A PERFORMING arts school in Gunnislake is offering three scholarships to enthusiastic and talented young people.

Orchard Studios, founded in 2002 by Mary and Caroline Chapman, will give the successful applicants a year's free tuition fees, which include up to three classes per week.

The three chosen performers will also go straight into rehearsals for a major performance project to be held at Hall for Cornwall in February 2010.

There are two places on offer for classical ballet, which are open to young people between the ages of seven and 17, not currently taking ballet lessons. The third place is for performing arts, which is open to children between the ages of ten and 13, who are currently not taking lessons in singing and dancing.

The Orchard Studios are unique due to their community-based ethos while still insisting on students acquiring a strong technique.

Six young people, over the last three years, have been offered places at some of the county's top performing arts colleges.

Caroline Chapman said: 'Even after almost 30 years in the business I'm still excited by new projects, whether it is singing and dancing in TV commercials or working as part of a team getting a show on the road, it's all great fun.'

The auditions are to be held at The Orchard Studios on Saturday, September 19 at 2.30pm.

Further details, contact Caroline or Mary on 01822 835859 or 07790 523877 or email [email protected]">[email protected]