A PROJECT to offer training and support for graduate actors in the North-East is launched today.

Newcastle's Live Theatre is joining forces with the city's Northumbria University to set up the only graduate theatre company of its kind in Britain.

The group will bridge the gap between academic study and training in a repertory theatre, letting students improve their stagecraft and knowledge of the industry.

There is also the option for students to complete additional work at the end of the year and gain a degree from the university.

It is hoped the course, backed by the European Social Fund, will act as a springboard from which actors can launch their careers.

The academy will work as a small ensemble company at the Live for 12 months, presenting three plays aided by professional directors, writers, designers and production teams.

Two of these plays will be presented this month, Knives In Hens, by David Harrower, which runs from Thursday to Saturday, and Be My Baby, by Amanda Whittington, from February 12 to 14.

Both were written in the 1990s and have been performed in Britain and Europe.

Published: 02/02/2004