TWO friends have joined forces and created their very own theatre company for youngsters and adults from West Devon and South East Cornwall.
'In the Wings Theatre Company' is the brainchild of former Tavistock College student Ross Ayling, from Albaston, and former Callington College student Morag Stolton.
The company was established in March 2009 by these two students who are currently studying at the University of Central Lancashire.
The concept behind their ambition was to provide exceptional entertainment to local audiences in the South West of England and provide education and fun to both adults and children of all ages.
Morag, 19, from Gunnislake, is currently studying in her second year for a BA (Hons) in music theatre.
She said: 'We liked the idea of a company which would incorporate both the older and younger members of the local community working together.
'We both have a passion for theatre but from two different angles — so we decided to bring them to the company. I am thinking from the performance and acting side whereas Ross is coming from the business side of things.'
The company is currently producing musicals and theatrical shows each summer to raise funds for local charities and to provide an opportunity for local performers and students to take part in short run performances.
After the summer of 2011, it is intended the company will embark on fully fledged projects, and will offer professional tuition in musical theatre, including elements of dancing, acting and music to students of all ages.
It is hoped to locate these projects in a suitable small theatre, and be able to provide support, equipment and expertise to local amateur companies.
The first production organised by both Morag and Ross, who is in his first year studying a BA (Hons) in events management, will be 'The Musical of Musicals', which is an 'off-Broadway' show.
The story focuses on one simple plot but performers act out the tale in five different scenes, using the styles of five well-known musical composers.
The company has adapted the production and instead of using the same four people for all five scenes, they will use around 15 to 20 people.
These will include Tavistock College students as well as people from the Tavistock Musical Theatre Company, Plymouth Gilbert and Sullivan and students from Callington College.
Rehearsals will start at the beginning of June, which will give them five to six weeks of preparation before the production begins in July.
The production of 'The Musical of Musicals' has been planned for Wednesday, July 22, Thursday, July 23 and Friday, July 24 at 7.30pm each night in the main hall of Tavistock College. Tickets cost £7 for adults and £5 for concessions, in aid of CHICKS and St Luke's Hospice.