All the world’s a stage for talented kids

A NEW drama academy for young people in North Kirklees has been set up by a professionally trained actress.

Rebecca Foster, who trained at the London School of Dramatic Arts, has launched the West Yorkshire Drama Academy, based at the Heckmondwike Community Centre in Brunswick Street.

“The academy offers acting classes to aspiring artists, or those who wish to try something new,” said Rebecca, who lives in Heckmondwike.

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“Our aim is to bring professionals and young actors together to learn theatre technique, enhance self confidence and explore imagination.

“Our main focus is acting; however, we bring in guest speakers from all aspects of the industry. We believe our students should be ‘in the know’ and become as highly skilled as possible in a relaxed and fun way.”

Emmerdale actress Kitty McGeever has already said she will come along to give a guest lecture and, meanwhile pupils already enrolled are now busy working towards their first productions.

“Our older pupils are working on a play called Renfield, using Dracula as their stimulus, while the younger ones are doing Wonder in Oz – and we’re still looking to cast parts for this,” said Rebecca, who has performed at the Battersea Arts Centre, the Soho Threatre and the Courtyard Theatre in London.

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The former pupil of the Holy Spirit RC Primary School in Heckmondwike and St John Fisher High School in Dewsbury – where she now teaches drama – appeared in Jason Bartlett’s holocaust play The Interview at Dewsbury Town Hall in 2010.

The academy holds classes for primary age children on Saturday mornings, and for 11 years and older on Wednesday evenings and Saturday afternoons.

Visit www.westyorkshiredramaacademy.co.uk.

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