A new after-school GCSE Drama support course for young people aged 11–18 is launching in Morecambe offering aspiring performers and students additional opportunities to develop their skills in theatre and performance.

The course begins today (Monday March 16) running from 5pm to 7pm, and will take place fortnightly during school term time.

Delivered by the community theatre organisation West End Players CIC, the sessions are designed to support students studying drama at school as well as those interested in theatre who may not currently have access to formal drama provision.

Organisers say the programme has been developed in response to a growing gap in arts education opportunities for young people in the area.

Drama courses for 11-18-year-olds will be held at the West End Playhouse and Alt Space on Yorkshire Street in Morecambe.

placeholder image — Drama courses for 11-18-year-olds will be held at the West End Playhouse and Alt Space on Yorkshire Street in Morecambe.

The sessions will focus on key elements of GCSE drama study including performance skills, devising theatre, script work, confidence building and collaborative storytelling. Participants will also gain practical experience in staging work and developing their own performances in a supportive environment.

The course will be led by experienced theatre practitioners connected with the West End Playhouse in Morecambe’s West End, a venue that has become a hub for grassroots theatre, spoken word and creative events in the town.

Matt Panesh, artistic director of the West End Players CIC said: “This course has been created to support young people who want to explore drama more deeply, whether they are studying GCSE drama or simply interested in performance.

"There is a clear gap in accessible theatre education locally, and we want to create a space where young people can develop confidence, creativity and practical skills. If there are adults interested, please get in touch. if there’s sufficient interest we'll start a parallel course for adults.

”Turn up to the West End Playhouse on Yorkshire Street in the first instance.”

Places are open to young people aged 11 to 18, with sessions taking place regularly throughout the academic year.

Anyone interested in joining the course is encouraged to register their interest by emailing: [email protected] with GCSE in the subject heading

West End Players CIC is a community theatre organisation based in Morecambe that produces performances, workshops and festivals aimed at supporting participation in the arts and developing creative opportunities within the local community.