Frequently Asked Questions FAQs

General Questions

What exactly are speech and drama lessons? Are they different than drama classes?
Our speech and drama lessons consist of hundreds of fun games and activities that teach conversation skills, drama skills, positive body language, respecting ourselves and others, how to interact positively with peers and adults, public speaking skills, good manners, and how to harness creativity. Speech and drama lessons teach the skills that allow us to communicate, to be creative, and to have a grounded sense of self-confidence. While our lessons include Drama skills they include many more skills as they are not soley focused on acting skills.
Does my child need speech and drama experience to enrol at Imaginaire?
Not at all! Everyone is welcome at Imaginaire. It’s really important to us that all students feel welcome and comfortable, regardless of their level of previous speech & drama experience or interest. Our teachers are experts at reading the individual requirements within a group, and delivering lessons in ways that are engaging and challenging to all individuals’ skill levels.
Do you offer intro lessons?
Absolutely! If you choose not to continue (we’d be surprised!) then there’s no charge for the intro lesson. To book the venue and time that suits you for your no-obligation intro lesson, simply use our form on our enrolment page. If you do continue, the lesson is added to your (pro-rata) invoice for the weeks remaining in the term.
Will my shy child get along with other children at Imaginaire? Will he/she enjoy lessons?
To us, our students having positive experiences in lessons is our top priority. It’s our belief that having a diverse range of personalities in a group is of benefit to everyone. Speech & Drama group lessons are designed to be a shared and collective experience. As such, our teachers put a real focus on ensuring everyone (shy or not) works together, has fun and is accepting of their classmates.
Are you speech therapy teachers?
No, we are not a speech therapy organisation. We are a speech and drama school.
While there are some overlaps between how we develop confident communication, and how speech therapists help children with speech difficulties, the two disciplines are very distinct. Sadly, we are not the solution for speech challenges such as; articulation disorders, fluency disorders, voice disorders, or challenges understanding or putting words together to communicate ideas.
That being said, we do have numerous students who love speech and drama lessons while they see a speech therapist (separately) as well. If you would like to explore this option, please mention it in your enrolment for your free trial lesson, and we’ll give you a call to discuss.
Are you ESOL teachers?
No, we are not an ESOL (English to Speakers of Other Languages) school. While we don’t teach the English language, please see the next question regarding why our speech and drama lessons are excellent for students who are learning English
English is not my child’s first language. Can he/she do Imaginaire lessons?
Yes. We welcome and encourage students whose first language is not English. Speech & drama lessons are a wonderful way for non-native English speakers to develop a love for their new language while practising it in a fun and safe environment. However, speech & drama lessons are language-focused so it is important to ensure that all students are in a group that they feel comfortable in. If your child or teenager has requirements around their confidence with English, please speak to us via email or on the phone and we’ll be happy to work with you to find a solution that works for you.
How do your classes support students with special needs?
At Imaginaire our goal is that all students feel welcome and at ease. If you know your child feels more comfortable due to a particular type of support in their learning environment, please make contact with us so we can discuss how to create the most supportive, happy and successful environment for your child.
Do students have an opportunity to perform on stage? Do you have an end of year show or recital?
Although stage performance isn’t a focus of speech and drama lessons, we know students love having a performance to work towards. At the end of Term 4, some venues will work towards performing an informal showcase or open class that family and friends are invited to. This is a chance for family and friends to get to witness the amazing standard of work that we get the privilege of being entertained with each week. It’s a wonderful opportunity for our students to perform in front of a live audience.
Is there a dress code at your lessons?
No, your child is free to come in school uniform or any casual clothes they feel comfortable in.
Do you have a Health & Safety plan?
Yes we do. Every week we’re trusted by the families of our students attending our lessons. We take this responsibility as well as our responsibility to our teachers, very seriously. As such we have a Health & Safety plan which we update regularly.

