Shameless star sets stage for students

Former actor in "Shameless", Sarah Byrne is starting her own theatre company.

THE stage is all set for former Shameless star Sarah Byrne who wants to help local stars to shine.

Sarah, who played "Meena" in the cult Channel 4 series set on a fictional Manchester council estate called "Chatsworth", is about to launch her own theatre school, in Royton.

The Chadderton actor is hoping to impart her wealth of industry experience and knowledge on the borough's budding thespians and plans to unearth some undiscovered talent.

She says she also understands the importance of locally based acting schools and credits them with spring-boarding her into the world of film and television acting.

"From the age of six I went to the Oldham Saturday Stage School then the Judith Barker Drama School," said Sarah (27) who went on to gain a degree in TV, film and cultural studies at Manchester Metropolitan University.

"I was waiting for a place at Oldham Theatre Workshop when one of their flyers came through the door saying there was an audition for a Film 4 film called 'Mischief Night' so I just went for it and got one of the lead roles. I've never looked back since.

"These days there aren't as many opportunities because there are so many people who want to do acting and you really have to push to be seen.

"What I want to do is help young people to develop their talent and help them through my experience and contacts.

"There's always been a lot of talent in Oldham."

"Sarah Byrne's Acting Academy" will open on July 9, in Shure 5 Studios, in Moss Lane, offering lessons in drama for six- to 17-year-olds.

Sarah says younger students will be engaged in learning through games and imagination whereas older members will encounter script reading and improvisation.

She's also planning to bring her friends in the industry on board and bring in cameras to film youngsters once the academy gets established.

For more information, email sbactingacademy@gmail.com or go to the "Sarah Byrne's Acting Academy" Facebook page.