A YORK youth theatre group is to hold a special meeting next week to discuss a new venture to increase dramatic opportunities for young people in the city.

Stagecoach Theatre Arts School is holding an open meeting to announce the launch of its second part-time school in York.

The open meeting will take place on Wednesday, at 6pm, at Archbishop Holgate's School, Hull Road, York.

Tomorrow ten children from the Stagecoach school based at Archbishop Holgate's will take to the stage for a performance of La Boheme tomorrow at the York Grand Opera House. Students have already appeared in two performances of La Boheme at the Hull New Theatre for Opera International.

Principal Sally Thrussell said: "Our Stagecoach school in York is all about providing students with a quality education in the performing arts. It is also excellent for developing confidence, articulation, communication skills and creativity.

"La Boheme is a great opportunity for our students to get involved in a professional show. It provides them with a very valuable learning experience and a chance to put their musical theatre skills to the test."

The Stagecoach School, which is part of a national network of more than 400 schools worldwide, has been in York for five years. It has 90 students aged between four and 16 who come along on Saturday mornings to train. From May 3, a new school is being launched on Saturday afternoons. For further information, phone Sally on 01904 672662.

Updated: 10:47 Saturday, April 26, 2003