YOUNGSTERS aged 10 and above are being invited to take part in the 11th annual Combined Arts Week, an extravaganza of drama and invention starting on Monday and organised by Dorchester Youth Theatre. This year's dramatic feast is being overseen by the award-winning theatre troupe Ridiculusmus, which as well as giving the young pupils a taste of stage fun will also give a performance of its startling show rawsushicabaret - a mix of drama, music and laughter - to raise funds for Dorchester Youth Theatre. They will be joined on stage at the town's arts centre by members of 80s chart stars Frank Chickens. The show starts at 7.30pm and tickets are £6 plus concessions. Combined Arts Week is a popular initiative that gives young people the chance to devise, construct and perform a play under the auspices of a well-known theatre company. Youth Theatre spokeswoman Norman Saunders said: "It's great for the kids as it gives them the chance to stretch their creative and imaginative muscles. Not only does it get them away from their parents for a bit, but they also meet new people and make new friends. "They learn to work together, trust each other and work as a team, which is an invaluable lesson." One of the week's highlights is Tuesday's 'mystery tour', when the pupils are taken off to a secret location to glean inspiration for their production. Past destinations have included disused factories and a reed bed. The diary for the arts week is: Monday, August 27: 10am-4pm: registration and introductory workshops in theatre, animation and music, Dorchester Arts Centre; 7.30pm: Ridiculusmus presents rawsuchicabaret at Dorchester Arts Centre Tuesday, August 28: 10am-4pm: visit to a 'mystery site' for inspiration and to get the creative juices flowing, then back to the Arts Centre to start work Wednesday, August 29-Friday, August 31: 10am-4pm: work on putting the play together Saturday, September 1: 10am-4pm: technical and dress rehearsals of performance; 7.30pm: performance for family and friends. Numbers are limited for the week and there are still a couple of places going spare. Tickets cost £55, including a £10 deposit, and there are reductions if a family has more than one child taking part. For further details of the Combined Arts Week or to pick up a booking form, contact Dorchester Arts Centre at School Lane, The Grove, Dorchester, Dorset or call (01305) 266926. Alternatively, call Pat and Norman Saunders on (01308) 897214.