Performing Arts Courses & Classes in London and Online
City Lit offers performing arts courses in the heart of Covent Garden in Central London during the evening, daytime and at weekends. Explore our range of subjects including acting, (including accredited acting courses), dance, radio and screen, and voice, speech and communication as well as a full range of music courses, such as piano, singing, strings and wind instruments to jazz and pop, music technology, music theory and history
Our courses are labelled clearly for beginners or those with previous experience and you can speak to a specialist advisor to help you choose the right level. If you would you like some help or advice:
For music courses email music@citylit.ac.uk. You can also view our music auditions and advice page.
For drama, dance and speech courses email drama@citylit.ac.uk
- Using your voice for audio books and talking newspapersCourse start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: David ThorpeWould you like to narrate audio books? Are you interested in community work such as talking newspapers for the blind? Explore vocal skills and techniques required in these areas and identify what style works for you. This course will be delivered in the college.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £104.00 - Ukulele 1
Course start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 1 other date)Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Martin WheatleyLearn the essentials of playing the ukulele on this introductory course. You’ll learn complete songs from the first week. Strumming patterns will be taught and applied to various popular songs. By the end of term you should be able to accompany your own singing or play along to recordings.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £104.00 - Acting: beginners Course start date: Sun 11 May 2025 (and 7 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Cara JenningsExplore the fundamentals of acting on this practical course, designed for people with little or no experience of acting. Increase your confidence and discover your potential in a safe and creative environment.Full fee £249.00 Senior fee £249.00 Concession £174.00 - Introduction to music production Course start date: Sat 31 May 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Max La VillaCome and learn the basics of recording and editing so that you can turn your musical ideas into completed songs you can share!Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £179.00 - The art of negotiatingCourse start date: Wed 30 Apr 2025 (and 3 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Gavin IllsleyNegotiation is a communication skill essential in solving problems and reaching your goals. Learn to prepare well and to feel confident using logical and emotional tools to achieve great outcomes. The course will be taught in the college.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £90.00 - Improve your speaking voiceCourse start date: Thu 15 May 2025 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lloyd WyldeCome and improve your vocal skills through voice production and speech exercises. Learn about self presentation, develop spontaneity and gain greater confidence in your communication skills. This is a practical course based in the college.Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £119.00 Concession £104.00 - Afrocentric drummingCourse start date: Sat 7 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Paul ChiversExplore your enthusiasm for drumming with African rhythms and their variations. Develop individual and group playing skills and learn how to apply a variety of percussive instruments to any musical style or setting.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £99.00 - Voice technique: improversCourse start date: Thu 12 Jun 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Kate MontagueThis course will support your extended vocal development with a focus on resonance, tonality and pitch. Open to those who have completed at least one voice course previously as well as professionals looking to refresh their skills.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £125.00 - Charleston: general level Course start date: Sat 14 Jun 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Rosaria SativaThe Charleston is a fun, easy and uplifting dance and this solo dancing course will have you moving with speed, vitality, and expression. With toe tapping Jazz music from the 1920s and beyond you will learn original Charleston dance steps and moves, improve your musicality and improvisation. A great way to get fit whilst learning a unique and impressive new skill.Full fee £99.00 Senior fee £99.00 Concession £69.00 - Using your voice for audio books and talking newspapers: improversCourse start date: Mon 23 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: David ThorpeWould you like to narrate audio books? Are you interested in community work such as talking newspapers for the blind? This Improvers' course will explore a variety of essential voice techniques such as engaging storytelling, clear and precise articulation and subject-appropriate intonation. Additionally the course looks at how to differentiate your reading styles between audio books and talking newspapers. - Use your voice assertivelyCourse start date: Tue 8 Jul 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lloyd WyldeDo you want to sound more confident, grounded, self-assured and assertive? Improve your vocal skills through a series of exercises that will support you to become more vocally confident, expressive and dynamic without appearing arrogant.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £125.00 - Tap intensive (beginners)Course start date: Tue 15 Jul 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Benjamin BaileyIf you are new to tap then this is the place to start. An intensive course suitable for students of all ages with good general fitness. Tap shoes are essential.
Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Rhythm classCourse start date: Thu 17 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Mark HuggettSupplement your instrumental or vocal study and improve your musical timekeeping. You will play in class, reading and writing rhythms, and work by ear.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - Drumming: introductionCourse start date: Thu 17 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Mark HuggettFor beginners to learn the practical skills required to play drum kit in contemporary music, including stick technique, four-way coordination, listening and music reading. You will play acoustic and practice kits in class.Full fee £59.00 Senior fee £59.00 Concession £59.00 - The Patsy Rodenburg approach to voiceCourse start date: Thu 17 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Lloyd WyldeA brief look at the great Patsy Rodenburg's celebrated work in an intensive voice and speech workshop spread over two sessions.
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