Award-winning theatre company, Pentabus, is launching a new youth theatre at Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

The course will begin in September and will be run by the recently appointed co-directors, Ella Niblett and Emma Morgan.

It will be the first time the charity has run a youth theatre in its 50-year history, and it will be overseen by BAFTA winning director, Elle While.

The weekly, term-time class is aimed at two age groups: 11-14 and 15-18. The focus will be on acting only, and the class will build to an end of year production.

Verity Overs-Morrell, Executive Director at Pentabus, said, “We’re passionate about growing new talent at Pentabus, so our new youth theatre is a natural progression for the charity. No experience is necessary – this will be a place to develop skills and confidence, make new friends, and take part in a variety of workshops. We are excited to bring on two new members of the team to lead the youth theatre.

“We recently had a taster session, with nearly everyone leaving a 5* review. The young people who took part said it built their confidence in acting, was “an amazing thing to do” and “Emma and Ella were very lovely and inclusive”, which is a fantastic start to our new initiative.”

At the helm of Pentabus is Artistic Director, Elle While. Elle has worked throughout the UK in leading regional theatres, including the National Theatre, the RSC, The Young Vic, The Old Vic and on numerous West End productions. She was awarded a BAFTA in the Children’s Scripted category for her direction of CBeebies As You Like It at Shakespeare’s Globe.

The course will take place on Wednesdays from 10 September. The 11-14 group takes place from 5pm - 6:15pm, and the 15-18 group from 6:30pm - 7.45pm. The cost for the full term is £85, with bursaries available. For more information or to sign up for the youth theatre visit pentabus.co.uk