Budding screen actors and musicians in the Narromine Shire, aged between 10 and 20, have the opportunity to audition for intensive training programs hosted by top industry professionals in Los Angeles, USA.

The Australian Institute of Performing Arts (AIPA), in association with US Performing Arts and UCLA and the UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music, has announced the programs as part of its ongoing dedication to organising performing arts tours for talented young actors and musicians.

Narromine’s Katie-Lou Thorburn was invited to attend the program last year at the New York Film academy in Los Angeles following a performance in the Royal South Street Competition in Ballarat in which she came third.

Katie-Lou was in Los Angeles for about two weeks where she learned audition techniques, acting for camera, improvisation, acting method, cold reading, audition technique and camera combat.

“There was absolutely amazing coaching from actors who have been in the profession for ages,” she said.

“It was a great learning experience. It’s not just about acting; AIPA staff and the other participants become your overseas family for a few weeks.”

Katie-Lou said Narromine kids should definitely have a go at auditioning.

“People have a lot more opportunities in the city and have had a lot more experience with acting and performing arts,” she said.

“I think it’s important that country kids are able to have this opportunity as well and AIPA is a really good way of doing that.”

Auditions for Acting for Screen - Preparatory (10-12 years), Acting for Screen - Preparatory and Introductory (13-20 years) and Contemporary Popular Music (for drummers, bass and lead guitarist, keyboard players, saxophonist and vocalists) will take place at Dubbo on May 19 at the Orana Education Centre. Contact AIPA on (02) 9966 4473 to book an audition time.