ASPIRING young dancers, singers and actors can now take classes with a new performing arts school.
Helen Arber, 31, is bringing her musical theatre academy to Billericay.
Students will learn routines and songs from a range of shows including Oliver, Les Miserables and Mary Poppins.
The school is open to children aged five up to 18 years old.
There will be an open day on Saturday as an introduction to the classes, which will be held on a weekly basis.
Classes begin at Mayflower Hall in Chapel Street on April 20.
Miss Arber, who lives in Stock with her partner and four-month-old baby, said: "The classes will always work towards a production and each year we will do three productions.
"This includes a showcase production at Her Majesty's Theatre, London.
"I already lead classes in Rochford and we teach children from a wide range of backgrounds and abilities. It's lovely to see them progress from being quite shy to having the confidence to enjoy performing.
"There is no pressure and children can enjoy a bit of everything in the classes including acting, singing and dancing. Our first production will be West End To Broadway."
Miss Arber was a secondary school teacher in performing arts until 2009 when she left her job to open her own dance school, Helen Arber Performing Arts.
She has a rich background in performing arts and was taught at Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts in London.
She said: "I've always wanted to open my own school and am really pleased to be able to bring it to Billericay.
"The open day will involve a performance from my Rochford students who will enact a medley of songs from Legally Blond and Les Miserables. There will also be acting sketches for new children to take part in.
"Girls and boys are welcome to join in and their first rehearsal class is free. They are welcome to join the classes at any stage."
The open day will be run from 10am until 4pm and parents and their children can drop in and out as they please. There will also be a raffle for four scholarships which will offer a free term of tuition and a goody bag for every child.
Classes will run on Saturdays, from 10am until 1pm with groups split between ages.
A 12-week term costs £99 per pupil and this charge covers the cost of everything including the uniform and shows.
Log on to www.helenarber performingarts.co.uk or e-mail info@helenarberperformingarts .co.uk for more information
