summer dramatic arts course.

Summer Dramatic Arts offers young people, between the ages of 11 and 16, an opportunity to dive deep into the acting world.

But organiser Kathi DeCouto said each four-week course was more than just a acting -- it will also feature mine, costumes, directing and several field trips.

"It is not just acting,'' she explained. "It helps them with their memorisation and communication skills.

"It helps them get rid of shyness and improves their public speaking and creativity.'' And Ms Decouto said the 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. course will help fill the dramatic void in Bermuda.

"There's a void in the drama arena in Bermuda,'' she pointed out. "There are plenty of dance and music schools.

"It is definitely something we don't have in Bermuda and there's definitely an interest in it with the kids.'' The first four-week session begins June 28 and runs until July 23, while the second session begins August 2 and continues until August 27.

And Ms Decouto said she had plans to continue offering the course this fall.

"It will become an after school programme in September.'' In the meantime, the summer classes will be at the Escape Club on Par-La-Ville Road in Hamilton.

"The Escape Club is an excellent venue because it has a stage, music system and lights,'' she explained. "It is also located in Hamilton which is convenient for parents.'' Auditions for a space in the programme will be held tomorrow and next Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

"It is an intense course so I only want kids that are really interested in drama,'' she added. "It is a learning class, not a baby sitting service.'' For more information of the programme or the auditions Ms Decouto at 236-2306 or 294-0175.