A DAY of street culture will kick off a training week aimed at giving young people in the Hatherleigh area the opportunity to gain skills leading to a public performance.

The week of professional training kicks off on Saturday, October 25, with a day of street culture. Ash, a leading professional hip hop DJ, is leading a mixing workshop, all equipment provided.

The Known Assailants, who are the present UK break dance champions, will be leading a dance workshop, and Mark Brassington, a respected graffiti artist, is demonstrating his spray can art form.

The whole day is free and is a trailer for the week of performance activities which are running throughout half-term week and available to youngsters aged 13 and over.

Jane Bartlett, who is directing the project, received a grant of £6,000 from The Tarka Country Millennium Awards to make the Hatherleigh project possible.

Jane said she was really looking forward to the week in Hatherleigh, but said the people she was looking for to take part had to have a genuine interest in a career in the entertainment industry.

Any young person who is seriously considering a career in the entertainment industry is encouraged to join the project.

All the tutors involved are Equity members or professionals in their field.

A film will be made during the project, and copies will be made available to be used as part of a portfolio of work for prospective young actors.

The programme also includes opportunities for those who prefer not to appear on stage.

The leading technician from the Northcott Theatre is bringing £750 worth of lights and other effects to be used for the final production.

Costumes, props, wigs and make-up are all provided and the young people will stage their own show in the town hall in Hatherleigh at the end of the week on Saturday, November 1.

There are limited places available, so keen young people should phone 07773 679559 to book a place.

It is essential that they attend every day of the project to complete the training.

Young people aged under 16 will also need to obtain parental consent. There are 25 places available.

For further information contact Jane Bartlett 07773 679559.