LOCAL auditions for Hampshire Youth Theatre (HYT) will take place tomorrow night and on March 12.

The first takes place in Proteus Creation Space, Council Road, on Wednesday, February 26 from 6.30pm until 8.30pm and the second will take place on March 12 from 4pm-6pm at Testbourne Community School in Whitchurch. 

The auditions are for this summer’s production of The Best Christmas Present in the World, a brand new adaptation by Oliver Birch of Michael Morpurgo’s classic short story.

The production will take place in August as part a summer festival of events at the Nuffield’s temporary venue The Playing Field in Guildhall Square, Southampton.

The project needs versatile and confident individuals aged 14-21 who can demonstrate potential as much as talent. No previous experience is necessary to join the HYT company, only enthusiasm and energy. The HYT company requires actors willing to play a variety of ensemble roles and musicians who play instruments to a high grade, alongside those who have an interest in composing and song‐writing.

Around 40 performers will work closely and intensely with Nuffield’s professional directors, workshop facilitators, designers and technicians over a three week period to get a mature and exciting immersion into the theatre industry.

Over the course of the production, participants will learn drama techniques, rehearse as trained actors would and produce a show that is of a high professional standard.

To apply to participate in HYT 2014, pick up a leaflet from an audition venue or download an application form from Nuffield’s website nuffieldtheatre.co.uk. 

Print out a form from the website (http://www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk/get-involved/young-people/hampshire-youth-theatre) and bring it with you to the audition.