A NEW provision offering drama and performance workshops for young people in Okehampton is to launch next week.

OCRA and Entertainingly Different are launching skills based drama and performance workshops for eight to 18 year olds in the area.

Working with experienced and dynamic practitioners and performers, the informal sessions will provide young people with a relaxed environment to express themselves and learn new skills.

Rob Pudner of Entertainingly Different will direct the sessions.

He said: 'I'm really excited about bringing this dramatic provision to Okehampton after many successful years in North Devon.

'These workshops are ultimately about having fun and not about turning young people into starlets but allowing them to shine in their own individual way whilst their overall development as people is nurtured and supported.'

Taster sessions run on Tuesday, February 25 and Tuesday, March 4.

Eight to twelve year olds can attend sessions from 5.15pm to 6.45pm in Okehampton College Gym, while sessions for 13 to 18 year olds run in the OCRA Pavilion in the Park from 7pm to 8.30pm. The taster sessions cost £5 each.

After these taster sessions, participants can sign up for a series of workshops starting on Tuesday, March 11.

Sessions will focus on a variety of areas including improvisation, characterisation, the spoken word and physical theatre.

For more information g o to the website http://www.entertaininglydifferent.co.uk">www.entertaininglydifferent.co.uk or call Rob Pudner on 07751 886923.