AN ACTRESS turned full-time mum is setting up her own performing arts academy in a bid to find hidden talent in the area.

Kim Armit, who had a cameo role in Tim Burton’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, will be looking to the future by starting up the Hidden Talent Academy in Stevenage for four to 18-year-olds.

The mother-of-two hopes to run three hour classes every Sunday for a 12-week period from next month in dance and staging, musical theatre, and drama, TV and film.

“It has always been an ambition of mine to run classes in performing arts, and pass the knowledge onto kids and watch their confidence and enthusiasm grow,” said the 34-year-old who has a degree in musical theatre.

“Classes will be split into age groups with an hour in each class. It will also be very much rehearsal based so that we can put on showcases and performances, with the hope of being able to do a performance a year at the Gordon Craig Theatre while raising money for charities.

“I like to think my academy will be that bit different from the usual, with new and fresh ideas, fantastic group singing with lots of harmonies. No experience is necessary and if you’ve got hidden talent, we’ll find it!”

To find out more about the Hidden Talent Academy, which will be based at the Bowes Lyon Centre in St George’s Way, visit www.hiddentalentacademy.co.uk or call Kim on 07941 659163.