A BUDDING actress has travelled back across the pond to perform in front of a home crowd after completing a drama course in America.

Billie Aken-Tyers, 20, from Castleside, near Consett, has graduated from The American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York.

She is one of 20 students from the course to be accepted into the academy’s company to take part in shows and produce a show reel for industry agents.

But the former Consett Community Sports College and New College Durham student has to raise around £18,000 in course fees.

So she is back home and preparing for a show at the Consett Empire Theatre on June 7.

Ms Aken-Tyers, who plans to return to the states and hopes to work on Broadway and in television and films, said: “It is an evening of music, which I have been working on, and includes everything from the classics to modern songs, from show tunes to pop. There is everything from Judy Garland to Dolly Parton.

“I have learned so much during my time in America. It has been an amazing experience. Now I am looking for auditions to find work.”

Tickets for Thoroughly Modern Billie cost £10 and can be booked by calling 01207-218171.