Budding thespians are being encouraged to join a new Island drama group which has been formed with help from the Big Lottery Fund.

Sheppey Healthy Living Centre, off Royal Road, Sheerness, is already host to a number of courses run by the Community Learning Project.

The so–called Island Players’ drama course is tutored by drama teacher Emily Rosen. She has four years’ teaching experience in the field and currently performs with the Canterbury Players. She also runs her own business called Daydream Creative Workshops, providing a variety of workshops for lots of different organisations all over the county.

Island Players is a 10-week course covering all aspects of drama and exploring individual creativity.

Niki Webb, community learning co–ordinator at the centre, said: “Each week Emily will support and encourage all the Island Players in creating an amateur dramatics society to be proud of. The group will give you the chance to meet new people, improve your confidence and drama skills – and take up the challenge of preparing and performing in a variety show.

“Everybody is welcome. Anybody who is new to drama and equally anybody who is a dab hand at treading the boards can come along on Wednesday evenings between 7–9pm.

“More specifically during the weekly session you’ll experience professional drama techniques and exercises to improve your voice, movement and characterisation. Through the medium of drama you will grow in confidence and acquire many valuable transferable skills all of which will assist you with your day–to–day life.

“So whether your passion is comedy, tragedy or community theatre; mime, monologue or farce; scripted or devised theatre, come along and share the zest for the stage amongst new friends.”

The drama course is part of The Community Learning Project – one of 62 projects in south east England in the Chances 4 Change consortium.

It aims to improve the health of local people by offering affordable courses for people living in deprived areas across Swale. The project has secured funding until December 2010.

Ring Niki Webb on 01795 583547 for more information about the drama course.