Working in the entertainment industry might seem like a distant dream, and a million miles away from the bank manager job your careers teacher wants you to get. But if you have your heart set on the showbiz world rather than the drudge of the nine to five, Performing Arts Skills Academy is the place to start as ROBERT FISK found out.

EVERYONE has a dream about what they want to be when they grow up, ranging from being an astronaut to a zoo keeper and everything in between.

And while the Performing Arts Skills Academy (PASA) will not teach you how to fly a space shuttle or feed penguins, it will give its students a good insight into the world of showbusiness.

Launching in the October half term, with workshops entitled an introduction to television and a cheerleading masterclass, it is a brand new enterprise for Meopham-based television presenter Laura Hamilton.

News Shopper: Laura Hamilton has started Performing Arts Skills Academy for youngsters aged from seven to 19

She has worked in television both in front of and behind the camera for channels including Channel 4, CITV, Nick Jr and Nickelodeon since leaving Dartford Grammar School at 18 years old.

Learn about showbusiness careers

The 28-year-old decided to set up the academy to help children learn what it takes to have a career in the entertainment industry.

She said: “There is nothing out there like it for kids.

“There are lots of courses offered at university level but nothing for seven to 19-year-olds and I thought it would be good to give them some insight into the industry.

“And as young people they are interested in television, not just the presenting side but cameras, learning about makeup and the technical aspects.

News Shopper: Experience being made up for television presenting

“All of the tutors in the workshops have exceptional cvs and credits, and they are working on some of the biggest feature films and television shows.

“I feel lucky to have that kind of experience on board.”

News Shopper: Learn about cameras and sound at PASA

This experience from experts who want to pass on their skills means both workshops are set to be busy but fun days.

Participants in the cheerleader masterclass will see what it is like to be a cheerleader including putting together dance routines and learning stunts.

Experience life in a tv studio

Students on the television course will get an introduction to operating a camera, working in sound and lighting, being a makeup artist and a television presenter.

Everyone on the tv workshop will be able to record a piece to camera in the PASA mock up studio and this will be sent to them on DVD.

News Shopper: Have a go at being a presenter on the introduction to television workshop

And the best television student will get the opportunity to tour the Nickelodeon studios.

West End musicals workshops planned

This is just the start for PASA with Miss Hamilton roping in people from West End shows including Mamma Mia and the Lion King to run theatre and musical workshops in the future.

She said: “The idea behind it is to find out where your talents lie.

“I think people should do a workshop because they will experience something unique and fun and it will give them an insight into something they want to know more about.”

The one day introduction to television workshop costs £55 per child (discount given for siblings booked). Dates available are October 25, 26, 27, 28 and 29.

The one day cheerleading masterclass costs £25 per child. Dates available are October 27, 28 and 29.

Both courses take place at Cobham Hall, Cobham.

Call 07754 423388 to book or email Miss Hamilton or visit the Performing Arts Skills Academy website for more information