BUDDING thespians can break a leg in Brentwood at a new theatre school.
Laura Bradshaw, 23, has started teaching drama and singing, along with ballet, tap and modern dance to help spotlight-seeking youngsters hone their talents.
Owner of The Bradshaw Theatre School, Miss Bradshaw launched joint dancing, singing and acting classes earlier this month at Brentwood Hard Court Tennis Club in Childerditch Lane, Great Warley.
She had started off with just dance classes at the same venue in October 2012.
A "glee club" is also offered to young children in which they'll sing songs and act out scenes from the world of film.
Laura said: "We're going to be working on some things from Shrek and we'll be doing some pop songs.
"What we'd like the kids to do is if they've got a favourite song, bring it along and we'll work with that."
Laura, who lives in Laindon, has a strong pedigree in the world of performing arts.
When she was 14, she took part in a parade at Disneyland Paris with the rest of her college, before dancing on stage at one of the venue's theatres.
After studying singing, drama and dance for a three-year diploma in theatre dance at Performer's College in Corringham, Thurrock, she went on to perform on package holidays in Europe and London variety shows.
She told the Gazette she set up the school because she loves dance and drama and wants to pass it on to children.
"The emphasis is on fun," Laura said.
"We're not pushing the kids to audition – if they're good at things, then they can do them, but if not then it's just for fun.
"There's no pressure and it's a great way to build confidence and make new friends.
"They can be whoever they want to be, rather than the person everyone wants them to be in the playground."
If the child wants to continue on and pursue a career, they will be supported, Laura added.
With a group of youngsters from the dance classes taking part in a performance at Her Majesty's Theatre in London on Sunday, January 27, Laura hopes to realise her ambition of giving children "the most rounded education possible".
The theatre school meets on Wednesdays between 4 and 7pm and from 10am until 3.30pm on Saturdays. Each session consists of several classes which can be from 30 minutes to an hour in length. They cost from £3.50 each, with the first one free.
To book, call Laura on 07539 218216 or e-mail bradshawstheatreschool@yahoo.com
