"Where Children Excel One Show At A Time"

After School Drama Club

Since 2012, S L Drama Academy has been creating fun, affordable, and high-quality drama workshops for children and young people — and we’re proud to say we’ve got pretty good at it! When schools across the Midlands began asking us to run After School Drama Clubs, we jumped at the chance. What better way to reach even more brilliant young creatives?

At the heart of everything we do is a focus on building unshakable self-esteem and helping young people recognise and celebrate their unique talents. Our workshops don’t just teach performance — they give children practical tools to deal with anxiety and stress, helping them build the resilience they need to face life’s challenges with confidence.

Our team is made up of professionally trained actors, dancers, and directors who bring not only their artistic expertise but also their passion for inspiring the next generation. Every member of our team is enhanced DBS checked, so you can trust your children are in safe hands.

We also invite guest teachers from London’s West End, film, and TV to deliver masterclasses that give our students a taste of the industry. And the best part? We’re committed to keeping our workshops accessible, offering academy-standard training at after-school club prices.

Little Eaton Derbyshire

SMC Nottingham

Good Shepherd
Nottingham

Duffield Meadows - Derbyshire

St. Albans
Derby

Meet the Team

At S L Drama Academy, our team is made up of passionate, creative professionals who believe in the power of the arts to inspire, empower, and transform lives.

Anna Malik
Anna is a dynamic arts leader with over 15 years’ experience in theatre, education, and community engagement. Trained at the Birmingham School of Acting, she has worked as an actress, director, producer, and educator, creating inclusive and inspiring programmes across Derby, Nottingham, and beyond. Passionate about inclusion and the power of creativity, Anna is dedicated to helping young people discover their unique voice, build confidence, and thrive through the arts.

Ana Raquel Azevedo
Ana is a dance artist and founder of ARA Movement, blending creativity, healing, and community through movement. With a Master’s in Dance and Choreography and a First-Class Honours in Dance from the University of Derby, she creates projects that celebrate embodied joy and resilience. Ana is passionate about building safe spaces where people can express themselves, connect deeply, and grow.

Esme Blood
Esme is a dance artist and performer with an MA in Dance and Choreography from the University of Derby. She specialises in contemporary dance and physical theatre, performing with companies such as Adaire to Dance, Standback Dance, and Liminal Dance Collective. Esme brings her expertise in choreography and RAD Ballet to inspire and support young dancers at every stage of their journey.

Hermione Purvis
Hermione is a multidisciplinary creative with a BA (Hons) in Choreography from Falmouth University. She has extensive experience teaching drama, dance, singing, sensory storytelling, and yoga, particularly with SEN students and adults. Passionate about improvisation, comedy, and community projects, Hermione loves supporting young people to unlock their creativity and confidence through the performing arts.

Samara Brooks
Is a university student in her second year. She is passionate about both the arts and the beneficial impacts they can have on People's health. With a background in dance, performance, and community engagement, Samara brings a unique blend of creativity, communication, and leadership to everything she does. Samara bring energy and fun to all her workshops

Testimonials

Kelly, 
Mum of 12 year old Daisy

“Show Stoppers turned the crafty, artistic side of her on, it had fallen away. Schools not focused on the arts in anyway at all… learning becomes mundane (it’s all about Maths, English, Science) it’s so serious…. She has started to explore things differently now. She has become more artistic and finds the fun in everything. She’s happier!”

 Headteacher 
St Margaret Clitherow Primary

"I was continually amazed at the quality of sessions and performances. Anna’s commitment, energy, enthusiasm is boundless. She leads and inspires by example and is a constant source of innovative ideas."

Beckee, 
Mum of 8 year old

"I'm very proud of her. She really enjoys the zoom class', not nervous at all now. She was refusing to get ready till I said she was live in 5 and she shot up to get washed and ready : )"

 Headteacher 
Good Shepherd CVA Primary

"Our quieter children have grown in confidence. We can see an impact in our classrooms, children volunteer for more, they are putting their hands up more in lessons"

Mrs Owens, 
Mum of 10 year old

"He has been going on about how much he is enjoying the sessions, always eager for Wednesdays. This is a massive step and I am grateful. Thank you for your support"

Dee, 
Mum of Alexander

"Our son has really benefited from S L Drama Academy, he’s come out of his shell to the point that he's securing professional work! I recommend Show Stoppers for any Mums who want to get the best out of their kids."

Our Workshops...

 

  • Inspire a generation of creative, freethinking individuals who will carry these skills through life

 

  • Stimulate all children's creativity through the arts

 

  • Help children and young adults make sense of their emotions, develop their ability to understand and allow them to face challenges with courage and resilience

 

  • Develop participants' aesthetic sense along with language and communication skills

 

  • Improve fitness and mental wellbeing

 

  • Introduce new ideas and allow freedom of expression

 

  • Create fun workshops for everyone

What to expect...

S L Drama Academy empower our students by encouraging their decision making and letting them take ownership of building a performance. 

The workshop leaders present an idea, structure, and know the skills we will teach.... the rest of the magic happens with the children and their imagination….it is always spectacular!

What new skills will they learn?

 

  • Acting
  • Movement
  • Improvisation
  • Script writing and script work
  • Dance
  • Physical Theatre
  • Singing
  • Choreography
  • Lots of drama games to promote fun, teamwork, friendship building, focus, confidence and loads of other life skills
  • Breath and diction work

Outcomes & Benefits....

 

  • Increased self esteem
  • Performance and public speaking skills
  • Confidence in using their unique voice
  • Deeper learning in English Language & Literature
  • Sense of personal achievement
  • Improved communication skills
  • Ability to work in a team
  • Experience devising a play
  • Develop performance skills
  • Increased resilience
  • Increased motivation
  • Increased perseverance
  • Anxiety & stress management


Want children in your school to benefit? 
Get in touch!

Bring the power of drama to your school
Our After School Drama Clubs do more than just teach performance — they give children vital life skills. Through drama, storytelling, and teamwork, pupils grow in confidence, develop strong oracy and communication skills, and learn how to express themselves in healthy, creative ways. These workshops also provide a safe space for children to manage anxiety, build resilience, and improve their overall wellbeing.

If you’re a school looking to inspire your pupils, support their emotional health, and give them a voice that carries beyond the classroom, get in touch today to discuss the next steps to setting up a Drama Club with us.
 

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