All children have imagination and a natural physicality. Standouts provides a fun, relaxed environment for the imagination to reign free and laughter to ring out as children explore creative expression through drama, dance and singing.
Drama
At Standouts we encourage creative expression. Through this, children develop a deeper understanding of their world and become better equipped to navigate their way through challenges that life may present. Our drama classes incorporate elements of creative drama such as mime, improvisation and storytelling aswell as the performance of poetry and plays. We have fun, relaxed performances every term – a great way to build confidence.
Dance
Dance at Standouts is a fun, creative outlet for imagination and emotion. Feelings can be expressed with immediacy through dance and movement. Through dance, children develop a greater range of movement whilst developing the ability to work within a space. Our creative dance classes guide children in the creation of choreography, developed as a result of decisions and choices they’ve made during exploration of movement.
Singing
Standouts singing classes enable all children to come together to create something special. Not only does singing build confidence and engage emotions; it helps to develop our memories too: from remembering lyrics to remembering a cue to start singing, our brains learn to handle more. At Standouts we creatively explore many different styles of music and songs. We love singing together at Standouts!
Our Saturday classes are held during term time and combine drama, dance and singing in each session. They are jam-packed with fun, creativity and plenty of opportunities to perform!
Morning Class: 4 – 6 years 11am – 12:30pm
Afternoon Class: 7 – 14 years 1pm – 4pm
Term Dates 2025
Term 4 Sat 11th Oct – Sat 13th Dec
Term Dates 2026
Term 1 Sat 14th Feb- Sat 28th March
Term 2 Sat 2nd May- Sat 4th July
Term 3 Sat 25th July- Sat 26th Sept
Term 4 Sat 17th Oct- Sat 12th Dec
Standouts Holiday Workshops are intensive but immensely fun 4 day programmes for 6-14 year olds where we get a show on the road in just 4 days. No experience is necessary- just plenty of imagination, energy and enthusiasm!
Programmes 2025/2026
December 2025
Tues 16-Fri 19
January 2026
Tues 13-Fri 16- FULLY BOOKED/WAITLIST ONLY
Tues 20- Fri 23- FULLY BOOKED/WAITLIST ONLY
April 2026
Tues 7-Fri 10
Tues 14-Fri 17
July 2026
Tues 7-Fri 10
Tues 14-Fri 17
Sept/Oct 2026
Tues 29-Fri 2
Tues 6- Fri 9
" A huge thanks for soo many years of enormous instruction, performance and community which you and your Standouts Team have continued to deliver all the time for our daughter, helping making her into the all rounded beautiful person she is. "
— Zane, Wellington
Standout – noun, adj: A remarkable, notable or outstanding person or thing.
Creativity
At Standouts we celebrate and encourage creative thinking. As Einstein said: Logic will get you from A to B but imagination will take you everywhere…
Confidence
Participating in Performing Arts builds confidence. Standouts gives gives kids confidence to stand up and stand out!
Communication
Communication between peers is fostered and acclerated at Standouts as children learn to work together as a team.
Inclusivity
We are ‘all inclusive’ at Standouts and provide a safe, happy environment for all children to explore, discover and develop positive self-esteem.
Individuality
We champion individuality at Standouts. Children are free to be themselves (or whoever else they want to be!)
Fun
Standouts is fun! We have relaxed, fun, pressure free performances in the hall every term and during the holidays.
" My children love Standouts. They enjoy singing, dancing and drama, and Standouts brings it all together for them in one place. Gemma and her teaching team are fabulous and inspirational. "
— Sarah, Wellington
Why fit in when you were born to Standout! (Dr Seuss)
Gemma Shapleski
Founder
Gemma has taught Drama and Voice for over 15 years and is a passionate advocate of the value of arts in education. She has worked with small humans to near-grown ones from all over Wellington and has prepared hundreds of individuals and groups for Trinity College London graded exams and teaching diplomas.
Gemma loves literature and the process of going from page to stage. She has written, adapted and directed many loved books, stories and poetry for the Standouts stage.
Someone once said that Gemma is like glue: not just because she gets attached to things but because she holds everything together at Standouts. She’s sticking round too!
" Gosh we were very impressed with the play. How fortunate the children are to have such talented, dedicated teachers.I think your drama school is the best kept secret in Wellington! "