A NEW youth theatre group has been launched in response to demand from York school children.

The Act 3 theatre group, which is aimed at 11 to 14-year-olds, is a new addition to the activities at City of York Council's Performing Arts Centre 2, which meets at Millthorpe School each Wednesday from 4.30pm to 6.30pm.

Numerous requests to provide a youth theatre group followed the success of two theatre groups for children aged seven to nine and nine to 11-year-olds called Act 1 and Act 2, already established at the Performing Arts Centre 1, which meets at Canon Lee School on Saturday mornings.

Working with specialist drama teacher, Colin Jackson, the young actors will be able to explore a wide range of ideas, topics and themes over the course of the year, resulting in a range of performance opportunities.

Plans to develop links with other youth theatre groups will open up opportunities for an exchange visit and the presentation of Act 3's work in London.

Mr Jackson said, "Our aim is provide the next step for young people who have attended the Act 2, but new faces are always welcome".

Anyone seeking more information or wanting to book a place on the course should contact the Performing Arts Service on 01904 554660.

Updated: 10:57 Saturday, September 15, 2001