Aspiring actors and dancers in Newport are now able to sign up for an innovative new degree course in performing arts, due to start later this year at the University of Wales, Newport.

The course, which has been designed to meet the growing demand for courses in performance, is one of the few in the UK that specialises in developing an understanding of and practice in performance for broadcast media - film, television and radio.

"Students will have opportunity to work on film and video projects with students from other programmes," said Professor Paul Seawright, Dean of the Newport School of Art, Media and Design, "as well as devising, writing, directing and performing in work that will be presented in theatres, galleries and other public spaces.

"The programme has been designed to reflect current employment patterns in the performance sector and will take advantage of links with professionals within the industry through internships and mentoring."

Subject to validation, the new course is due to start in September 2004. Based in the International Film School Wales, students will benefit from the decades of experience in the School in practical filmmaking and the study of film history and theory.