The National Staff

Seventy-two applicants in the Middle East and North Africa were shortlisted and invited to audition in Sharjah for a theatre training programme called Home Grown, it was announced yesterday.

The programme, offered by the Middle East Theatre Academy (Meta), drew more than 300 applications.

The course, open to 18 to 25-year-olds, is in partnership with the Kevin Spacey Foundation, established by the Oscar-winner to nurture young film and theatre talent.

The film and television star teamed up with the Emirati businessman Badr Jafar in 2011 to launch Meta as a non-profit organisation.

The coaching of 35 youths from 16 countries in the region is free and will culminate in a performance at the Sharjah Institute for Theatrical Arts on January 25.

It is being held under the patronage of Sheikha Jawaher bint Mohammed, wife of Dr Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed, Ruler of Sharjah.

“Some of the stories that emerged from these young people were very interesting and showed us just how vital this programme can be to them,” the foundation team said.

Spacey will be present at times throughout the project, lead expert classes for participants and observe rehearsals.

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