A Trowbridge teenager has been combining fundraising with rehearsals for a production of Phantom of the Opera.

Georgia Butt, 16, who is due to join the sixth form at Prior Park College in Bath in September, is a member of the National Academy of the Performing Arts’ Bristol hub which is staging the production at the Redgrave Theatre in Bristol in September, when she will appear in the ballet.

Each of the members was set a target of £70 to help fund the Show, which has amazing technical requirements and made-to-measure costumes.

Jay Coleman, director, said: “The National Academy of Performing Arts is run by a group of performers who got together to bring the experience of the arts to the stage for young people in a professional way.

“We have hubs in London, Manchester and Bristol and members have the chance to perform at a theatre in the West End once a year and work with people who are currently performing in the West End at various master classes.

“We have already staged Miss Saigon and Les Miserables in Bristol but Phantom is one of the most expensive to put on and will give the young people an incredible experience.

“The audience can expect to see an all-round professional Show.

“The young people are so dedicated; many of them have been studying for GCSEs, AS and A levels yet are turning up every week for three or four hours a time to rehearse – they are superb.

“Our slogan is ‘We’ll take you to the Next Stage’ and many of our members are going on to nationally renowned drama and music colleges and courses.”

Patrons include Natalie Weiss, Kelly Anne Gower and Mitchell Harper.

Bristol hub secretary Kate Murray, whose daughter Daisy, 16, is Christine in Phantom, said: “The young people put so much of themselves into the performances, they grow in confidence and character. It’s a fantastic organisation and the experience Daisy and others are getting is phenomenal.”

The group have kickstarted the fundraising with cake sales at the hub’s weekly rehearsals and a bag pack at Morrisons in Hartcliffe, which raised more than £200, and some of the members staging a showcase to family and friends to raise the money.

Kate has also set the group up on the Easy Fundraising website at www.easyfundraising.org.uk/NAPA, where people can make donations.

Tickets for Phantom of the Opera which will run from September 3 to 5 with tickets £14 each available from www.nationalacademypa.co.uk.