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:

Weekly Participation Classes

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

Each year we see hundreds of participants taking part in our participation classes, and with over 25 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 our weekly classes on offer here: Weekly Participation 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.

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 2026 our Winter Play Days will be coming to…

Winter Play Day: Yeovil at Westlands Entertainment Venue on Monday 16th February 

Winter Play Day: Wincanton at Memorial Hall on Tuesday 17th February 

Winter Play Day: Langport at Ridgway Hall on Wednesday 18th February 

Winter Playday: Chard at Chard Guildhall on Thursday 19th 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. 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.