The Octagon Theatre

Throughout the year we offer an exciting range of participation classes, workshops, summer schools and projects working alongside brilliant national touring companies and fabulous practitioners here in Somerset.

From dance to arts and crafts we’ve got it covered, with opportunities for all ages and abilities to take part across the county.

Alongside developing skills and techniques in singing, dancing and acting, there are many additional benefits to attending creative arts workshops and sessions.

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

There are a range of ways you can get involved and participate including:

Octagon Academy: Weekly Classes

If you love to sing, were born to dance, have a flair for acting or simply want to get fit The Octagon Academy has a class for you. Our participation classes take place at Westlands Entertainment Venue and community venues in Somerset, with many classes to choose from for all ages and abilities.

Each year we see hundreds of participants taking part in our regular Octagon Academy classes, and with over 18 weekly classes on offer for participants aged 2 – 90 years there’s plenty of opportunity to join in. From our Octagon Choirs to Bollywood Dance to Youth Theatre and Dance. Discover more about the Octagon Academy and the classes on offer here: Octagon Academy: Weekly Classes.

Summer Play Days

Our Creative Play Days are free local events for families. You can expect professional workshops, world-class performances, creative crafts and fabulous face painting. Take part in a range of free creative activities, from arts and crafts, to music-making, to practicing circus skills, along with face painting and a free public performance by an exciting theatre company.

We are delighted to announce that in 2025 we will be heading to…

Yeovil, Recreation Ground on Wed 6 August

Wincanton, Cale Park on Tues 12 August

Langport, Cocklemoor on Wed 20 August

Chard, Jocelyn Park on Thurs 28 August

Winter Play Days

Expect a day of… Creative Crafts, Magical Music Making, Diva Dancing, Fabulous Face Painting, Artistic Creations, & more – all for free at a venue near you!

We are delighted to announce that in 2025 our Winter Play Days will be coming to…

Winter Play Day: Yeovil at Westlands Entertainment Venue on Monday 17 February

Winter Play Day: Wincanton at Memorial Hall on Tuesday 18 February

Winter Play Day: Langport at Ridgway Hall on Wednesday 19 February

Winter Playday: Chard at Chard Guildhall on Thursday 18 February

Summer Schools

Every year in August, we run a series of week-long summer schools in Musical Theatre, Dance and Drama, covering numerous performance techniques. The Octagon Theatre Summer School project has been running since 1992 and is now in its 33rd year. Our Summer Schools give local young people the opportunity to develop confidence, whilst encouraging their understanding of the arts in a friendly and professional environment. The week-long experiences offer participants a chance to get creative, perform on our regional stage and form friendships with other likeminded individuals from the local area.

Holiday Activities

Spend time with us in holidays creating, playing, and storytelling. From hour-long workshops to staging ‘A-Play-in-a-Day’, our activities are always fully inclusive and accessible with an emphasis on self-expression and creativity for participants.

Masterclasses

Take part in our range of masterclasses with incredible world-leading artists, performers, directors, writers, singer songwriters, creatives and practitioners.