STUDENTS from the USA have joined local youngsters as part of a week-long international youth theatre festival at Richmond’s Georgian Theatre Royal.

The project involved around 30 English and American students, aged between 11-18 years, who were tasked with creating a show from start to finish that was showcased to a public audience on Saturday, August 15.

Their show, Twist, is a contemporary adaptation based on the popular novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens.

The festival is the result of an initiative between the Georgian Theatre Royal and the Performing and Visual Arts High School Magnet Program of Anne Arundel County in Maryland and is now in its second successful year.

Dana Peragallo from the Anne Arundel County Public School said. “It was incredibly exciting to be working with students from both countries on this collaborative project.

"They all learnt so much from each other and were totally committed to creating a phenomenal piece as an ensemble.

“For the American group, it was amazing to work and rehearse in this beautiful old theatre that is unlike anything that we have seen before."