A PERFORMING arts academy for youngsters aged four to 18 will open its latest branch in Darlington this month.

The Pauline Quirke Academy opens at Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form on Sunday, May 10.

Its modules in comedy, drama, musicals, film and television teach a range of skills useful for both everyday life and those wishing to pursue a career in performing arts.

As well as many in-house productions and showcases there are two stand-out highlights for all academy students. The first 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.

Some of these films get selected for the Empire Cinemas/PQA film festival, where winning films are shown on the big screen at the Empire Leicester Square.

The second is the chance to take part in one of the annual PQA shows in the West End.

Every year different academies join together to create a spectacular show at Her Majesty’s Theatre – home of The Phantom of the Opera.

PQA Darlington is holding a free open day onMay 10 from 9.45am to 1pm, at the college.

For details, visit pqacademy.com or call 08456-732-022.