LEWISTON — The Public Theatre has officially begun its first professional theater training program for young actors. Featuring an auditioned and hand-picked group of 15 students ranging from ages 10 to 15, the young thespians travel daily to the Public Theatre from as far away as Scarborough, Jay and Hartford to participate in the program taught by theater professionals.

Daily classes include stage combat, voice and speech and singing, as well as a master acting class where they are taught the fundamentals of acting. The final presentation will be based on a series of entertaining stories called “Revolting Rhymes” by Roald Dahl, and will include a few songs as well as some of the stage combat moves they are learning.

The presentation is free of charge and open to the public, and will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, July 23, at the Public Theatre. For more information, call 782-3200.