showing lots of commitment, energy and support for each other. We are really excited for the show...

This is just a reminder that this weekend is both
Saturday 13th & Sunday 14th June for all Main Academy students
at Samuel Ryder Academy, Drakes Dr, St Albans, AL1 5AR
It is so important students attend both days - all day, otherwise they will miss key technical aspects of the show.

Students need to arrive as they did last week in their Main Costume please & bring a change of clothes if needed & any other costumes with them. They will also need to bring lunch, snacks & water with them both days.

Timings are 9.30 arrival both days & finish at 5pm. But if the are using a microphone (they have been told) then please can they arrive at 9am,

The performance will start at 3pm on Sunday 14th, so please arrive before & you will be met by reception and taken to the Main Hall.

There is NO poppets session Sunday 14th June. We will see you back at Verulam school on Sunday 21st June and this is again until 12.

This weeks Newsletter:

-Academy Dates
-PQA Film of the Month
-Main Academy News & Resources - Costume & Show Fee Letters
-Poppets News & Resources
-West End News
-Awards

If you know anyone who would like to join or book a free taster then please get them to register on the link below.

https://www.pqacademy.com/book-a-free-taster-session/

Take care & we look forward to seeing you all back raring to go at the weekend ..

Ian & the team

Hello PQA St Albans…I have just emailed out the Weekly Newsletter...It was a brilliant session again on Sunday and the s...
28/04/2026

Hello PQA St Albans…

I have just emailed out the Weekly Newsletter...

It was a brilliant session again on Sunday and the students demonstrated lots of energy & commitment in rehearals.

This is a reminder that there is NO Academy this Sunday the 3rd May, as its the bank holiday weekend BUT there will be a session on Sunday 10th May & this is all day at Verulam School. 9.30 arrival until 5pm & students MUST please attend all day, as they will be rehearsing different parts of the show. Please can they bring lots of refreshments & lunch.

Poppets will also be back on Sunday 10th May & this will finish at 12.

This weeks Newsletter:

-Academy Dates
-Main Academy News & Resources - Show Fee Letter
-Poppets News & Resources
-West End News
-Awards

If you know anyone who would like to join or book a free taster then please get them to register on the link below.

https://www.pqacademy.com/book-a-free-taster-session/

Take care & we look forward to seeing you all back raring to go on Sunday 10th May...

Ian & the team

PQA is a weekend performing arts Academy providing tuition for children and young people.

Hello PQA St Albans…I have just emailed out the weekly newsletter...It was a fantastic session again on Sunday and rehea...
21/04/2026

Hello PQA St Albans…

I have just emailed out the weekly newsletter...

It was a fantastic session again on Sunday and rehearsals are now back in full swing...

This weeks Newsletter:

-Academy Dates
-Main Academy News & Resources - Show Fee Letter
-Poppets News & Resources
-West End News
-Awards

If you know anyone who would like to join or book a free taster then please get them to register on the link below.

https://www.pqacademy.com/book-a-free-taster-session/

Take care & we look forward to seeing you all back raring to go on Sunday...

Ian & the team

PQA is a weekend performing arts Academy providing tuition for children and young people.

Address

Veralum School, Brampton Road
Saint Albans
AL14PR

Opening Hours

10am - 1pm

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