GIVE your child a leg up to being the next Brad Pitt, Angelina Jolie or Tim Burton this summer by introducing them to some theatre skills early on.

Local theatres and community centres are staging all kinds of workshops and summer schools for children of all ages looking to gain some drama experience.

In Pershore, at the Number 8 arts centre, children can make Wiggly Wire Mobiles on July 26. There are two sessions - for five to sevens and eight to 12-year-olds.

Wild Wind Socks are being made on August 3 for the same two age groups and then older children, boys especially, will be pleased to hear about a Stage Combat workshop for 13 and overs. Organised on August 16, it will give the youngsters a chance to learn all about how to stage a fight in a whole day of battling opponents.

The final workshop is for five to eights and is linked to a production.

Little Red Riding Wolf is being staged on August 18 by the Pandora's Box Theatre Company and before the 2pm show, there will be two workshops at 10am and 11.30pm when youngsters will be able to enjoy sessions with the professionals packed with fun and games.

Call the Number 8 box office on 01386 555488 for more details or call in at the High Street theatre.

In Chipping Norton, its popular summer scheme is getting under way again, coming together after being based in different towns. There will be a whole week of drama for different age groups. There are also workshops including, kite making, percussion and printing.

Call the theatre for more details on 01608 642350 (www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk).

At Malvern Theatres, English Touring Theatre is staging the first of its summer schools on July 25 for seven to ten-year-olds and 11 to 14-year-olds.

Dance experts from Dancefest will be in residence for a week from August 1, when youngsters will get the chance to work with professionals. The week will combine contemporary dance, jazz and physical theatre, culminating in an informal performance.

Those with a leaning towards the backstage marvels of a theatre can join in with a theatre skills workshop by the Malvern Theatre Players. The sessions will be for 11 to 13s and 14 to 18s.

Malvern Theatres box office on 01684 892277.