ASPIRING actors can receive tuition from a bird of a feather at a new drama school.

The Pauline Quirke Academy is a weekend performing arts school for four to 18-year-olds.

And it is opening in Swindon on Saturday, September 19, to show off the classes available to youngsters.

Pauline, who played Sharon Theodopolopodos in the BBC comedy, said: “When we opened our first academy in 2007 our mission was simply to provide the very best performing arts education.

“We’ve grown a lot since then, but that mission hasn’t changed. By working with people we believe are outstanding in their field, we aim to bring the widest, most exciting experience to our students in an environment that is both friendly and rewarding.”

PQA’s core modules in comedy and drama, musical theatre and film and television teach a comprehensive range of skills, which are useful for everyday life, not just a career in the performing arts.

Master classes allow students to experience more specialist lessons in areas like stage combat, beat boxing, street dance and magic.

The free open day runs from 9.45am to 1pm at Nova Hreod Academy, in Akers Way.

For more information, log on to www.pqacademy.com, or call 0800 531 6282.

As well as many in-house productions and showcases one of the stand-out highlights for all PQA students is the chance to see their short film projects on the big screen of their local cinema, where they get to walk down the red-carpet just like the Hollywood stars.