Young performers hoping to follow in the footsteps of famous faces on stage and screen could take their first steps on the road to stardom next month.

The National Youth Theatre - which boasts alumni including Dame Helen Mirren, Daniel Craig, Chiwetel Ejiofor and Sir Daniel Day Lewis - is holding auditions for 14 to 25-year-olds at Norwich Theatre Royal on February 14 and 20 for places on its August acting courses in London.

Those who successfully complete one of the summer courses will then become National Youth Theatre members and have the chance to take part in future NYT productions.

NYT's artistic director Paul Roseby, who comes from Dersingham and first studied drama at City College Norwich, said: 'Whether you've never done drama before in your life or it's the only thing you're passionate about, if you're interested in exploring your creative talent we want to meet you in 2016.

'As our former members in the entertainment industry and beyond prove, anything's possible but it starts with an audition or interview.'

The National Youth Theatre was established in 1956 and over the decades has nurtured the talent of hundreds of thousands of young people.

Last year more than 4,000 young people across the country auditioned and about 500 were offered places.

To apply for a NYT audition at Norwich Theatre Royal on February 14 or 20, you must register at the National Youth Theatre website - www.nyt.org.uk

This summer NYT is also running technical courses in London taught by industry professionals in costume, lighting and sound, scenic construction and stage management. These are for 16 to 21-year-olds and interviews for places will be held next month. For more information on how to apply, visit www.nyt.org.uk

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Email arts correspondent Emma Knights at emma.knights@archant.co.uk