WOULD-BE actors are being encouraged to take part in an event at a North-East theatre, to find out whether they have the ability to take to the stage.

Sunderland Empire is holding its first Stage Experience event and is aiming to recruit 150 young people with an interest in performing.

The two-week project will see the venue transported back to 1920s America for the production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

The roles on offer include Jimmy, Millie's love interest, and Mr Graydon, Millie's boss, as well as two comedy roles in the shape of the evil Mrs Meers' Chinese henchmen.

For these roles, the production requires 16 to 25-year-olds to rehearse and play the roles during the show's run at the Sunderland Empire, from July 30 to August 12.

Other would-be stars, aged nine to 25, are needed to take part in the project, as well as a professional director, musical director, choreographer and backstage crew, to train in singing, dancing, acting and technical theatre.

During the two weeks, they will learn all the songs, dances and lines. This will be followed by four performances on the Empire stage, from August 10 to August 12.

The fee to take part is £160, which includes the two weeks' tuition, supervision by professional chaperones, loan of costume, script and a souvenir T-shirt.

Anyone wanting to take part must attend a free audition, which takes place on Sunday, June 4, for surnames A to L at 10am, and surnames M to Z at 2pm.

To ensure an audition place call Carolyn Usher on 0191-566 1056 for an application form.