BENEDICT Cumberbatch, David Tennant, Kenneth Branagh, Judi Dench: they all started somewhere, and now the Swan Theatre is offering its own launch pad for budding performers in the form of the Swan Theatre School.

Well known for its pantomime, its large and talented youth theatre, and for the many productions staged by the Worcester Repertory Company, Worcester’s well-loved and busy theatre is now offering something a little different in the form of the Swan Theatre School – and it may just be the perfect path for those wishing to enter the business as a professional performer.

Nick Wilkes, professional actor and playwright, and principal of the school, said: “It’s a one-year professional course and the perfect foundation for the profession – one that I wish had been available when I was starting out as an actor.

"Whether you come from a background of amateur dramatics and are already experienced on stage, or you’re a young person just starting out; or, indeed, you’re bursting with talent but have never had the opportunity to pursue it as a career, this course provides the support, training and skills required for you to enter the industry directly.

“The part-time course is split over two nights a week, with some weekends and longer production periods, which makes the training wonderfully accessible, and allows a person to train in the industry alongside current life commitments. Even if you work full-time, are a parent or are studying elsewhere, you can still pursue this goal and become a professional actor.”

Wilkes, who trained at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, is well known to audiences both as an actor and a playwright, and has helped structure the course being offered.

He said: “You’ll get a chance to study all areas of performance as well as the aspects of business required by the industry today. In addition to acting, movement and voice classes, there are also modules on classical theatre and theatre history, radio, voiceover and television technique, children’s theatre and pantomime, and you will also learn about the principles of audition, self-promotion, agents and future work.”

Auditions are now being held for the autumn intake.

Further details can be found at theswantheatreschool.co.uk or 01905 726969.