PREPARATIONS are well underway for Dorchester Youth Theatre’s (DYT) summer arts project.

Its Combined Arts Week (CAW), the annual summer week of drama, music, song and dance, will be held from August 18 to 23.

Led by professional theatre directors and musicians, Peter Thorogood and Julian Barnicoat return to Dorchester for what will be the 24th Combined Arts Week.

Many new young people take part each year, but there are a large number of regular returners, several coming from out of the area and holidays are planned around it.

CAW encourages young people to try out different skills and develop their confidence and make new friends, as well as have a lot of fun.

The age range is 10 to18 years.

More than 40 young people will be on stage or working behind the scenes and have just five days to work up to the two final performances.

This includes casting, learning lines, songs, dance routines and of course set design and costume making.

Chairman Carol Burgess said: “It’s intense but great fun, which is why so many young people return year after year.

“And after the age of 18 they often come back to help out.

“The scripts are usually pretty zany with lots of colourful characters and everyone can try something new, as there are no auditions, it’s about everyone having an opportunity.”

There are just a handful of spaces left, for anyone interested in taking part.

Those interested need to be aged between 10 and 18 and available for the whole week. Fees are £100 with concessions for siblings.

The performances will take place on Friday, August 22 at 7.30pm and Saturday, August 23 at 2.30pm at the Thomas Hardye School Theatre, Queens Avenue, Dorchester. Doors open at 7pm and 2pm and there will also be refreshments available.

For more details or tickets call Dorchester Arts Box Office on 01305 266926, or tickets can be purchased on the door. Tickets cost £5 for adults and £3 under 18s. Also see dorchyouththeatre.co.uk