TELLY addicts can star in their very own soap this half term as the National Media Museum in Bradford celebrates the nation's favourite TV shows.
This February half term the museum is launching its 2010 Soap Season with a whole host of family activities, events and workshops to celebrate the anniversaries of some of Britain's biggest and longest running soaps.
Starting in half term week (Fe
bruary 15-21) you can discover the story behind soap opera and how the programmes influence our lives.
Families, kids and soap fans alike are invited to join in and celebrate 25 years of EastEnders, which first aired in 1985, 15 years of Hollyoaks and 50 years of Coronation Street.
Special events and talks, some featuring cast and crew members from the programmes, will be taking place at the National Media Museum throughout the year.
During half-term youngsters can learn the tricks of the soap trade with acting, writing and production workshops, and even star in and film their very own mini-soap.
Families can explore the dramatic world of soap opera by following the museum's Big Family Soap Trail or find out if they know their Rover's Return from their Woolpack in the Super Soap Quiz.
From February 16-18 people can spend the afternoon at the museum watching, and even getting involved in, live interpretation of scenes from EastEnders.
The Experience TV Studio will come to life as the museum team produces a scene from the famous soap, demonstrating how television programmes are made. Visitors could even be called on to help out as
floormanagers, camera operators or extras.
Other family soap-themed workshops include Act Now! (February 16) where budding actors can join a professional for some inside tips on how to act on screen for film and TV. This will be a workshop suitable for families with children aged eight-16 wanting to learn new skills or develop existing acting flair.
Little stars in the making are also invited to attend the exciting Lights, Camera, Action workshop (February 18) where they can put their newly developed acting skills into practice and become the star of their very own mini-soap.
There's also a chance for youngsters to show off their writing skills in the Write Away! scriptwriting workshop (February 17), where they will be joined by Joe Hepworth, script reader for the UK Film Council, for a fun-packed writing workshop full of exciting and humorous soap storylines.
Admission to the museum is free but there is a £3 charge for the workshops mentioned above.
For more information on all the events, and to book workshop place, go to
www.nationalmediamuseum.org.uk