Questions about lessons

How many students are in a group lesson?
Junior students (Years 1 – 6) : 4 - 7 students in a class Intermediate students (Years 7 – 8) : 4 students in a class Senior students (Years 9 – 13) : 3-4 students in a class Our small class-sizes are a signature of our lessons, all students receive concentrated and individualised attention during each and every lesson.
What are the benefits of group lessons?
At Imaginaire we encourage the vast majority of our Junior (Years 1 – 6) and Intermediate (Years 7 & 8) students to be a part of group, rather than have private lessons. We believe group lessons have so many incredible benefits for students. Commonly as teachers we see heightened interest from students in group lessons due to having more points of interaction within the class. We also see increased levels of confidence due to group lesson students regularly and consistently ‘performing’ pieces and activities in front of their classmates each and every week. Peer learning often helps to add an extra dimension of motivation to lessons as students have a tendency to want to ‘keep pace’ with each other. This is healthy when it is carefully and positively guided by teachers with a spirit of collaboration and constructive peer feedback, in a safe and encouraging environment. Group lessons also encourage students to be social, considerate, and cooperative – all key ingredients in developing social competence in young people.
What are the benefits of private or pair lessons?
1-on-1 (private) or 1-to-2 (pair) lessons promote greater time per lesson in which the student has the teacher’s undivided attention. This allows teachers to tweak the lesson plans to the individual’s or pair’s needs. There is also the added benefit that for children who have a need to work faster or slower than their peers, a private or pair lesson provides an easier environment to do so.
How long can my child do private lessons?
For the vast majority of our Junior (Years 1 – 6) and Intermediate (Years 7 & 8) students we believe that the balance of pros and cons is weighted so heavily in favour of group lessons that we allow these age groups to receive a maximum of their first two terms of lessons as private lessons before they must move into pair or group lessons. Of course there are exceptions to this rule however we grant them only in very special circumstances after careful consideration of what’s best for your child. Due to senior student (Years 9 – 13) speech & drama content and learning being much more individual by nature, private lessons are more common and encouraged in these age groups.
How long is each speech and drama lesson?
  • Junior students (Years 1 – 6) = 30 mins.
  • Intermediate students (Years 7 – 8) = 30 mins.
  • Senior students (Years 9 – 13) = 45 mins.
  • All age groups receive one lesson per week. Compared to many other extra-curricular activities, our lessons are relatively short, and new parents to Imaginaire will sometimes ask us about this. You will be amazed at what can be achieved in this time, due to a couple of factors. Namely, our teachers are incredibly organised and all teach to a very well-planned lesson structure. Additionally, with the small class-sizes that are a signature of our lessons, all students receive concentrated and individualised attention during each and every lesson.
How many lessons do students receive per term?
Our term’s curriculums are written and designed on the premise that a minimum number of 8 weeks of lessons are guaranteed per term. Most commonly, school terms run for 9 or 10 weeks and we are happy to say that there is no extra charge to you in circumstances where your child receives 9 or 10 lessons in a term. All public holidays and teacher-only days have been accounted for in our fee structure so catch-up classes are not scheduled in these circumstances or if a school event will impact lessons. Catch-up classes will be held in the rare event that a lesson is cancelled due to a reason caused by Imaginaire (eg Teacher illness) and when that cancellation also means the students won’t receive the minimum of 8 lessons that term. In cases of illness or injury of/to a student, one make up class per term can be arranged. All make up classes must be within the same term and only in classes where positions are available, and subject to teacher approval. Please note we do not offer catch up lessons or lesson fee refunds/credits when students receive less than 8 lessons in the term due to lessons missed because of personal reasons, holidays or when a lesson is missed due to a school event (eg activity, trip, camp).
Are there any singing or dancing elements in speech and drama lessons?
Imaginaire teachers weave elements of physical expression and vocal work into curriculums, featuring as part of warm-up games and lesson exercises. Additionally, sometimes teachers or students may introduce music or songs to the group experience. However, singing and dancing are not disciplines that we place a teaching focus on, nor are they considered a core feature of speech & drama lessons in general. If your child’s predominant interests are singing and dancing then they may thrive in drama and/or musical theatre programmes.

Questions about enrolment & prices

How much are your speech and drama lessons?
For pricing enquiries, please contact us on admin@imaginaire.co.nz.
How can I pay?
Fees are charged on a ‘per term’ basis, and will be issued via email prior to the start of each term. They can be paid by internet banking (instructions can always be found on Imaginaire invoices).
Are there catch-up classes or refunds for missed classes?
All lesson fees are non-refundable except in the event that classes are cancelled for reasons caused by Imaginaire (eg Teacher illness) or in exceptional circumstances (eg. bereavement or serious illness). Fees are based on the understanding that a minimum number of 8 weeks of lessons are guaranteed per term. All public holidays have been accounted for in our fees structure and curriculum, so no catch-up classes will be scheduled for classes falling on these dates. Please note we do not offer catch up lessons or lesson fee refunds/credits when students receive less than 8 lessons in the term due to lessons missed because of illness, personal holidays or when a lesson is missed due to a school event (eg activity, trip, camp). Note: There is no extra charge to you in circumstances where your child receives a 9 or 10 week term.
How much notice do I need to give to stop lessons?
Enrolments for classes are rolled over each term unless notice of withdrawal is given prior to the beginning of the new term.
Do you have waitlists for classes that are full?
We sure do! If our lessons are full we run a waitlist. You will be notified of this when you enquire.
How will I be informed when a space becomes available?
We monitor our waiting lists very closely and regularly, so you’ll be contacted by email as soon as a space in the lesson slots you’re waiting for becomes available.
Can I enrol my child in a class outside of the suggested age range?
No, we don’t allow students to enrol in lessons too far above or below the ages of their classmates. We believe there is too much value in students working and learning with their same age group. In keeping children with their immediate peers they connect through relatable concerns and issues, allowing them to best understand the way that themes are expressed by their classmates in speech & drama activities.
Do you accept enrolments if the term has already begun?
Yes. Students are welcome to join at any point throughout the year if a space is available, and our teachers are specialists at making sure that new students learn the basics of speech and drama while also keeping up with more experienced students.

