THIS Spring the Strabane Drama Festival Committee will be showcasing the work of talented local North West students when it launches the 2010 North West Schools Drama Festival.

This new schools drama festival will be open to applications from High Schools and Colleges across the North West, with the eight strongest entries being given the chance to perform their work in The Alley Theatre.

Taking place between March 15 and 16 this innovative programme will feature four twenty minute plays per night ranging from classic pieces to original dramatic works, some of which students will be using for the A level drama coursework.

Nathan Flatman said, "This groundbreaking new festival will provide an exceptional professional platform for students looking to perform within an award winning theatre and compete amongst their peers for a selection of prestigious student theatre awards.

"The hardest part will be narrowing it down to just eight.

"The interest we have had and the quality of the work has been amazing."

One school hoping to take part in the final is Strabane's Holy Cross, who are busy rehearsing their entry with some of their year 13 drama students. With the deadline fast approaching any schools or colleges interested in taking part should contact Jacqui Doherty at the Alley for an application pack on 028 7188 4760 or through the website at www.alley-theatre.com.