Theatre Royal Winchester has appointed Carl Woodward as its new Youth Theatre Manager.

Carl is launching a new programme of weekly workshops for young people including one-off master-classes with visiting companies and professional actors, critics, directors and writers.

The new groups will include Kick Start, an early years group for young people aged six to nine, a weekly workshop working towards performing at Winchester’s annual Hat Fair and a group for 13 to 21-year-olds designed for dedicated young actors looking to explore their creative potential.

It also offers a chance to learn the technical side of theatre production and how to prepare for auditions.

Carl said: “I am delighted to join Theatre Royal Winchester and very excited about building on the success of Young Theatre Royal by creating additional groups to bring in new talent. I am particularly interested in exploring new ways of working with local young artists.

"Youth Theatre is a fantastic way for young people to explore their creativity, improve their confidence and learn new skills."

Carl has worked with a variety of arts organisations across the south west over the past five years including Salisbury Playhouse, Dorset School of Acting, Proteus, the Mayflower and Forest Forge Theatre Company and has an established background in working for youth theatre and schools to deliver creative learning for all ages.

For more information visit theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk.