Professional Hereford-based theatre company Powerhouse has announced it is providing free professional acting training and scriptwriting classes in the city, with both courses starting this month

Looking for individuals from across the county, Powerhouse will provide 12 free places for those who wish to develop their acting skills; and another 12 places for those wishing to gain experience in playwriting.

The courses have been made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England, and Herefordshire’s A Great Place, as part of Powerhouse’s 21st Century Tales project, an an ambitious community project exploring the last 20 years of local history through new writing, live performance and digital work.

Tim Evans, artistic director of Powerhouse, has described the funding as “a much needed boost for creative talent in the county.

“There’s a real energy in the area at the moment," he says. "A lot of creative talent with a lot of ideas. It’s essential to enable that talent, and to provide opportunities for creative development right here in Herefordshire.”

Powerhouse has been running classes since February 2018, courses created to provide affordable training in live and digital performance, and forming part of Powerhouse’s long-term vision of a vibrant theatre and performance culture in Herefordshire.

The acting sessions will take place weekly starting on February 18, with the writing sessions beginning on February 19.

Both courses are suitable for beginners, as well as for those with experience. Places are limited, and applications close on Saturday, February 15. To apply for one of the free places go to powerhouselive.org.uk/courses