
PLEASE NOTE: Our School of Acting has paused at the end of this term to let us search for funding to enable it to continue.
Looping the Loop worked with the Theatre Royal Margate to sustain their youth theatre after a plan for its closure in 2018. We re-launched it as the School of Acting later that year. Since the closure of the Theatre Royal in 2022, the weekly classes have moved to the Cliftonville Community Centre, not far from the theatre.
"It's about being with different ages, with children from different schools, different types of people."
We support members to work out how they want to participate and involve them in developing new ideas for the group. We are currently seeking new funding to maintain the classes and to pay the director/actor who leads the groups alongside a trainee practitioner.
Classes are held on Mondays, during term times.
The School is currently offering two classes a week, for age groups 7-11 years and 11-18 years of age.
CLASS TIMES
4.30pm - 5.30pm 7-11 year olds
6.00pm - 7.30pm 11-18 year olds
’School of Acting’ is open to everyone from absolute beginners to experienced young performers, offering a great way to make new friends and learn new skills. We have masterclasses by industry professionals, an annual show and opportunities to be involved in some of our other projects at Looping the Loop. The cost for attending is £30.00 per half-term. If you'd like to find out what it's all about, prospective students are invited to book a free taster session at any point in the year. No interviews or auditions are required, just a brief conversation with a team member.
To get news of the re-start of the project, or to find out more, please message us by email to loopingthanet@gmail.com or via WhatsApp or Facebook for more information and a friendly chat!
To ensure everyone is able to take part, Looping the Loop also welcomes approaches from local families if you would find it difficult to afford class fees; where possible, we will offer free participation to students on a term-by-term basis. Please just contact us on the details above for a short chat.

Margate-based actor Tom Giles gave a Masterclass in March
"I'm an actor, writer and theatre maker. I love to find out 'how it feels to be you...'. 'You' can be anyone or thing and I think this is what makes theatre magical - the shared experiences of enquiry, exploration and feeling together. My work has taken me to London (National Theatre, the Globe and the Donmar Warehouse), on tour and all over the world. I am delighted to have the chance to work locally, in and with the local community with Looping the Loop."
Tom has also been running workshops as we develop our Community Play, with groups of all ages across Thanet.
"I'm an actor, writer and theatre maker. I love to find out 'how it feels to be you...'. 'You' can be anyone or thing and I think this is what makes theatre magical - the shared experiences of enquiry, exploration and feeling together. My work has taken me to London (National Theatre, the Globe and the Donmar Warehouse), on tour and all over the world. I am delighted to have the chance to work locally, in and with the local community with Looping the Loop."
Tom has also been running workshops as we develop our Community Play, with groups of all ages across Thanet.
SUPPORTING NEW WORK WITH LOCAL FAMILIES
Over 2022-2023, we have been grateful for support from Kent Community Foundation to work with families in Cliftonville and encourage new people to take part for the first time. We have made leaflets translated in English/Bulgarian and our Outreach Officer Katie has connected with families to introduce them to our classes. We hope that children will continue to work with the School of Acting and that they will gain in confidence as time goes by. |
Listen to School of Acting Director, Darren Hill, talk about the project and exciting plans ahead on BBC Kent (from 2hr 12s into the recording)
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A PREVIOUS PROJECT AT THE SCHOOL OF ACTING....
Heritage Open Days 2021 - Youth Takeover To celebrate being back in the theatre, School of Acting took over the Theatre Royal Margate on Saturday 11th September as part of the Grade II* listed building's participation in Heritage Open Day 2021. The day was full of exciting ideas and activities for all to enjoy, including an art competition and poetry competition. We had lots of brilliant entries and we aim to create an online book of poetry and art inspired by the theatre. Contact SchoolofActing2@gmail.com to find out more or visit our dedicated web page below |