An Oldham theatre education programme has been awarded over £17,000 to help boost the performing arts in the town.

The Oldham Coliseum Theatres Education Partnership Scheme (OCTEPS) has been awarded £17,128 by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation.

The money will go towards setting up workshops, master classes and performances for students from 12 schools across Oldham, Rochdale and Tameside.

Carly Henderson, Head of Learning and Engagement at Oldham Coliseum Theatre said: “Our aim is to spark in young people an interest in theatre as audience members and theatre makers.

“This investment has enabled us to develop a sustainable and concrete model for partnership work with schools, in an area that’s been through challenging times; recognising the importance of developing skills and creativity in young people.”

OCTEPS say the grant will help them promote theatre to young people from diverse backgrounds in the area.

The schools involved will also receive theatre tickets and workshops for performances taking place in the Coliseum.

The grant will be given to OCTEPS over three years.

Sarah Miller, Charity Executive at Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation said: ”The accessibility of high quality performance and training opportunities for young people is key to a vibrant creative industry.

“The Foundation has been impressed by the strong leadership at the Oldham Coliseum Theatre which strives to encourage and nurture life skills through theatre for the young participants of this professional community project.”

The ALWF also granted the OCTEDPS smaller grants in 2013, to help hundreds of 16-18-year-olds get involved in local theatre and learn more about different aspects of it.

Oldham Coliseum Theatre Education Partnership Scheme has been granted over £17,000 to help boost theatre for young people in the area. For more information, click here.