BUDDING actors and actresses are being invited to tread the boards as part of a new drama initiative at Wallyford.

Bonnyrigg-based children’s theatre group Lights Camera Action (LCA) is offering weekly classes with a view to staging a production of Wally Wonka at The Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh.

Carly King, owner of the LCA group, explained that the youngsters, aged seven and over, would learn about theatre, set design, costumes, script writing and performing on stage for family and friends.

She said: “This group will be learning and rehearsing for our Wally Wonka show in the drama department of Rosehill High School, inside the Wallyford Learning Campus. We will then take our show to The Pleasance Theatre.”

She said LCA had enjoyed success with its Christmas pantomime Santa’s Socks and Peter Pan, and rehearsals were currently under way in Bonnyrigg for a production of Matilda Jr, involving a cast of 40 children aged seven to 17.

Carly, who grew up in Edinburgh, said she had “absolutely loved” performing her whole life in front of audiences all across Europe.

She said: “I have been ever so lucky as a young performer myself and I travelled France, Spain and Italy whilst teaching expressive sessions for children, and performed in children’s theatre productions.

“I direct all the plays we have performed too, which I absolutely love, as seeing the confidence in the children grow from the first performance through to the opening night is just wonderful.”

No auditions

She said: “The reason I opened LCA was to have a space where children could come along to express themselves freely whilst making friends and life memories.

“I try my best to ensure costs are kept as low as we can too, allowing flexibility and inclusion for families.”

She added: “We don’t audition for roles as we believe every child should be able to come along pressure free.

“There are no audition-like activities nor experience required. This allows the group to be more welcoming and freeing.

“We will choose between ourselves as a group in regards to roles of the performance; however, we celebrate each role in the show in the same way, as all parts are super important.”

Carly added: “We have been fortunate enough to have run a few community holiday camps across Whitecraig and Wallyford. There are some very talented youngsters. Children and parents have been asking us for a few months to bring our classes to East Lothian. Now we have secured the drama department, we are ready to rock and roll.”

The classes will be held every Monday, starting on September 2, from 6.30pm to 7.30pm. The first week is free and after that the cost is £6.50 per class. To book, call 07864 250336 or email lca.group@outlook.com