SCREEN and stage stars Lee Boardman and Jennifer James launched their new acting school, Actor Tribe, at Knutsford’s Canvas Lounge on Friday.

The couple – who were in Coronation Street together – are opening the Saturday school in the Brook Street Chapel hall on Saturday, September 7.

“Our aim with Actor Tribe is to provide children and adults with an opportunity to learn performance skills or to increase their confidence,” Lee said.

“For those who have a desire to enter the business professionally we will provide them with a selection of guest tutors who are all professional actors, writers and directors working at the top level in the industry to pass on their knowledge.

“Suranne Jones (of ITV1’s Scott & Bailey) will be leading an acting for camera workshop with our students.”

During the 90-minute classes Actor Tribe students will study improvisation, characterisation, script work, audition technique and acting for camera.

Classes cost £15 per session, payable in advance for each term. Students of all ages are welcome and will be split into three age groups, seven to 11 from 10.30am, 11 to 15 from 12.30pm and 16 plus (no upper age limit) from 2.30pm.

“It has always been important to me to pass on knowledge to the next generation of performers,” Lee said.

“I was fortunate enough to receive a scholarship to go to drama school, and that gave me a sense of responsibility to one day give others who might need it a platform to showcase their skills.”

Although much of the focus, particularly for the younger groups, will be on fun, the course has been developed as a gradual progression that focuses on the complexities of being a working actor.

Jennifer said: “We cater for those with all levels of experience from novices to keen amateurs to those with professional experience.

“We’ll also be bringing in an agent from our affiliated top London theatrical agency Grantham & Hazeldine to audition our students with a view to representing them professionally.”

For more information about Actor Tribe and to sign up for a place visit actortribe.co.uk.