Duo helps youngsters to find their voices

NATASHA Clarke and Rachel Nolan with performers Molly Cooney, Eve McGrath, Jack Lever and Summer Garland.

DRAMA classes in Royton are helping children to develop more confidence.

Budding actors are having fun while learning a lot at The Nolan Clarke School of Acting, which hosts weekly drama classes at the Royton Band Club in Sandy Lane.

Set up by local women Rachel Nolan and Natasha Clarke, the teacher and actor duo are providing exciting new opportunities for local children to get involved with drama at the club, which has a long history of performance in the local community ­- from singing classes to its very own panto.

Professional actor Natasha Clarke (29) said: "We're both interested in acting. I've been working with one of the top tutors in the country - David Johnson - for four years now, but with that being Manchester-based I thought it would be nice to bring something closer to home.

"My recent acting roles have been at The Lowry Theatre and The Palace Theatre, and I have worked with both the English National and The Royal Ballet.

"My industry experience started with an acting agency when I was younger and now I am eager to pass on everything that I know.

"The kids' confidence has grown. Some of them came on the first night and didn't want to speak to anyone.

"Now they can't wait to get on the stage."

Rachel (25) has completed a teaching qualification and is now doing supply work so that she can still dedicate time to her drama students.

She said: "This is a great way of combining both our experience. I'm a qualified teacher and I enjoy working with young people, helping them to be good at something they love.

"I've always loved drama. I used to do drama with children when I taught in schools and I loved seeing the change in them as they learnt to express themselves.

"At The Nolan Clarke School of Acting we'll be teaching children different acting techniques.

"The classes will lead to productions and showcases giving children confidence and building on their self-esteem."

The class for those aged four to ten takes place on Tuesday from 5.30-6.30pm while the session for 11 to 17 years takes place from 6.30-7.30pm.

Sessions are £5. Children are welcome to attend a free taster session. The ladies also provide private tuition as well as developing classes for adults.

For more information contact nolanclarkeacting@hotmail.com or call 07497 372 592. Follow them on Twitter @TNCSOA