The show must go on - Blackpool's Scream Theatre Company ready to go live for summer school

Scream Management and Theatre School, which has a rich alumni of pupils, invited West End actor Ashley Luke, Lloyd and Emmerdale cast members past and present to feature in a series of virtual classes, sharing knowledge of the trade.

Bosses were thrilled with the response, with children plugging in from across the world for sessions from as far as Australia and Los Angeles.

And now the show goes on for the excited team behind the theatre company, with founder Tracey Bell announcing children can finally come together once more with the re-opening and launch of their summer school.

Tracey said: “We are thrilled with the government’s announcement which means our Scream Theatre Schools can re-open in time for our fun filled, dynamic, action packed and highly anticipated summer schools.”

“As well as our amazing online performance arts classes we are delighted to be back in action with a new range of exciting TV and film, acting, drama and performance arts classes, held here at our Blackpool studios.

“During lockdown, our team have worked hard behind the scenes to create and develop an enviable range of vibrant virtual learning opportunities, with our singing, dancing and acting online classes, led by our tutors and joined by outstanding industry professionals.”

Tracey added the online classes brought some much needed structure and comfort for young families and it gave the company a new focus and was heartening for the Scream family to be involved.

She added: "Staying in touch with all our students during the lockdown and beyond, has been really important to us. We initially devised the online classes to help keep our Scream students to stay active as well as physically and mentally motivated."

She added: “It’s been inspiring to see our Scream students embrace the Zoom technology and adapt quickly to utilise new communication skills and grasp alternative ways of learning, from inside their own homes. They have taken a huge leap of faith from their homely comfort zones into a new virtual reality of global opportunities.

"Having adapted to the difficult circumstances lockdown presented for performing arts classes, we decided quite early on to set up the online classes, as well as an acting and camera course and we have been astounded by the success.

"I’m really proud of our team here at Scream, who as well as leading the online classes, kept our young performers constantly involved and interested with fun challenges, musical quizzes, games, one to one telephone chats, industry updates and generally encouraging an upbeat positive mental attitude.

"Our wonderful tutors and special guest stars have provided much needed encouragement, friendship, moral support and continuity in our students lives.

"Ultimately the online lessons are there to enable students to improve in self-confidence and gain valuable knowledge to ensure they have the best start possible when the industry begins to go back to normal.

"The feedback we received from parents for our online classes has been quite emotional, as many have spoken of how the classes and the quality time we spent with their children really provided a ray of light and hope.

The summer school is now open for booking with different opportunities for all ages to get involved.

To enrol for the summer Musical Theatre Movie Week online courses or join in summer school weeks email [email protected] or visit www.screamtheatreschools.com