DSP Performing is an established Saturday performing arts school based within Wanstead High School, offering a full curriculum in acting, dancing, and singing for ages 5 to 18.

Originally a Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts franchise, it quickly grew and developed into one of the leading LIPA Schools. In 2014, the school took on the challenge of running as an independent organisation with the new name of DSP Performing. The school successfully remained open during the pandemic, with a combination of online teaching and socially distanced lessons. In 2022, the school changed ownership, and we said goodbye to the creator of DSP, now moving on to adventures new.

Many of our students return year after year, not just for the fun lessons and the friendly caring ethos of the school, but also for the challenge of learning new techniques with a team of vibrant teachers who are themselves working performers.

Our very structured programme of teaching enables students of all abilities to progress as well as develop confidence, concentration and self-discipline – personal skills essential in adult life! We offer two main showcase performances each year: one at Christmas at Wanstead HS, and one end-of-year usually at Forest School.

Every 2 years, all students are encouraged to take the Group Musical Theatre Exams with Trinity College where they consistently achieve high marks. We are proud to say that since 2016 all students who entered the exam have achieved either a Merit or a Distinction.

Parallel to our main school, DSP runs a Diploma course for older teenagers. This is a 2-year solo programme that prepares students for a potential professional future in the performing arts. Our first Diploma class passed their exams with flying colours in 2023!