Swindon's Actors' Institute to relaunch Drama Club with free Open Day for those aged 4 -11

The Actors’ Institute, located on Milton Road in Swindon, will open its doors to young performers aged 4-11 next month to relaunch its Saturday morning drama club.

These weekly classes will be taught by Hannah Marquez, who is a professional actor and theatre teacher specialising in early-years Drama. 

As well as having a Diploma of Higher Education in Primary Education from the University of Oxford, Hannah also has a BA (Hons) in Performing Arts.

She said: “We have been bringing back our classes gradually since the pandemic and I can’t wait to welcome young people back into the studio again! Our offering for young people ranges from a gentle introduction to drama for ages 4-6 to confidence-building and performance skills workshops for ages 7-11.

“The free open day will give students and parents the opportunity to meet our team and find out more about classes, as well as giving students the opportunity to take part in a free theatre workshop for their age group."

The Actors’ Institute is said to have an excellent track record for nurturing the careers of young actors by supporting students auditioning for Drama School and University. They also run an Actor Training Programme for those wanting to pursue a professional Acting career. 

The Shoebox is a 50-seat studio theatre located within the Health Hydro on Milton Road. It produces and programmes professional theatre and provides training opportunities with the Actors’ Institute for young people aged 4+ and adults.

Award winning actress, Billie Piper became the Patron of the Shoebox, when it officially launched in February 2017.  

Billie Piper said: “Venues like the Shoebox are really wonderful and important. When I was growing up in Swindon, I came through the traditional drama training routes, which are great, but the Shoebox Theatre offers alternative ways of developing skills and gaining experience, which is really, really exciting.”