A FORMER West End choreographer and director is set to inspire the next generation of budding young performers in Reading.

Yasmin Yazdi, 36, has taken on the role as the new principal of Stagecoach Performing Arts Reading Caversham, bringing a wealth of creative experience to the role.

A long-standing member of the Stagecoach family, performing arts have been a major part of Yasmin’s life for many years.

She has taught at a number of Stagecoach schools over the last 15 years, including Stagecoach Maidenhead and Stagecoach Wokingham.

After training at the highly acclaimed Urdang Academy, graduating with a diploma in Musical Theatre, Yasmin embarked on further musical training at the Vocaltech school in London.

Since then she has forged an impressive career on stage.

Yasmin worked as an associate choreographer for the award-winning West End show, Thriller Live, and also performed in the show.

She was subsequently promoted to the position of resident director and toured around the world, bringing the show to prestigious venues including The Lyric Theatre in the West End and The Blue Theatre Roppongi in Japan.

Working with children has always given Yasmin a great sense of fulfilment.

She is also an accomplished children’s writer, with her debut novel, River Baker and the Warriors of Rala, achieving great success.

Yasmin said: "I’m buzzing with excitement at the opportunity to build a strong, creative syllabus that will challenge the talented children of Reading Caversham whilst being fun, educational, stimulating and rewarding for them.

"We have been extremely busy planning the year’s curriculum and activities.

"Watch this space for some of the exciting events we have in store, including a performance at WHSmith in Reading to support a local book signing on Saturday June 1."

Stagecoach Performing Arts Reading Caversham is part of a network of more than 1,800 extra-curricular performing arts schools and classes worldwide.

Stagecoach aims to make a difference in its students lives by teaching Creative Courage for Life and many children have gone on to study and work in performing arts from blockbuster films to countless roles in local theatre productions.

Early Stages classes are available for children aged four to six and main stages classes take place for six to 18-year-olds every weekend.

For more information about Stagecoach Reading Caversham, visit their website at http://www.stagecoach.co.uk/readingcaversham or call 07894951990.