The Octagon Theatre

The Octagon Academy is a programme for all, to embrace the joy and art of performance. 

Alongside developing skills and techniques in singing, dancing and acting, there are many additional benefits to attending performing arts classes.

Creative interaction promotes:

• Improved confidence and communication skills
• Commitment and self-discipline
• Resilience and positive mental health
• Fitness and a healthy lifestyle
• Patience and respect toward others
• Problem solving and critical thinking
• Team building and co-operation among peers
• A sense of ownership and community
• Responsibility and self-organisation

The Octagon Academy offers a range of classes for all ages and abilities, with classes taking place at both the Octagon Theatre and Westlands Entertainment Venue throughout the week.

When we asked what our participants enjoy most about the classes they attend, the most popular reasons were socialising and meeting new friends, learning new skills, routines, songs and sketches, and the teachers!

Our fantastic Octagon Academy teachers are trained professionals with a passion for teaching their discipline. New participants are always welcome all year round, and our teachers are happy for you to contact them prior should you have any queries before attending.

General Information

Access: We strive to make our classes as accessible as possible for disabled participants. Please talk to one of our team to discuss any support you might need, you can email us at octagontheatre@SouthSomerset.Gov.Uk or call 01935 422884 or chat to a member of staff when you’re next in our venues.

New to classes: If you’re not sure of what to expect and are worried about attending your first class, we can pair you up with a regular participant so that you have a ‘buddy’ to attend with. Please contact us to arrange.

What to bring to class: Always bring a bottle of water, lots of enthusiasm and a willingness to learn and have fun!

Booking Information

Advance Block Booking: Booking a term in advance is the perfect solution if you come every week and don’t usually miss any sessions during the term. The benefits are:

• Guaranteed entry to your selected class each week, as booking in advance saves you a spot in your class each and every week.
• Avoid the queues, as you won’t have to queue to pay at the door to your class each week.

You can pay for classes in advance by booking online and following the link to your weekly class, over the phone by calling our Box Office on 01935 422884 or by card with your class teacher on the first class of the term.

Please note that once you’ve booked for a term, if you miss a class for any reason, we are unable to issue a refund unless the class itself has been cancelled. We reserve the right to change the class leader without prior notice if necessary.

Pay As You Go: This is our most flexible payment option, ideal if:

• This is your first Octagon Academy class, or if you’re trying a new style, and aren’t sure if you want to commit to the whole term straight away.
• You know you’re going to be unable to attend every week but still want to come along to the ones you can make.
• You like dipping in and out of different classes during the term.

You can pay for single classes via our website and following the link to your class, over the phone by calling our Box Office on 01935 422884, or at the Box Office desk. If you plan to pay on the day, just remember to turn up 15mins before your class is due to start to register and pay with your teacher.

Please note that spaces are allocated on a first come first served basis and are subject to availability as our class sizes are limited. Due to the popularity of some classes, it may not always be possible to allocate you a place so please call before you come along. We reserve the right to change the class leader without prior notice if necessary.

Class costs do vary so please check the class description.