The Lyric Theatre are to hold auditions for all aspiring local actors to make the first step towards turning their professional aspirations into reality, as the Theatre launches its 'Drama Studio' training programme,

The focus of the project is on equipping young actors who are serious about the profession with skills that will help them to realise their professional ambitions. Just as former incarnations of the Lyric Studio did exactly this for a generation of actors who were to become regulars on the old Ridgeway Street stage, it is hoped that the new Studio can do the same for the multi-million pound new Lyric building, scheduled to open its doors in 2010.

For those who are offered a place, the six-month programme will involve weekly workshops and master-classes involving the best of local and visiting theatre talent, theatre visits, an intense rehearsal period at Easter 2009 and a final public performance.

The training course completely free to those who are selected from the auditions.

Dan Gordon, himself a graduate from the old Lyric Studio, is supporting the new initiative: 'The Studio has always set out to provide a bridge between aspiration and achievement. It is a vital platform for committed aspiring actors to have the opportunity to get further training, get semi-professional experience and to get to where they want to be'.

Director of the Lyric Drama Studio, Jonathan Harden laid out the aims of the project: 'I need a company of highly committed, talented actors. With the right team, we can make great things happen. This is the beginning of something very significant and I'm excited at the prospect of what lies ahead'

The NEW Lyric Drama Studio commences October 2008, and after a busy first round of auditions last weekend, final recalls are being held on Saturday 20th September (venue tbc). THERE ARE STILL A FEW SLOTS LEFT FOR THOSE WHO MISSED THE FIRST ROUND - BOOK YOUR PLACE NOW by emailing us at dramastudio@lyrictheatre.co.uk ASAP with your name and mobile number. We will then get back to you with details of where to go and what to prepare. But be quick, there are a very few slots left and we will allocate them on a first come, first served basis