STARS of the future in Southampton have been getting some top tips on how to get into a life in the theatre

Directors from the celebrated Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and hit TV show The Voice have been sharing their skills with youngsters in the city.

Among those passing on their advice was was Stephen King, international voice coach for The Voice (Belgium), and a vocalist on BBC Radio Two’s Friday Night is Music Night.

The technical singing teacher at The Urdang Academy in London he led a professional Musical Theatre Auditions workshop.

Meanwhile RADA professionals hosted an Acting Auditions workshop and Q and A session on drama school auditioning.

Youngsters were also treated to an acting through song session led by professional actor, Ameer Choudrie (London Road, BBC Films / National Theatre).

The events from youngsters from across Southampton, took place at Richard Taunton Sixth Form College.

The workshops, arranged by Theatre for Life, aim to develop future stars of stage and screen.

Theatre for Life is a new company set up to encourage social inclusion through educational workshops and community theatre projects.

It has just received a £2,000 grant from Postcode Community Trust, thanks to the players of People’s Postcode Lottery.

That will launch a free youth theatre group for 14 to 19-year-olds in the Southampton area.

The grant will also enable Theatre for Life CIC to run a free Community Outreach project for 18 to 25-year-olds called Hear My Voice.

The aim of that project is to raise awareness of mental health amongst young adults.