Walkers Performance Workshops

24th - 28th August 2026 | Ages 7 - 16

Professional training. Real industry access. Rooted at Wells Cathedral School.

Walker’s Performance Workshops is a new chapter in a long-established legacy of elite performing arts training, founded by Gareth and Laura Walker, two working professionals, educators, and parents at Wells Cathedral School who have dedicated their entire lives to performance, education, and the careful development of young talent.

They are proud to be partnering with Wells Cathedral School, as one of the UK’s most respected centre’s for music and performance excellence.

Our mission is to support students of all ages from those just beginning their arts journey to those preparing for professional training by offering authentic, industry-led performing arts education grounded in care, confidence, and excellence.

Monday 24th – Musical Theatre Day – Matilda (Juniors 7-10) In The Heights (Seniors 11-16)

Musical theatre training for junior and senior levels
Character development and storytelling
Song work and ensemble performance
Staging and choreography for musical theatre

Tuesday 25th – Acting Specialist Day (TV, Film & Theatre)

Acting for camera vs stage performance
Presenting to camera
Voiceover and radio work
Techniques that cross between screen and theatre

Wednesday 26th – Pop Specialist Day

Pop Singing and vocal performance
Beatboxing and vocal rhythm
Commercial movement while singing
Microphone technique and live performance skills
Inspired by the modern pop industry: X Factor, MTV, Coachella
Understanding ‘making the band’ concepts (eg. K-pop, Katseye, Netflix formats, BGT – style development)
Building a band, performance identity, and commercial artist skills

Thursday 27th – Dance Specialist Day

Ballroom and Latin
Commercial dance
Contemporary and jazz
Performance quality and technique

Friday 28th – Musical Theatre Day (Hamilton & Six)

Contemporary musical theatre training
Rap, rhythm and lyrical
Character and ensemble work
Performance and staging

What sets this camp apart?

Walker’s Performance Workshops is not a hobby-led activity, it is industry-facing, future-focused training.

  • Staff are actively working professionals within today’s performing arts industry

  • Guest faculty come from the West End and the international stage

  • Students gain access to professionals they would not ordinarily encounter

  • Teaching reflects current industry standards, not outdated practice

Crucially, students also benefit from direct access to international artists and industry leaders. Through long-standing professional relationships, students may receive:

  • Personal video messages of encouragement

  • Feedback and critique on performances

  • Insight into professional rehearsal rooms, auditions, and careers

Ambassadors include Louis Smith MBE , Aljaž Škorjanec, Janette Manrara, Anastacia, and Lulu OBE. Artists who are relevant, respected, and actively working at the highest level.

Meet the Professionals

Gareth Walker

Gareth Walker is an award-winning Creative Director, Director and Choreographer,
and an active leader within the performing arts and entertainment industry. He was Director of the Closing Ceremonies for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and has worked with artists including Take That, Mika, and Steps.
He is currently producing and directing major UK tours including Beverley Knight and Jukebox Idols.
A trained actor, singer and dancer, Gareth graduated with distinction from The London Studio Centre and has taught since the age of 13.

Laura Walker

Laura Walker trained at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts and the London School of Musical Theatre, and enjoyed an extensive professional
career across stage and screen before becoming a highly respected musical theatre educator.
As a performer, Laura appeared at the Royal Variety Performance, the BRIT Awards, and major television productions including The X Factor and Sing If You Can.
Laura was Head of Musical Theatre at Pauline Quirke Academy, founded Showbiz Kids, and co-founded G-Train Academy of Performing Arts.

Areas covered on the workshop

  • Dance (Commercial, Contemporary, Breakdance)

  • Musical Theatre

  • Acting & Acting for Screen

  • TV & Presenting

  • Movement

  • Confidence building & performance mindset

  • Script work, storytelling & character development

  • Audition technique, etiquette and preparation

  • Clear guidance on next steps within the performing arts industry

Fees

Book all 5 days and save £10 a day!

Day Fee: £66 (Inc VAT)

2 Day Fees: £120 (Inc VAT)

3 Day Fees: £174 (Inc VAT)

4 Day Fee: £228 (Inc VAT)

5 Day Fee: £280 (Inc VAT)

Fee includes:
All professional teaching and training, as well as lunch and a daily swimming session.

Childcare vouchers are accepted.

Book Now

Location

The Camp is hosted at Wells Cathedral School, nestled in the centre of Wells, in the heart of Somerset. Surrounded by the picturesque Mendip Hills and in the shadow of Wells Cathedral.

Easily accessible from the M5 and is a stone’s throw away from Bristol and Bath. Bristol Airport is also just 35 minutes away.