Business Details
14 Years
experience
Join Breakout Performing Arts for Singing, Dancing & Acting Classes
Founded in 2012 by Rachel and David Hardway, we provide comprehensive performing arts education for children aged 3 to 16. Our curriculum integrates singing, dancing, and acting techniques with a strong emphasis on developing confidence, creativity, and teamwork. Through Saturday classes, holiday workshops, and private tuition, we create a safe, positive environment where students flourish as both performers and individuals. Our experienced team, all holding enhanced DBS checks, combines formal qualifications in music, drama, and education with practical experience in theatre and teaching. We prioritise individual growth, offering tailored tuition in piano, singing, and music theory alongside group classes.Our students regularly showcase their talents in full-scale productions at Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre, demonstrating the transformative power of performing arts education. With over a decade of operation, we've established a reputation for nurturing young talent while maintaining rigorous safeguarding standards, including certified child protection training and first aid qualifications. Our alumni frequently pursue professional careers in the performing arts, testament to the quality of our instruction and holistic approach to development.
Services
Saturday Classes
Holiday Workshops
Private Tuition
Musical Theatre
Performance Coaching
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We have over 10 years experience delivering specialist performing arts education
- Our qualified instructors hold enhanced DBS checks and paediatric first aid certification
- We combine formal qualifications with practical theatre experience in our teaching
- We offer both group classes and tailored one-to-one tuition options
- Our students perform in professional theatre productions at Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre
What people say
Confidence building
Skilled instructors
Engaging theatre productions
Structured curriculum
Positive environment
Services
Saturday Classes
Structured sessions for children aged 3-16 focusing on singing, dancing, and acting. Split into age-appropriate groups with expert instruction. Classes run term-time at Blue Coat Academy in Walsall. Students develop performance skills while building confidence and teamwork abilities in a supportive environment.
Holiday Workshops
Four-day intensive training in musical theatre during school holidays. Combines singing, dancing, and acting with concluding performance. Includes free t-shirt and certificate. Open to both existing students and new participants aged 3-16. Held in Walsall with professional-standard production values.
Private Tuition
Personalised piano, singing, or acting lessons for children aged 6-16. Tailored to individual ability and goals by experienced instructors. Available in West Bromwich or online via Zoom. Exam preparation offered with UCAS points available for higher grade achievements.
Musical Theatre
Comprehensive programme developing theatrical performance skills through singing, dancing, and scripted performance. Regular opportunities to perform in full productions at Birmingham's Old Rep Theatre. Technical training combined with practical experience in character development and stagecraft.
Performance Coaching
Specialist guidance for young performers seeking to enhance their abilities. Focus on vocal technique, dance precision, and acting methodology. Regular progress tracking with constructive feedback. Designed to prepare students for both examinations and professional opportunities.
People
David Hardway
Co-Principal
MA in Music with over a decade of experience running Breakout Performing Arts. Specialises in teaching group classes and private music lessons. Holds Grade 8 Singing and Piano qualifications. Former university choir conductor with passion for developing young talent.
Rachel Hardway
Co-Principal
MA in Drama with extensive stage school experience. Founded Breakout Performing Arts in 2012. Teaching music and drama privately alongside managing Saturday classes. Holds Grade 8 Piano and Singing qualifications. Passionate about inclusive performing arts education.
Sarah
Singing Teacher
Professional singer with 40 years experience. Specialises in vocal technique and music theory. Has taught singing in schools and workshops for all ages. Developed understanding of music's educational benefits through teaching children and those with special needs.
Victoria
Dance Instructor
Dance teacher with professional performance experience from age seven. Specialises in teaching various dance styles to young people. Qualified in SEND training to support diverse learning needs. BTEC Dance graduate with extensive competition and teaching experience.
Emma
Musical Theatre Teacher
Teaching Musical Theatre graduate with extensive performance background. Specialises in mentoring students through technical development. Experience in contemporary dance and youth theatre. Committed to nurturing students' confidence through structured learning programmes.
Questions
What age groups do you accept?
We accept children aged 3 to 16 for group classes and 6-16 for private tuition.
Are trial classes available?
Yes, we offer FREE trial classes for both our Saturday sessions and holiday workshops.
Do you hold exams?
We offer ABRSM, LCM and LAMDA exams with UCAS points available for higher grades.
Where do classes take place?
Saturday classes are at Blue Coat Academy in Walsall. Private lessons occur in West Bromwich or online.
What should students wear?
Comfortable clothes and all-black footwear. Dancewear required for specific classes.
How do performances work?
Holiday workshops culminate in performances. Regular students participate in annual musicals at Old Rep Theatre.
Reviews (7)
L. Rox
Aug 30, 2021
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A wonderful, inclusive school offering lessons to children of every ability. A pleasure to work for too, with lovely, supportive principals
Emma Bates
Aug 16, 2021
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Breakout is a wonderful school. All children are valued regardless of their ability. They are able to learn skills in the performing arts in a safe and friendly environment where it is okay to make mistakes. Breakout allows the children to celebrate their individuality and differences. All of the team are very professional, experts in their field and care about the pupils. It is a wonderful place to work.
Victoria Beard
Aug 16, 2021
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Breakout is an amazing company to work with. They put so much effort into ensuring all lessons are full of exciting activities for all children. They ensure the children can develop their skills in fun ways which keep them engaged and allow them to meet new friends. I enjoy working with these people as they are very professional and it is a great working environment.
Chelsea Bourne
May 08, 2021
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My daughter started last week and absolutely loves it..shes always wanted to do singing and dancing. Also the staff are brilliant always there if any questions need answering. 🙂 💃
David Pearce
Apr 18, 2020
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My daughter has private singing and piano lessons with David and really enjoys them, she's progressing well and he's made her feel very confident and comfortable in their home.
Kimberley King
Aug 09, 2019
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Breakout is a friendly environment, teaching performing arts in creative, exciting sessions. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of the Breakout team as all the staff are professional and welcoming. The students too are hard working and put on outstanding shows!
Samantha Alcock
Aug 02, 2019
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All the students clearly love attending Breakout and have a wonderful time. The staff all work very hard indeed, are highly experienced in their field and very professional. 5 Stars - Highly recommended!