A MONMOUTH-based drama academy for young people has finally found a permanent place to call home.

The Savoy Youth Theatre Academy has led a nomadic existence for the last few years, alternating between the Shire Hall and the Savoy Theatre as its base for rehearsals.

The academy, which offers young people aged between four and 24 the chance to develop their skills and perform on stage at the town’s Savoy Theatre, now meets at Singleton Court on Wonastow Road.

The not-for-profit organisation has grown from 12 members with an interest in drama to around 80 members who meet on a Wednesday. It has already held its first sessions at the new venue but will still rehearse at The Savoy ahead of performances there.

Artistic director and senior drama leader, Sam Densham runs the academy with the help of Rhi Shaw-Penman, Charlotte Fisher and a handful of volunteers.

Ms Densham writes and produces the scripts for the twice annual productions and has been involved with the group for four years.

Among the productions to be staged by the academy are Alice in Wonderland, Jack and the Beanstalk, Robin Hood and tBabes in the Wood and A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

She said that while the youth theatre is sad to say goodbye to the Shire Hall she is excited to find a permanent venue and benefit from a reduced rate.

“Prior to this we were storing our costumes and set props in a unit at Singleton court and whenever we wanted to hold costume fittings or get the sets we would have to go there. Now we can access them without having to leave the building.”

“It was so exciting to move into our own home and it proves that the Savoy Youth theatre is really here to stay.”

The academy’s next production in May half term is The Fairy Tale Marmalade Trail an inter-sensory piece of theatre which will allow the audience to get involved and walk around the promenade-style production, get their hands on the props and interact with the characters.

For details visit www.savoyyouththeatremonmouthwordpress.com