This summer, people 18 and over are invited to go along to the Torch Theatre in Milford Haven and take part in Show Off! – an adult only series of creative sessions as part of its Summer School offer.

It’s never too late to get writing, appear on stage or learn all about directing. No previous experience is necessary to join these relaxed and accessible weekly evening sessions across the month of August, which aim to build on your creative skills. Led by Torch Artistic Director Chelsey Gillard and Youth and Community Senior Manager Tim Howe, the course concludes with a showcase performance in the Torch Studio.

This year the Torch is excited to able to offer two places completely free of charge on a first come, first served basis. These have been supported by a generous donation from one of last year’s participants.

The donor was keen to help others access this valuable provision and said: “I loved that there was an acting class for adults and was so grateful for that. It was really fun, I particularly enjoyed the theatre games and the final performance, despite the nerves!

“I went into it not really knowing what to expect but told myself that being ‘good’ at acting was irrelevant. And it reminded me that the joy is in the playing, the creating, the trying of new things.”

Tim Howe said: “We’re so excited to be running our friendly and welcoming adult summer school again this year and cannot wait to meet another group of fantastic participants! Chelsey and I are particularly pleased that we are able to offer two places completely free thanks to the support of one of last year’s participants. All of us at the Torch know the value to health and wellbeing that regular creative moments provide, and to have two spaces funded by someone who knows about that benefit first hand is such a brilliant endorsement of what we do. It’s a fantastic opportunity for two lucky people!”

Sessions will be held during the evening on Thursday, August 8, 15, 22 and 29 from 6.30pm to 9pm and Saturday August 31 from 10am to 9pm (including a showcase performance in the Torch Theatre Studio space).

Last year Marcela Ayala took part in the Adult Creative Sessions and she hasn’t looked back having taken part in the Torch Theatre’s productions of Private Lives as well as taking on a role supporting the delivery of the Torch Youth Theatre.

“The summer school meant I could re-connect with my inner child through games in a safe place. I had so much fun by interacting and creating characters with my peers. I never felt judged by the drama leader, on the contrary, he gave me the confidence to carry on to free myself from my own judgement,” she said.

“This kind of safe place is so important to grow confidence. Sometimes we think we are not good enough or do not have many strong points to stand out among the crowd, but it might be that here at the Summer School you find your "weak" points are the ones, that audience members love and feel connected with, and that is amazing. I would love others to be part of the same experience, giving yourself a chance to have fun.”

To book your place in Show Off or for further information, contact the Box Office on 01646 695267 or visit torchtheatre.co.uk.