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
- Acting: improversCourse start date: Mon 15 Sep 2025 (and 5 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Deirdre Strath ClydeContinue your development as you explore a range of exercises and acting techniques that will illuminate and enliven a variety of scripts and scenes. Consolidate techniques and deepen your understanding in a safe and supportive atmosphere.Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £209.00 - Recorders: return to playingCourse start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Layil BarrDiscover the joy of this delightful instrument. Learn the basics of fingering and articulation to play melodies both in unison and in ensemble. Please bring your own descant and/or treble. Break week: 26 May 2025.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £143.00 Concession £125.00 - Ballet at the barre: onlineCourse start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Alexander SimpkinsAn online barre class from the comfort of your own home. The work you do at the ballet barre is the foundation for all the other work you do as a dancer. Improve your strength, balance and coordination. Not suitable for complete beginners.Full fee £119.00 Senior fee £95.00 Concession £83.00 - Early music ensembleCourse start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Layil BarrAn ensemble for musicians interested in learning the skills of playing consort music in different instrumental combinations (broken consort). It will be a journey exploring the variety of sound combinations in 17th century repertoire. Break week: 26 May 2025.Full fee £229.00 Senior fee £183.00 Concession £160.00 - Ukulele 2Course start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Jake RodriguesIf you have already begun your ukulele career, come and learn new songs and tricks, chord theory, picking and split strokes, and apply these to popular and vintage tunes. Enjoy learning and playing in a group. Classes will include singing along!Full fee £149.00 Senior fee £149.00 Concession £104.00 - 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 - Screen acting: beginnersCourse start date: Mon 12 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Gary GrantBuild your confidence and strengthen your camera technique to create truthful ‘on screen’ performances in this practical course.Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £299.00 Concession £209.00 - Salsa dance: beginnersCourse start date: Mon 19 May 2025 (and 2 other dates)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Join us for an energetic and intensive introduction to Salsa. Learn the essential steps and technique in this fun and friendly short course. No need to bring a partner, part of the fun is meeting new people but most of all learning a new dance style whilst having a good time.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £129.00 Concession £90.00 - Jazz dance: beginnersCourse start date: Mon 19 May 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Clinton GoldsmithThis class is suitable if you are new to dance or if you want to develop your existing skills and confidence.
You will discover the basics of basic modern jazz dance, learn about posture, co-ordination and essential technique. Learn warm-up exercises, turns, steps and basic kicks. Our main aim is to provide a fun practical environment where you can learn to dance.Full fee £129.00 Senior fee £103.00 Concession £90.00 - 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 - Radio and podcast presenting: advanced (online)Course start date: Mon 2 Jun 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Allis MossThis is an opportunity to take your love of radio to the next level. The course supports you with a tutor-editor to craft a pre-recorded radio programme or extended feature on a subject of your choice, mixing interview clips, music and sound effects into your own production. This course will be delivered online and is supported by a media technician.Full fee £179.00 Senior fee £179.00 Concession £125.00 - 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. - Screen acting: improversCourse start date: Mon 30 Jun 2025 (and 1 other date)
Location on this date: Keeley Street
Tutors: Gary GrantBuild your confidence and strengthen your camera technique in this improvers class. Work towards creating more truthful screen performances.Full fee £299.00 Senior fee £299.00 Concession £209.00 - Storytelling (intensive)Course start date: Mon 7 Jul 2025
Location on this date: Online
Tutors: Ariella EshedAll cultures respect the world of Story. The ability to tell Stories, in a variety of settings, is a skill that has seen a strong resurgence, both in the workplace, and in contemporary performance. Gain confidence and experience in storytelling on this intensive summer course.
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