Aspiring actors in Islington can apply for places on a “life-changing” course run by the National Youth Theatre (NYT).

The NYT’s Stepping Up course, funded by London and Quadrant housing association, is aimed at 19 to 24 year olds who have less than 5 GCSEs.

The four month drama training programme, which gives participants a BTEC Level 2 qualification, is also free for those above the age of 24 if they’re unemployed and on benefits. And participants will be entitled to £5 a day towards travel expenses, free theatre tickets and have access to pastoral support.

Sofia Sampson, 23, who was on a similar scheme last year, said: “I was out of work and out of education, so I wasn’t really doing anything with myself.

“The course itself was the best thing that ever happened to me – we became like a family, and the NYT helped us with everything we needed.”

You can apply for a place here: nyt.org.uk/stepping-up.

The deadline for submissions is 1pm on December 7.