A CHESTER based youth theatre is offering budding young performers the opportunity to enjoy virtual drama, dance and singing lessons as a way of helping to keep children active during the coronavirus lockdown.

Housed in the former Tarvin Road Methodist Church, on the outskirts of Chester, Majestic Academy of Performing Arts recently opened for business following several months of refurbishment work to breathe new life into the historic building.

But within a few weeks, classes had to be quickly suspended due to the restrictions which were put in place as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.

Not wanting to let their Students down and determined to find ways to keep them active during the lockdown period, the team lead by principle Joanne Saunders have turned to modern technology, including Zoom and Google Meet, in order to be able to continue to provide classes for their students and have introduced free 15 minute taster sessions which are available during the current crisis.

Joanne said: "We feel dance and singing is a great way to release endorphins and keep you smiling during these days of anxiety and confusion and we are delighted to be able to offer free taster sessions as a way of supporting the local community during these unprecedented times.

"For those interested in musical theatre and classical singing, we are also able to prepare children and adults for LCM musical theatre and classical singing exams, local festivals, touring West End Shows and opera production auditions.

"You can check out our free online dance classes for both children and adults via YouTube by subscribing to Majestic Academy or by following us on Facebook."

Once restrictions are lifted and the academy is able to re-open, Joanne and her team will offer acting, singing/musical theatre and dance classes for children and young adults in three distinct age groups, Mini Majestics age 3-5, Junior Majestics age 6-11 and Senior Majestics age 12 -25.

The academy is part of Majestic International which also includes a highly regarded and successful modelling and casting agency. As well as being home to MAPA, the newly re-furbished building will also be available to hire for a variety of functions and events.

Full details about Majestic Academy of Performing Arts can be found at http://www.mapa.class4kids.co.uk/ or call on 0151 3292191. To sign up for the free taster sessions, contact the academy via email at mapabookings@gmail.com