Action Factory and Darwen Library Theatre are looking for children and young people aged 6-11 and 12-18 years old to join the new Darwen Youth Theatre. Action Factory is a community arts charity which has been based in Darwen since 1985 and uses different art forms to engage with people of all ages and abilities.

Recent performance projects have included ‘Hallowed Tales from the Valley’, a promenade theatre event using Blackburn Cathedral as a performance space for 32 local people’s stories; also the Summer Arts School for primary aged children across museums in Pennine Lancashire, where 68 children gained their Arts Award through using drama/storytelling and shadow puppetry.

The youth theatre was previously run by Proper Job Theatre, as Shift Youth Theatre.

However, following their youth theatre director’s decision to do a teaching course, the borough council approached Action Factory to take over and restart the groups. The locally based arts charity was delighted to be involved. Organiser Kerry Tuhill said: “We plan to bring in different actors, directors and other artists to give the young people a chance to learn new skills, build confidence and enjoy working with other young people to create their own performances.”

Kerry, who will oversee and support the groups, has previously worked at English Touring Theatre, where she ran six youth theatre groups for children and young people.

Nicole Pattinson, who will work with both age groups, is a professional actor, with credits in theatre and television, as well as theatre in education.

Sessions take place every Monday until December 15. Session times are: 6-11 year olds from 5-6.30pm, 13-18 year olds from 6.30-8pm.

The cost is £4 per week per person, with a discount for people paying in advance.

Contact Kerry Tuhill at Action Factory, 01254 679335 or 07552 639633, or email ktuhill@actionfactory.org