BUDDING young Sidmouth stars with a passion for performing have the chance to win two scholarships at a top stage school in the town.

BUDDING young Sidmouth stars with a passion for performing have the chance to win two scholarships at a top stage school in the town.

The Sidmouth Herald has joined forces with Stagecoach Theatre Arts, Britain's biggest part-time theatre school, to offer this fantastic opportunity to two lucky readers.

The school has been running in the town at St John's for five years and to celebrate its re-launch at Sidmouth College in September the scholarships, worth �900 each, are up for grabs.

The successful applicants will learn how to act, sing and dance and all students have the opportunity to take part in extra work towards L.A.M.D.A. exams in speech, drama and musical theatre.

Principal Sue Marston said: "No preparation is needed by those applying for the scholarship-all they need to bring with them is talent and enthusiasm.

"Students at Stagecoach schools take classes in acting, singing and dancing but the most integral part of the training is the confidence that they gain from the teachers and from performing.

"It is amazing how our children have developed over the past five years we have been running here."

Students have featured in musicals such as 'Joseph', 'Annie' and 'Guys and Dolls' and the school's agency gives really keen children the chance to audition for TV series and films.

Some of the pupils have appeared with 'Shakespeare for Kidz' and acted with Dawn French in the TV series 'Jam and Jerusalem'.

All students get the opportunity to regularly perform in front of parents and friends and next term they will be presenting 'Cinderella' the pantomime.

If you are between 7and 18 years old are and interested in winning the scholarships call Sue Marston on 01823 333176 and ask for an application form.. Auditions will be held on 5th September at Sidmouth Community College and will take the form of workshops held by the Stagecoach teachers.

The classes, starting in September, will be held from 4.30pm-7.30pm every Friday night at Sidmouth College.