JOSEPH Rowntree Theatre is to stage its first in-house fully staged musical next year, when Mel Brooks' The Producers will run from February 8 to 10.

"Something new is happening next February that presents an even wider array of opportunities to get involved and support the Joseph Rowntree Theatre," says Graham Mitchell, the JoRo's company secretary and fundraising and events director.

"We're taking the step of putting on a musical to widen our fund-raising, so that we can save up for improvements to the theatre, and we're throwing the doors wide open to anyone and everyone who would like to be involved."

There will be many ways to participate in next year's production, overseen by director Kayleigh Oliver and music director Jessica Douglas. "If you're an 'on-stage' person, we're holding auditions on October 2 and 3 for people of all shapes, ages and sizes. No experience is necessary, just an enthusiasm for performing and for supporting this marvellous community theatre," says Graham.

"If you're less keen on treading the boards, there are still ways you could take part. As well as needing musicians to be part of the orchestra, we're seeking volunteers to help with all areas of the show. This could be helping with making or finding props and costumes, doing make-up and wigs, or even making cups of tea and clapping loudly at rehearsals."

All those interested in being part of this new project should email communityproductions@jrtheatre.co.uk for more information. "We hope to involve a lot of our vibrant York theatre community in this exciting venture and would love you to be part of it," says Graham.