A Chigwell drama student is all set to act out his dreams after he was granted a place at the National Youth Theatre.

Nick Cassen, 18, Of Worcester Crescent, Woodford Green, has been a regular performer at Chigwell School's new Drama Centre, but, after a successful audition for the NYT, he's soon to enter a new stage in his acting career.

"I'm very happy," said Nick. "I have wanted to act since a very young age. I did the audition in February, where I had a monologue prepared.

"I've just finished my first two week course with the National Youth Theatre. We had a voice coaching and a story telling session."

As well as being a successful actor, Nick has also tried his hand at writing and directing. He directed his first play, 1984, for his school, and he has since written his own piece.

Entitled I Hate You, Nick's first play as author was recently performed at the school's drama centre, to an appreciative audience. Nick has since added a second act and intends to enter it at next year's National Student Drama Festival.

"It's a play based around two characters," said Nick. "It's about the debate around nature and nurture. The way people aren't born evil- they become evil."

But Nick doesn't intend to take up the pen full time. "Acting is where my profession lies," he said. "I can't see myself doing anything else."

Nick is not the only pupil from Chigwell School to be selected for the NYT. Fellow actor Sophie Larn has been selected for a place, too, and Head of Drama at the School Tim Coker is proud of them both.

"I think it is a remarkable achievement," he said. "They're both extremely talented people in their own right, and now they're going to meet some fantastic actors and directors."