Questions about exams & qualifications

What examinations and qualifications do you offer?
  • Towards the end of each calendar year, in addition to the skills being taught in our speech and drama lessons, Years 4 – 13 students are given the opportunity to select from a wide range of Trinity College of London, and Speech NZ exams. Whether or not students choose to participate in exams each year is completely voluntary. Roughly 50% of our students choose to each year. Specifically, the exams we offer to our students to work towards include:

  • Speech and drama (grades 1 – Diploma)
  • Acting skills (grades 1 – Diploma)
  • Communications skills (grades 1 – Diploma)
  • Acting in pairs (grades 1 – 8)
  • Group and devised scripts (grades 1 – 8)
What are the benefits for students of doing speech and drama exams?
Exams provide a structured framework to sequentially and progressively develop acting, performance and communication skills individually, in pairs and in groups. Trinity’s certificates and diplomas are internationally recognised, and Speech NZ qualifications are highly regarded within NZ. Being a part of the exam experience encourages students to explore their own free-choice of performance pieces, which allows them to express their own strengths, interests and passions.
When can my child begin exams?
All students in school years 4 – 13 are given the opportunity to enter exams at Imaginaire.
What are the differences between the categories of exams?
  • Speech & drama exams involve the performance of a range of texts, interpreting and analysing text and performance, and expressing these views coherently. The structure of speech and drama exams is intended to build students’ confidence and progressively develops the skills such as; Interpersonal Skills (relating to others in appropriate ways with ease, confidence and consideration), Expressive Speaking (Understanding a range of texts and performing them creatively and expressively), Practical Speaking (sharing information engagingly and confidently with peers), and Reflective Skills (exploring, considering and relating original thought to pieces of written English.
  • Communication skills exams give students exposure to practical and creative challenges that are based on real-world situations. Students create, develop and communicate original ideas, expressing views and negotiating. For older students exams involve the preparation and delivery of a presentation. Students are encouraged to develop vital skills for the modern society, workplaces and social situations they are/will be a part of.
  • Students pursuing Acting Skills qualifications take part in performance-based exams. This means they choose and receive coaching on performance pieces that suit their individual strengths and that match skills they themselves identify as interesting to develop. The performance-based exams are intended to give the flexibility to students you to focus on the areas where they themselves want to specialise.
What are the differences between solo, pair, & group exams?
  • Solo exams. The student practices for their exam content individually, guided by their teacher. At exam time he/she will be in the exam room by him/herself and the grade and feedback they receive is attributable to the student solely.
  • Pair exams. Two students practice the exam content in tandem, guided by their teacher. At exam time they will be in the exam room together but each student will still receive an individual mark and feedback. Each individual in the pair can possibly receive a very different grade from their partner.
  • Group exams. Includes from X to Y (number) of students, and involves all students in the group practicing their exam content together, guided by their teacher. At exam time they will all be in the exam room together and will receive a team grade and feedback. Individualised grades and feedback are not given, which makes the group exam a truly collaborative experience.
How will I know what type of exam should my child sit?
Students will be asked by their Imaginaire teacher in Term 2 if they foresee that they’ll wish to work towards an exam piece over the final third of the year. In our experience, the easiest way to decide what type of exam is best for your child is simply to ask him/her whether they’re most interested in an individual, pair or group experience. At the end of the day, it’s the student who needs to be fully enthused by, and engaged with the exam content and preparation.
How will I know what grade of exam should my child sit?
This is completely dependent on the individual student’s level of competency and experience. Your child’s Imaginaire teacher will recommend the exam grade that he or she feels is the right balance of challenge and attainability.

Questions about parental support

Can I attend classes with my child?
At this time, we don’t offer parent and child classes. We believe that when children and teenagers come into lessons independently from parents that it gives them a chance to develop self-confidence, to express themselves freely and to discover more about themselves.
What homework will my child get given?
We do not schedule large amounts of homework, although the requirements may step up slightly if your child chooses to enter into Trinity or Speech NZ exams at the end of the year. The most common homework is researching/writing/learning scripts or speeches. Perhaps the best way to think of how to do speech and drama homework is in a way similar to learning an instrument. We recommend students learn a little, every second or third day. As a rough guide, the below times are the suggested amount of Imaginaire homework students will want to do each week:
Junior students (Years 1 – 6): 20 mins
 Intermediate students (Years 7 – 8): 20 mins
Senior students (Years 9 – 13): 40 mins
If you or your child are ever in doubt about what Imaginaire's homework is or how much should be being done, you are always welcome and encouraged to email your teacher.
How can I best support my child with what he/she learns at Imaginaire?
Each week your child's teacher will set a small amount of homework to do at home, often this involves practising a poem/script/preparing a talk/reading aloud or preparing Speech and Drama exam tasks. Supporting your child and encouraging them to practise on their own/or in front of you will help them to improve and grow their confidence.
How accessible will my child′s teacher be to me?
Sometimes you might like to know a little more than you get from chats with your child about how they’re progressing in lessons. If this is the case then please always feel welcome to email your Imaginaire teacher directly. Although the teacher may not be able to reply immediately, they will always get back to you within a reasonable time period.