THE traditional route into acting normally begins with a stint at drama school as most great actors and actresses will probably tell you.

And although Evesham may not seem like the capital of stardom, watch this space as youngsters in the area are about to get their chance to follow in the footsteps of the stars and sample some limelight for themselves as a new drama school heads to the area opening its doors this September.

Encore School of Dramatic Arts, which will be held at Avonbank Methodist Church in the town, is a fresh new drama school ready to welcome budding actors and actresses, destined for the stage or those who simply want to have fun and boost their confidence.

The brainchild of two local women, Sue Barnes, a successful businesswoman and former teacher and Jann McPherson, also a former teacher with an honours degree in drama studies, Encore aims to give the perfect beginning for a career in the arts.

"We wanted to bring something to Evesham as these things are always organised in Stratford or places nearby but not actually in the town," said Jann.

"This is just for Evesham and a chance for those who attend to build confidence to use throughout their life or develop talent for a possible career."

Based at Avonbank, behind the Methodist Church by Workman Bridge, the school holds weekly after-school classes, grouped according to age, over ten-week terms, which are helpfully timed to coincide with local school holidays.

"While having fun is paramount to children's education, Encore also affords students the chance to learn skills and values needed not only for a career in performing arts but for life itself," said Sue.

"Self confidence, self respect, social and mental awareness, fluency of speech and articulate communication to name but a few."

Each term, parents and carers will have the chance to witness the students' progress for themselves with a major production being staged at the end of every year.

Written reports will also be compiled to allow the students to monitor their own advances.

Open to students from six to 18-years-old, Encore provides the opportunity to study all aspects of the dramatic arts including acting, movement, music, mime and dance as well as voice and speech training.

Those students wishing to take further steps towards a full-time career in performing arts, or simply to boost their CV, will also be encouraged to take internationally recognised examinations.

The schedule will run as follows: Tuesdays 4pm to 5pm, six to nine-year-olds and 10 to 12-year-olds; Wednesdays 4pm to 5pm, six to nine-year-olds, 10 to 12-year-olds and Thursdays 4.30 to 6pm for 13 to 18-year-olds.

The first 10 week term begins on Tuesday, September 19 but to show youngsters exactly what the school is all about, school leaders Sue and Jann have developed the Encore Experience, a free taster session which takes place at Avonbank on Saturday, September 2.

The session is open to all but anyone who wants to book one of the strictly limited places should contact Sue on Evesham 830110 or 07918 182303 or Jann on 01386 45807 or email themacs4@btopenworld.com.