Question 1

WHO RUNS ARIEL?

Accepted Answer

Ariel Company Theatre is run by Nicci and Neil Hopson, the Directors. They have appointed Principals to oversee each Academy, along with Tutors, Support Tutors, and Administration staff. The ethos of “Passion for Performance, Skills for Life” underpins every decision, ensuring that Ariel Drama Academies remains diverse, inclusive, and creative. With a hands-on approach, Neil and Nicci frequently teach at or visit each Academy to maintain high teaching standards and uphold Ariel’s ethos, values, and methods. They are always available to discuss your child’s journey at Ariel, providing a personal and supportive connection to each student’s progress.

Question 2

WHAT IS ARIEL?

Accepted Answer

Return
WHAT IS ARIEL?
Ariel is a theatre company running Drama Academies throughout Sussex for students aged 4–19 years since 2004. We currently have Academies at venues in Burgess Hill, Crawley, Shoreham, and Uckfield on Saturday mornings, and in East Grinstead, Haywards Heath, and Horsham on Saturday afternoons. We also offer thriving choirs, private singing lessons, and LAMDA tuition during the week.

Question 3

WHAT HAPPENS AT ARIEL?

Accepted Answer

Ariel Academies provide tuition in Drama, Singing, and Movement for students in age-specific groups.

HAMLET Group (4–7 years): 45-minute lessons incorporating all three disciplines in a fun, engaging environment.

ARIEL, PROSPERO, ORSINO, and TEMPEST Groups (7–19 years): Three 45-minute lessons in Drama, Singing, and Movement, with a specialist tutor for each discipline. Two 15-minute breaks are provided for socializing.
At the start and end of each Saturday session, all groups gather for notices about events, shows, workshops, and to celebrate birthdays and achievements.

OTHELLO Group:
A unique group for students with additional needs, led by specialist tutors, providing a tailored 1-hour lesson combining all three disciplines. Sessions are held at venues in Crawley, Burgess Hill, Shoreham, and East Grinstead. Students volunteer as buddies to support these sessions, creating an inclusive and award-winning environment. See their web site here

We also offer FREE LAMDA lessons to selected students across all Academies, as well as a close harmony performance group called The Octavia.

Question 4

HOW MUCH DOES ARIEL COST?

Accepted Answer

Ariel are proud to be competitively priced, offering high quality lessons and opportunities at affordable prices.
 
Upon joining Ariel, there is a one-off non-refundable registration fee of £30, this price includes an Ariel T Shirt in either red or black depending on which age range group the student is to be placed and a tote bag.
 
For more information regarding our fees, please enquire at contactus 
 
The fees are paid monthly in advance via direct debit. The direct debit is prorated over the year: weekly session cost x weeks open / 12 months. Sibling discounts are available within the Ariels, Prosperos, Orsinos and Tempests groups
 
There are no hidden fees within Ariel’s fee structure. All fees include the students participation at their annual Academy Showcase at The Hawth.
Othellos group is paid by monthly standing order.

Question 5

WHAT SHOULD MY CHILD WEAR TO ARIEL?

Accepted Answer

Students must wear a uniform for all sessions and performances. The uniform for all ages includes:
Full-length black trousers (no jeans)
An Ariel red or black T-shirt
Black dance/jazz shoes or soft-soled black trainers
Optional: Ariel jumper/sweatshirt or plain black/red jumper
Long hair must be tied back, and jewellery is not allowed.

Ariel T-shirts and sweatshirts can be ordered via our online merchandise store merchandise store   .

Question 6

IS ARIEL OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND (Opening Times)

Accepted Answer

Opening Times
Ariel Academies are open for 44 weeks of the year. We are closed for 2 weeks at Christmas, 2 weeks at Easter, and 4 weeks during the summer holidays. Ariel continues to operate on Saturdays throughout school half-terms.

Fees are paid by Direct Debit, which is calculated by multiplying the weekly fee by 44 weeks and dividing by 12 to give a monthly amount.

Question 7

HOW DO I JOIN ARIEL?

Accepted Answer

Throughout the year, each Academy holds free trial dates for prospective new students; we ask that an application form be completed before attendance at a trial date, and these can be completed from our website.
 
New students are assigned a buddy in their group. A New Starts Administration Officer will contact you after receiving your application to provide information about free trial dates or waiting lists. After the trial, you will be contacted to confirm if your child would like to join Ariel. If so, you’ll complete the online joining form and Direct Debit mandate. Regular updates and news will be sent to your email address.

Question 8

WHEN CAN I SEE WHAT MY CHILD HAS LEARNT AT ARIEL?

Accepted Answer

Students learn the fundamentals and deeper complexities of Drama, Singing, and Dance. Our creative programme is tailored to stretch and inspire students to reach their full potential. Each session builds confidence, develops skills, and explores techniques in a fun, supportive environment. Through exercises, performances, and projects, students gain a deeper understanding of each discipline while fostering creativity, teamwork, and self-expression. We also teach valuable life skills such as resilience, collaboration, and emotional intelligence. Students gain transferable life skills, building confidence that serves them both on and off stage. They form lifelong friendships and bonds.

Question 9

WHAT OPPORTUNITIES WILL MY CHILD HAVE BY BECOMING A STUDENT AT ARIEL?

Accepted Answer

Ariel students enjoy varied opportunities, including:
Musical Theatre Shows, Holiday Workshops, Day Workshops, Plays, Festivals, and Competitions
Private Singing Tuition and LAMDA Exams
Professional Pantomime auditions
Professional Programme for students aged 13+, preparing them for Drama School with industry expert guidance.
Work experience opportunities for older students, 
Duke of Edinburgh’s Award volunteer badges.
Partnership with Daisy and Dukes Agency for audition opportunities.

Question 10

DOES MY CHILD NEED TO BE LICENCED TO PERFORM WITH ARIEL?

Accepted Answer

We are proud to hold a Body of Persons License from West Sussex County Council, which allows us to license Ariel as a company for performances. This means there’s no paperwork required from parents/guardians, other than what’s necessary when your child first joins Ariel.

Question 11

NEWS

Accepted Answer

We have a social media account and this website so that you can always be up-to-date with general news, events, shows, workshops, and showcases.

Frequently asked questions