ACTOR Colin McCredie wants to turn classroom lessons into a drama, and boost youngsters' confidence at the same time.

The River City soap star hopes to help turn the kids of today into tomorrow's thespians with the expert help of the Scottish Youth Theatre.

Theatre bosses are laying on free drama workshops for youngsters and are happy to go to schools and youth clubs across Glasgow as well as Renfrewshire, East Dun-bartonshire and East Renfrewshire.

The drama lessons are being offered throughout this month and next.

Colin is a high-profile patron of Scottish Youth Theatre (SYT) and best known for his roles in the film Shallow Grave, STV series Taggart, and BBC Scotland soap River City.

Thousands of kids and young adults, aged from 11 to 21, will be given drama tuition by the youth theatre which gave Colin his big break.

The actor said: "SYT's national roadshow is a great opportunity for young people in schools and community groups to participate in high- quality drama workshops across a range of themes, including the First World War and Shakespeare, as well as some of Scotland's best- loved writers such as Liz Lochhead and Edwin Morgan.

"These workshops are not just aimed at those who are interested in theatre. They are designed to help young people build confidence and improve their communication skills in a fun environment."

Last year the roadshow reached 2500 young people at dozens of schools and youth groups with SYT bosses keen to offer children the chance to explore and reach their creative potential.

SYT's chief executive and artistic director Mary McCluskey said: "We want to give as many young people as possible an opportunity to develop self confidence, improve their communica-tion skills and unlock their creative potential through performance art regardless of their background, geographic location or economic circumstances."

For further details visit, www.scottishyouththeatre.org or by calling 0141 552 3988.

gordon.thomson@eveningtimes.co.uk