STUDENTS studying at Salisbury Playhouse and Wiltshire College are to take centre stage in Bertolt Brecht’s thought-provoking play The Caucasian Chalk Circle.

The BTEC students, who are working towards qualifications in acting and production arts, will be giving public performances on Wednesday and Thursday at Wiltshire College’s Salisbury campus.

The Caucasian Chalk Circle is set during a civil war when a servant girl sacrifices everything to protect an abandoned child. But when peace is restored the boy’s mother returns to claim her son. A judge declares the dispute will be resolved by the ancient tradition of the Chalk Circle.

Now in its second year, the BTEC acting course gives aspiring actors age 16 and over the chance to work alongside professional directors, technicians and other theatre practitioners at Salisbury Playhouse.

Tom Sherman, actor and course leader, said: “Students thrive in this challenging professional environment. At every step of their learning they have been supported by the expertise of Playhouse staff. The Caucasian Chalk Circle is an epic play tackling difficult topics in a demanding style and the students’ dedication and maturity throughout the rehearsal period will, no doubt, reflect in their performance.”

Students also learn music in collaboration with the college’s music department.

Salisbury Playhouse and Wiltshire College jointly run a production arts course for students interested in a career in stage management, production and design.

Public performances of The Caucasian Chalk Circle take place on Wednesday, December 10 at 1.30pm and on Thursday 11 at 1.30pm and 7pm. Free tickets are available from the Salisbury Playhouse box office or by calling 01722 320333. For more about the BTEC course call Louise Dancy at Salisbury Playhouse on 01722 345168 or visit Wiltshire.ac.uk