Bored youngsters who commit crimes because they have nothing better to do frequently top the nation's list of trouble-makers.

But now a woman fed up with seeing teenagers aimlessly hanging around on the streets has thrown them a lifeline.

Tracy King has set up a theatre school for youngsters caught in the no-man's land between childhood and adulthood which aims to harness their talents and turn them into the stage and screen stars of the future.

The group has already proved a hit, with 33 members signing up and is set to stage its third production – the hit musical Fame – next April

The venture has won the backing of the charity arm of Bath Rugby club, the Community Rugby Foundation, which is keen to give children the best shot at education, sport and skills and to practise their dance steps at the club-house. Mrs King, who also runs theatre schools in Bath and Trowbridge as well as a dance school in the city, said this is her way of giving something back and diverting youngsters from crime and unhappiness.

It was through performing and later choreographing for the likes of Andrew Lincoln, star of This Life, with her Bath-based musical youth group, that she was able to train at a performing arts school in London. She said: "I was always seeing older kids hanging around the parks and streets and people seemed afraid of them and they looked bored.

"I thought that if there was a group like this for older kids it might give them an outlet as there is not much for them to do in Bath."

Part of the Theatre Factory's ethos is teaching its members about all aspects of performance so that they can carve a niche for themselves in the industry, but for those who aren't dreaming of a life in leg-warmers, it is there to provide a fun diversion.

Teenagers work with a professional director, choreographer and musical director on a weekly basis – training, rehearsing and performing.

There is also a free after-school theatre club developing confidence and speaking and listening skills.

Mrs King said: "There are so many groups out there for kids up to the age of 14 but then they kind of drop off.

"We cater for kids from 14 up to the age of 19 and it's nice for them to have somewhere to go and socialise and meet people their age that's not a youth club.

"The group just keeps growing and growing and the standard is really high. The kids love it and the rugby foundation have been fantastic in supporting us and helping us get off the ground."

Teenagers with a passion for performance or dreams of making the big time are invited to join the musical theatre youth group.

Rehearsals run within term time every Tuesday evening from 7pm to 9.30pm at Bath Rugby Club.

Places are limited and those interested in joining will need to complete an audition where they will be asked to give singing, acting and dancing performances.

Their full-scale musical production of Fame takes place on April 2-4 2009 at Kingswood Theatre in Bath.

To book an audition contact Tracy King 07990 527299 or Pam Burke on 01225 325200 or email info@thetheatrefactory.co.uk.