Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh today announced the Studio Theatre Scheme to help performing arts groups build their own performing spaces. Dr Singh, who also heads the Cultural Ministry, announced this in a message on the occasion of 13th Bharat Rang Mahotsav which begins in New Delhi today. The Prime Minister said that the scheme will provide generous support to theatre groups to address the problem of non-availability of performing spaces. He added that it will also help artistes to attain economic independence and concentrate on creative expression. AIR correspondent reports that the scheme aims to set up smaller experimental rehearsal spaces that will also act as performing spaces to help promote theatre, dance and music in the country.