Studio 42 Performing Arts is a performance-focused dance and drama school at 60 Shirley Road in Shirley, Christchurch. Its main strength is musical theatre, taught to children, teens and adults. Classes combine jazz, tap, singing and acting, with separate junior classes for ages 10 to 13 and inter classes for ages 13 to 16. Adult musical theatre is open to people who want to audition, return to the stage or perform for enjoyment. The studio also offers hip hop, contemporary and tap classes, and says it works across all ages and abilities.
Parents say the classes are welcoming, supportive and fun, with choreography that suits a wide range of abilities. One parent says their children do musical theatre with the studio and that it is a school unlike other dance schools, with a strong sense of family. Another praises the studio's showcases, which are a full performance rather than a simple recital. Customers say the studio has a good range of adult classes, which is uncommon in Christchurch. For a child or adult in Shirley who wants performance-based training in musical theatre, the studio is set up for that.