Children Drama Classes Glasgow
By Jade Hughes
Drama with Lesley is welcoming kids to step into stage magic at the Western Baths. Founded by local drama teacher and performer Lesley, the classes give young people the chance to dive into storytelling, movement, voice, and characterisation in a supportive, playful environment.
“I loved drama as a child — it’s where I felt most alive,” Lesley recalls. “Now I get to pass that gift on in my classes.”
Why Drama?
The benefits stretch far beyond the stage. Through drama, children learn to collaborate, listen, and present with confidence. They explore how voice and movement can create character, memorise lines, master routines, and even discover the art of comedy. They also gain resilience, imagination, and social awareness — skills that will serve them well in every aspect of life. Perhaps most importantly, they gain the joy of being part of a creative process — learning to value others’ work, give and accept praise, and grow in confidence week by week.
The Classes
Lesley offers two distinctive strands designed to bring out the best in young performers:
Mini Magic (ages 3–6) is a playful introduction to drama, blending storytelling, movement, and vocal games. Parents and guardians are welcome to join in the fun, or simply drop the little ones off and watch them shine.
Drama with Lesley (ages 7+) is aimed at older children ready to stretch their skills. Sessions cover voice projection, accents, improvisation, script work, and characterisation. Alongside their regular classes, the group also stages performances, giving young people the thrill of showcasing their work on stage.
“I don’t begin with a fixed curriculum and try to make the children fit into it,” Lesley explains. “I start with the children themselves — their personalities, their strengths, their quirks — and create roles that suit them. That way, drama becomes a tool for personal growth, not just a class to attend.”
About Lesley
Lesley’s passion for performance began early. As a child she trained at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (then RSAMD), while also throwing herself into Glasgow Youth Theatre and the Scottish Youth Theatre. At just sixteen she stepped into the spotlight at the Atheneum, playing Mrs. Darling in Peter Pan — her first solo singing role, and the spark that lit a lifelong love of theatre.
She went on to study at the University of Glasgow, graduating with an MA in Theatre Studies and English Literature, before spending more than eighteen years teaching drama across secondary schools, primary schools, and stage schools throughout Scotland. Alongside this, she worked with countless young performers at organisations such as Stagecoach, Future Faces, and the UK Screen Acting Academy. These experiences planted the seed for what would eventually become her own creative venture: Drama with Lesley.
“I’ve always loved acting,” she says. “But what excites me now is bringing everything together — performing, writing, teaching — and using it to help children grow.”
Her enthusiasm is infectious. “I love the energy I get off the kids,” she adds. “Acting is, after all, just playing at an advanced level. I usually leave my lessons skipping down Byres Road singing a song from class — it’s where I feel most myself, and in my happy place.”
Get involved
Fancy giving it a go? Lesley offers a free trial class so families can experience the magic first-hand.
To book, email dramawithlesley@gmail.com or call 07940 562 528.
Sibling discounts are available, making it even easier for the whole family to join in. And it’s not just for kids — adult acting classes are also on offer for anyone ready to step into the spotlight.
