WORCESTER Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section is proving so popular that it has opened another group, almost doubling the number of youngsters it caters for.

Wodys Academy (WODAC) is primarily for children who were unlucky at the autumn auditions for membership of the main section, then on a first-come, first-served basis for those on the waiting list. There is a limit of 50.

WODYS, which celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, has a membership of 70 youngsters aged eight to 18 years, and every autumn about 60 children audition for no more than 15 coveted places.

The youngsters meet at St Mary's Hall in the Arboretum and each summer stage a musical at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, past productions having included Les Misérables (School Edition), Annie Get Your Gun, Guys And Dolls and Return To The Forbidden Planet.

From February to July, WODAC members will meet at the hall on Saturday afternoons for tuition in singing, dancing and drama, ranging from improvisation and role-play to stage presence and use of voice. The classes will culminate in a production for parents, then the youngsters will have the opportunity to take part in the next auditions for membership of WODYS.

David Humphries, WODYS chairman, producer and one of the two founders, said: "For many years we have wanted to provide something for those unsuccessful at the annual auditions, but the timing has not been right for various reasons. Now we have sufficient people to help and a talented and experienced bunch of instructors to hold the workshops, which will cover all aspects of stagecraft.

''The aim is to give the youngsters confidence and provide them with the skills to better equip them to take the WODYS audition.

''It is important to encourage youngsters as much as we can. I feel passionate about ensuring that performing arts is available to every youngster because it gives confidence, encourages them to use their talents and provides a lot of fun, even if they don't go on to a career in theatre."