A NORTH-EAST theatre company is looking for actors, dancers and singers to take part in a stage extravaganza.

The Dionysis Theatre Company, of Spennymoor, will hold a series of workshop auditions for the performance of 42nd Street next year.

Company spokesman Peter Durkin said: "This summer, we will be producing the Broadway smash hit musical 42nd Street at Durham's Gala Theatre.

"The show is packed with blockbuster show-stopping numbers, including We're in the Money, Lullaby of Broadway and the 42nd Street Ballet.

"This is a chance not only to take part in one of the world's most loved musicals, but also to appear on one of the region's newest stages with a cast of the finest young performers."

Mr Durkin said the venture was a youth theatre project, and participants will be aged between ten and 25 years.

He said: "We are looking for a cast of 100 to take part. The actual auditions will be in the form of workshops. We are hoping to attract a greater selection of older dancers, as the show is built around spectacular dance scenes more suited to their advanced abilities of 16 to 25 years."

Hopefuls are urged to apply early to request an audition pack. Auditions will be held at the Darlington Arts Centre in Vane Terrace at 10am on Saturday, January 15, and at the Arc, in Dovecot Street, Stockton at 3pm on the same day.

Further auditions will be held at the Newcastle Theatre Royal in Grey Street, Newcastle, at 10am on Saturday, January 22, and at East Durham and Houghall College, Houghall College, Durham, at 2.30pm on the same day.

Application forms are available from the website www.dionysis.co.uk or by contacting (01388) 420093.

Published: 14/12/2004