Performing arts to inspire and develop young people
YMCA Creative Academy is a programme of workshops focused on building creativity, confidence and industry skills within the creative and performing arts.
Our sessions are open to young people of all schools aged 10-17, and provide an open, non-judgmental space to engage with industry professionals in a collaborative, creative environment.
What to expect from Creative Academy
Drama, dance & singing workshops
Hone your skills, practice techniques, develop resilience and build confidence in your art form!
Creative Art
Learn a variety of art techniques; painting, prints, ceramics and much more
Be part of a community
Sessions are lively and enjoyable, shared with like-minded young people and led by industry professionals
Weekly sessions
Our Creative Academy is open to young people aged 11-17.
From dance and drama sessions to art techniques, creative writing, and producing their own merchandise, every moment will be filled with excitement and discovery. In our spacious dance and art studios, a nurturing atmosphere, we ensure that each participant feels inspired and comfortable to express their unique talents.
| Location | Dates & Times | Price | Session |
| Art Studio | Tuesdays 4:30pm – 5:30pm |
£4 per session | Performing Arts – Explore and develop acting, singing, and dancing skills. – Creative writing for scripts, lyrics, poems and monologues – Team building games and activities |
| Art Studio | Thursdays 5:45pm-6:45pm |
£4 per session | Creative Arts – Design and produce a range of merchandise. – Learn a variety of art techniques; painting, prints, ceramics and much more – Explore urban-graffiti artwork creation |
| Art Studio | Thursdays 4:30pm-5:30pm |
£4 per session | Performing Dance -Master dance disciplines; jazz, contemporary and commercial – Create captivating choreography for dance routines – Engaging, movement-filled sessions and expressive dance workouts |
Scholarship Programme
Everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.
YMCA’s Scholarship programme is bedded into the ethos of YMCA’s youth holiday programmes as charity run, not-for-profit services. The initiative provides financial accessibility to families who may otherwise not be able to attend, with costs part covered by charity grants and generous community donations.
Young people who attend on a scholarship enjoy the same incredible experience as everyone else.
Learn more & apply
Meet The Team
Introducing Christina, our YMCA Creative Arts Lead on our Creative Academy programme.
With over 15 years of experience, teaching dance, drama, singing, and performance skills to people of all ages, Christina is deeply passionate about the local youth community.
Outside of this Christina enjoys performing within the local community with her most recent role being portraying Dorothy from the musical “Wizard of Oz” at the Newark Palace Theatre in March.
Christina firmly believes everyone, regardless of age or ability, should have the opportunity to experience the Performing Arts and develop their creativity. She ensures a safe and positive environment for every young person to develop their skills and techniques, upholding the YMCA belief that everyone should have a fair chance to discover who they are and what they can become.
Make an Enquiry
Katy Stafford runs our Creative Academy dance and art sessions on a Thursday.
Katy has been dancing for over 14 years. She started her training at a local dance school where she studied Classical ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Lyrical and Acrobatics, appearing in a range of performances and competitions as well as taking over 35 IDTA examinations. Katy also attended associate training at Chantry school of Contemporary and Balletic arts for 3 years where she took monthly classes in Ballet and Musical Theatre and was also a member of their youth performance company ‘Origins.’ During this time Katy completed her Level 3 extended diploma in dance and became a fully qualified dance teacher with the IDTA. She now enjoys passing on her knowledge and passion of all things dance and performing arts to the future generation.