People are being encouraged harness their creativity and act, sing and dance in a series of courses run by Richmond Theatre.

The theatre’s creative learning department launched its weekly courses with new additions to the programme to get people of all ages involved.

For the first time, a youth musical theatre company will run for children aged eight to 16 who want to develop skills and will work towards a final performance at the theatre on Richmond Green.

Nicola Ward, Richmond Theatre’s creative learning manager says: “I’m so delighted that we are able to offer a musical theatre course as part of our programme this year.

“Many of the children we see progressing through our youth theatre classes have the potential to be triple threats in the theatre world, so now we’ll be able to help them hone their singing and dancing as well as their acting abilities.

“Hopefully this course will also attract some new participants who may not have thought about joining previously as we’re offering something brand new.”

Also new this year is the Richmond Theatre Young Actors Company, for 17 to 30 year olds who can take part in master classes that focus on different aspects of acting and performance led by professionals.

The third and final new addition is the Richmond Theatre Community Choir, which aims to bring together people from all parts of the community who love singing.

Ward says: “This is a personal project of mine as I’m hoping to bring a new audience to the theatre – people who love to sing but not professionally, and so who may not have thought Richmond Theatre was the place for them.

“We want to show them that there’s something for everybody here.”

Creative learning courses at Richmond Theatre, The Green, Richmond. Various courses run at various times from September to December. Visit creativelearning.atg.co.uk or email nicolaward@theambassadors.com.