In the latest series of acting masterclasses for young people over 16 at London’s Theatre Royal Haymarket on March 24, Kacey Ainsworth (Little Mo) of EastEnders talks about the challenges of sustaining energy and character in a soap. On April 8, Leigh Zimmerman, currently starring in Contact, discusses her career in musical theatre. Free, at 2.30pm. The theatre is also running five vocationally based afternoon sessions in May, covering acting, training, theatrecraft, musicals and writing for the theatre. Tel: 020 7389 9660; www.trh.co.ukmasterclass.

Write an opera

Ever fancied writing an opera? The Royal Opera House’s Write an Opera programme is aimed at primary teachers but is successful with teachers of all age groups. The first level (August 17-24 at Leeds University) involves a residential week bringing together teachers from across the UK and Europe, led by experienced directors, composers and designers. It should equip teachers with the writing, composing, designing, lighting, marking and performing skills they need to stage a school-based opera project by forming their own production company. For further information contact Royal Opera House Education, tel: 020 7212 9410 or email: education@roh.org.uk.

Create your own story

Storymaking sessions for five to seven-year-olds at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Saturday mornings are designed to build children’s confidence as well as give them insights into the world of theatre, and support them in key stages 1 and 2 storytelling. The interactive sessions, led by storymaker Stewart Derry, allow children to be involved in the process of creating and developing stories. Information: 0870 730 1234.