I am writing in response to the recent news regarding Stagecoach Youth Theatre and the financial cuts proposed by City of York Council.

I joined Stagecoach 11 years ago, aged ten, and have taken part in more than 14 productions, performing two of these at the Edinburgh fringe festival.

I am now in my second year at the Arts Educational School of Acting, London, studying for my BA (hons) in acting.

I genuinely believe that if it was not for my time at Stagecoach and the outstanding training I received from John Cooper, I would not be where I am today. Not only did Stagecoach fuel my passion for acting, it also built my confidence as a person enormously.

I have made some of the best friends I could hope for through the company, as well as finding an amazing director and mentor in John Cooper.

It makes me sick to hear the city council is planning these financial cuts. If Stagecoach disappears, children and young people from all over North Yorkshire will be robbed of the opportunity to learn, to find and develop their talents in a supportive, friendly environment and, over all, have a truly fantastic time doing it all.

I hope that the people of York will support Stagecoach members, old and new, in our fight to save this priceless company.

Felicity Skiera,

Southfield Road,

Chiswick, London.

Updated: 10:56 Monday, January 16, 2006