A PERFORMING arts group is offering scholarships to encourage youngsters to get involved.

Theatretrain Maldon is offering two scholarships for students aged from 13 to 18.

The scholarship is available to people who are new to Theatretrain and attend Plume Academy, Ormiston Rivers Academy, New Rickstones Academy or Maltings Academy.

Youngsters accepted into the scholarship scheme will benefit from a year of classes at Theatretrain in Maldon.

Theatretrain Maldon offers professional theatre training to children and teens from the age of four to 18.

It aims to give children and young people a place to explore the theatre world and create performances.

Participants will be taught life skills and will have the opportunity to develop their confidence.

Since it was established in 2009, members have enjoyed performing at the Royal Albert Hall, Disneyland Paris parades, the London Palladium and the O2 Arena.

Included in the scholarship is the main Saturday school with two hours of singing, dancing and acting classes, free uniform, free West End workshops and masterclasses, free musical theatre examinations, the opportunity to perform with the group at the Royal Albert Hall in September and free travel to the event.

Centre director Mark Everard said: “We are thrilled to be able to reintroduce our Scholarship Scheme.

“There is a very small charge of £5 a week for the main school sessions but everything else is completely free.

“The best way to find out more about what we do and see if Theatretrain is a good fit for your child is to book a free taster session.

"It’s not an audition, but we will be looking to see to who is showing us massive energy, enthusiasm and commitment."

To apply, go to theatretrainmaldon.membermeister.com/register and in the notes section put the date you would like to have a trial session.

Theatretrain Maldon is based at All Saints' Primary School in Maldon. Trial sessions are on Saturday, March 4, and Saturday, March 11.