As a dedicated producing theatre for children, Polka provides a dynamic range of weekly drama clubs, adult and child drop-in sessions and much more to develop creativity in all children.
With inspirational and inclusive workshops ranging from multisensory storytelling and arts and crafts to dance and drama opportunities for children ages 0 – 12, we base a lot of our Take Part Workshops programme on our professional productions, showcasing how children progress through participating and playing, as well as watching and sometimes performing on our stages!
Please note there are no sessions for weekly classes during the Merton School holidays.
Sibling Discount available!
Save 50% for any second child for any adult & child workshop, or save 10% off your total booking for any Take Part weekly club when you book a second child onto a different club. No code required. T&Cs apply.
Adult & Child classes
Baby Explorers
0–12 months | 30 mins | Adult and baby
Weekly sensory sessions for babies and their adults, filled with songs, movement and play. These relaxed classes support early development while giving you dedicated time to explore and laugh together in our sensory space.
In sessions, you can:
- Share songs and movement
- Explore sensory props and textures
- Support early development through play
- Spend quality time together
Mini Explorers
1–2 years | 45 mins | Adult and toddler
A playful introduction to drama, music and storytelling. Through action songs, games and imaginative play, children begin to build confidence, communication and social skills in a safe, creative environment.
In sessions, children can:
- Join in music and drama games
- Explore stories and imagination
- Build confidence and social skills
- Play with props and costumes
Creative Explorers
2 – 4 years | 45 mins | Adult and child
A playful drama session that encourages children to use their imagination to explore stories through movement, music and play. Led by one of Polka’s experienced practitioners, children are supported to take turns, listen and follow story adventures in a fun, welcoming space.
In sessions, children can:
- Explore stories through drama, movement and song
- Use their imagination and creativity
- Take turns and develop listening skills
- Build confidence through play
Sensory Explorers
5 – 12 years | 1 hour | Adult & child
Explore our sensory studio, designed for children who are sensory seekers and their adults.
This weekly workshop is specifically designed for children with SEND.
In this session, children can
- Experience interactive projections, engaging resources, and tactile props.
- Touch, move, and create in a safe, stimulating environment
- Make friends and have fun
Want something more flexible? Explore our pay-as-go Drop-in Sessions!
Child-only classes
Act 1
4–6 years | 45 mins | Child only
A gentle introduction to drama for young performers. Using storytelling, role play, movement and imaginative games, children grow in confidence while having fun and making friends.
In sessions, children can:
- Play drama and storytelling games
- Explore movement and role play
- Build confidence and focus
- Make friends and have fun
Act 2
7–9 years | 1 hour | Child only
A fun and friendly drama club for children ready to develop their performance skills further. Through improvisation, role play and creative exercises, children build confidence while creating characters, stories and short performances together.
In sessions, children can:
- Explore acting and performance skills
- Take part in improvisation and role-play
- Create characters and original stories
- Work together as an ensemble
- Build confidence and communication skills
- Work towards Arts Award (Spring/Summer term)
Youth Theatre
9–12 years | 1.5 hours | Child only
A weekly theatre group for young people who want to explore performance in more depth. Led by professional theatre practitioners, sessions focus on acting skills, creativity and collaboration, with each term working towards creating a new piece of theatre.
In sessions, young people can:
- Develop acting and performance skills
- Explore improvisation and characterisation
- Devise and create original theatre
- Collaborate as a creative team
- Build confidence on stage
Arts Award
We are able to offer Arts Award as part of our Spring/Summer Term for Act 2 and Youth Theatre.
Arts Award is a nationally recognised qualification for children and young people aged 5 – 25 years old. It can be delivered in a number of ways including theatre visits, one-off workshops and after school clubs.
For those wanting to take the award, no extra time or resource will be needed. Everything will be included during their usual Act 2 sessions where they will enjoy discovering a wide range of arts from theatre skills, movement and more.
Our team of professional theatre facilitators, storytellers and our Arts Award adviser will guide the children on an exciting Arts Award journey with us, where they will all receive their very own certificate on completion of the course.
There is a small additional charge to partake in Arts Award. Arts Award is only available during the Spring/Summer term.
