CANDIDATES to be part of a summer stage project at a York theatre have been put through their paces.

About 60 hopefuls for the 2014 Stage Experience - the musical Our House - at the Grand Opera House went through auditions at the city-centre venue ahead of the two-week artistic initiative later this year.

The project, running from July 19 to August 2, ends with four performances of Our House produced by the Grand Opera House, the first time it will have been performed in York.

Featuring music by ska legends Madness, it tells the story of London teenager Joe Casey who makes a decision which splits his life in two on the night of his 16th birthday.

About 60 young people aged between ten and 21 were auditioned, taking part in group songs and routines before performing individually. Stage Experience co-ordinator Clare O’Connor said: "Some of them were really nervous, but once the auditions started, they loved it.

"There are those who have been coming here to audition since they were six and are now 18, so we've seen them grow up, but we also had a lot of new faces. It's quite intense but they all did brilliantly and we have cast a lot of parts."

Technicians, who must be over 16, are also needed and more information is available by phoning Clare O'Connor on 01904 678702. The cast will work with professional director and choreographer Louise Denison and musical director Adam Laird.