Coalville's Century Theatre has launched The Academy @CT - which is aimed at bringing professional quality theatre and arts training to everyone.

Backed by the Arts Council England, the theatre's hand chosen group leaders bring their special skills to the sessions, offering the chance to be involved in a professional theatre setting.

The theatre says: "No matter if you just fancy a new hobby or if you want to make the arts your career, we've got you covered!

"Due to the pandemic we may have to change some of our plans from time to time.

"However, as soon as we are able, and it is safe to do so, we will hold the sessions in our brand-new studio theatre which adjoins our main auditorium behind the newly-built Colliery Café.

"Until then, we will be holding sessions online via Zoom, and these sessions will be free of charge.

"Once we are back in person the charge for exclusive membership will be £65 per term (approximately 10 to 13 weeks).

"This includes one-and-a-half to two hours (depending on age) of workshops, special access to shows, behind the scenes access and discounts off certain performances.

"You can join multiple groups and we will offer a discount to subsequent groups. We also offer sibling discounts.

"We want the arts to be accessible by everyone so are proud to offer discounted rates (bursaries) for those on a low income and free (scholarship) places for those from certain communities.

"Email [email protected] for an application form and to be put on our mailing list, click HERE for more details or telephone 01530 278444 (answer machine service)."

The sessions are as follows

• Monday 7pm Over 25s (Adult sessions for those interested in any aspect of theatre or drama)

• Tuesdays 4.30pm School Years 4-6 (Ages 8 to 11 approx., fun creative and energetic)

• Tuesdays 7pm School Years 7-9 (Ages 11 to 13 approx., creativity and exploration)

• Wednesdays 5pm Musical Theatre (All ages 8 to 80, explore musicals and performance, singing, dance etc)

• Friday 5pm School/College Years 10-13 (Ages 14 to 17 approx., drama, acting, creativity and fun)

• Saturday 10am Under 8s (Ages 4 to 8, fun energy and storytelling to develop imaginative play)

• Saturday 1pm 18-25s (Young people exploring themes that they want to explore dramatically)

• Saturday 4pm Street Academy (Ages 8-80, Hip hop, DJing, Breakdance, Graffiti, Music videos, Youtube)

• Sunday 10am SEND Under 18s (Special educational needs and disabilities having fun and exploring)

• Sunday 1pm SEND Over 18s (Exploring drama and creativity with play)

• Sunday 4pm Academy Plus (8 to 80 Specific drama training for aspiring professionals. All genres.)

• Sunday 7pm New Start (Ex-offenders & families) (Creativity to explore new ways of expression and share experiences relating to social justice)