THEATRE professionals are soon to descend on a Winchester theatre to share their expertise with the next generation of performers.

Theatre Royal is hosting Easter workshops for six to 18-year-olds, with everything from stage make-up classes to circus masterclasses.

Theatre Boot Camp, which runs from April 8-10, will see those aged 12-18 put through their paces with a three-day programme in physical theatre, circus, choreography, voice and acting.

Theatre practitioner Olivia from Joli Vyan, a theatre company that has performed at the Hat Fair festival, said: “We are very excited to be teaching at Theatre Royal Winchester. We hope to give all our participants plenty of new and exciting things to discover in our fusion of dance and circus.”

Yvonne Morley, former head of London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, will be bringing her expertise as a leading vocal coach to the workshops, while musical director Robert Rayner, who has previously worked on The Lion King, will be working on integrating music into performance.

Hayley Spicer will be teaching participants about stage make-up.

Led by Carl Woodward, youth theatre manager at the theatre, the three-day boot camp will culminate in a mini performance on stage.

Robert Rayner said: “I am so looking forward to coming back to put the kids through their musical paces again, and hearing some excellently polished vocal work!”

The following week, from April 13-14, six to 11-year-olds will become storytellers, puppeteers and designers with Theatre Explorers, as they discover the world of the visual tale The Tin Forest.

Led by Jo Hennessy, outreach officer at the theatre, participants will make puppets and create scenery to bring the tale to life for their families to see.

For more information or to book call 01962 840440 or go online at theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk.