STUDENTS taking BTEC acting and production arts courses are preparing to take centre stage at Salisbury Playhouse as they present their end of year showcase.

Perchance to Dream is a collection of monologues and scenes taken from classic plays, physical theatre and the first airing of a radio drama project which shows the versatile talents of this group of aspiring actors.

From Greek tragedy and Shakespeare through to new writing, the students will demonstrate their varied skills on the Playhouse’s main stage during two public performances on Tuesday, June 9 from 3pm to 7pm.

The BTEC acting course was launched two years ago as a collaboration between Wiltshire College and Salisbury Playhouse.

With the first students due to complete the course this summer, many have been offered places to study acting and performing arts at university with the hope of moving on to drama school and becoming a professional actor.

“It’s great that we have the chance to work on so many different skills and try things from classical theatre to comedy, new drama and working with the film and television students,” said first year student Tom Ford, 18. “This year we’ve worked on several projects and productions but after lots of rehearsals and research into our characters, we’re really excited about performing on the Main Stage at the Playhouse for our end of year show.”

The students are taught at Wiltshire College and Salisbury Playhouse, working with the theatre’s professional technical teams and behind-the-scenes staff.

“When I come here I don’t feel like I’m a student, I feel like an actor because we get to be part of life in the theatre,” added Jacob Ruddle,18, who is about to complete the BTEC course and successfully auditioned to study acting at Bath Spa University. “You get lots of support and opportunities and I always think how lucky I am to have them.”

For tickets, call Salisbury Playhouse box office on 01722 320333 or visit salisburyplayhouse.com.

Auditions for the BTEC acting course take place throughout the year. More details on 01722 345164 or wiltshire.ac.uk.