Welcome to Darlington Academy of Performing Arts

(DAPA)

Here at DAPA we aim to provide the community with fun, affordable performing arts classes for all ages.

While there is a strong focus on musical theatre in our MAINSTAGE and INFANT classes we also offer students dance or drama only opportunities for those interested on training in one discipline.

For those who want to learn a broad range of performance skills we are now offering PACKAGES that meet your individual needs making our classes even more value for money!

Check out our video to see what we are all about !

We also host several HOLIDAY WORKSHOPS throughout the year.

For Schools we can provide tailor made drama/dance workshops as well as SCRIPTS for youth productions.

All classes are held at our own VENUE and measures are in place for COVID-19 safety and social distancing.

All MAINSTAGE and INFANT's will be part of two staged musical productions per year which are written especially for each age group.

Writing our own musicals allows us to use modern and popular musical songs that students wouldn't normally get to perform.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

We were thrilled to have worked with Darlington Library in 2019 and 2020.

In 2019 we held two workshops at Crown Street and Cockerton Library where children learned a full routine to the Greatest Showman. Both events were fully subscribed and all the children worked really hard and parents were amazed at how much was learnt in such a short space of time.

In 2020 we worked with Darlington Library on their BOOKFEST event. Working with over 40 children from Corporation Road School and Springfield School we created a tailor made show that the children performed in front of an audience that included the Mayor of Darlington.

During 2019 and 2020 we worked with DARLINGTON FOR CULTURE bringing performing arts to schools in the local area.

We originally set out to do 10, two-hour workshops for up to 50 school age students each. We had so many requests for workshops we ended up doing 25 in four months and visited: Marchbank; Redhall; Reid Street; Carmel College; Mowden; Staindrop; High Conniscliffe; Heighington.

All workshops were very well received, and we taught 45-60 students at each, so about 1250 pupils benefited from the experience. All workshops entailed singing and dancing and learning a five-minute routine. The pupils also performed with gymnastic dance ribbons which brought life and colour to the routine.

The children really enjoyed the experience and each school was amazed at how much they learned in a short space of time. Some of the schools carried on practising after we had left and did a mini show in assembly later for the whole school.

We also got involved in Darlington MASS DANCE 2019- and very much look forward to the next one as the children really enjoyed getting out into the community and showing off their skills!

Reviews

"For the first time in a very long time... Lucas has not stopped smiling and been so proud to tell me all about his day... I have never seen him talk so confidently, I can't wait to see how he grows through this week"

"Joanne and Paul bring the best out of every person. You are wonderful people and have such a passion for what you do which shows when you put on a performance. The memories you are making for these children is amazing!"

"Madison had a fantastic time at Summer School. She enjoyed it all, but particularly dance the most as it was ‘fast paced’ and fun! Although she didn’t know anyone, she was made to feel very welcome and she made new friends during the week and looked forward to going each day. Madison was particularly proud to be given the part of the Narrator and learnt her lines in just one night!"

"It was brilliant. Aoife enjoyed every minute of it and can't wait for more! I can't believe how much you achieved in such a short time and it was so well organised, visually fantastic and every child was treated equally.

I have to admit, I shed a tear at the end...it was superb. I was so proud of my girl...thank you for giving her such an amazing experience.

Bring on the classes!"

"My daughter has just been to a performing arts summer school with Darlington Academy of Performing Arts. and they put on a mini showcase of some of the things they'd been doing - OMG - it was amazing!! I really didn't expect to see such a result after only 5 days. It was visually amazing and the kids were thriving on what they had been doing. This is a new drama school and I was slightly sceptical about what it would be like BUT this was so professionally run. All I can say is - if anyone is looking for a performing arts school for their child, no matter what age, this is definitely one to go to."