YORK Stage Musicals are seeking actors from across the region to take part in the American musical comedy Hairspray in its debut production at the Grand Opera House, York, in Easter week from March 27 to April 4 next spring.

The first meeting for anyone wishing to take part will be held on Wednesday at 7.30pm at the 41 Monkgate theatre in York.

“We require teenage and adult actors who can sing and dance," says director-choreographer Jessica Hardcastle. “No prior experience is necessary, just the confidence and desire to perform, and we're operating a minimum age limit of 13."

Based on the 1988 John Waters film, Hairspray features music by Marc Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Shaiman and a book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan and won eight Tony Awards on Broadway, since when it has played London and across the globe. Its storyline follows the plight of loveable teen-dreamer Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, who becomes the unexpected star of a local television dance programme The Corny Collins Show, much to the frustration of villainous producer Velma Von Tussle.

The backdrop for Hairspray is 1960s Baltimore, where black is black and white is white and "pleasantly plump" girls don’t ever dance on TV. However, never shy of standing up for what she believes in, Tracy launches a riotous campaign to integrate The Corny Collins Show. As she dances her way into the nation’s hearts, Tracy falls for fellow TV star and teen-idol Link Larkin, while gawky best friend Penny Pingleton catches the eye of a guy from the "wrong side" of town.

“Given the nature of the storyline, we're seeking black actors in particular to join our company for this show, so anyone interested should get in touch," says Jessica, who choreographed the northern premiere for Upstage Centre Youth Theatre in 2009.

After her choreography for several York Stage Musicals productions, such as last September’s Grease, The Producers and Jesus Christ Superstar, Jessica is to take on the wider role of director-choreographer for the first time. Adam Tomlinson, by day the afternoon-show presenter on BBC Radio York, will be the musical director, as indeed he was for Annie, Peter Pan and Jesus Christ Superstar.

He will oversee the original soundtrack of Swinging Sixties-style and “downtown” rhythm and blues songs, including You Can’t Stop The Beat and Run And Tell That, which are sure to have audiences "doing the mash potato" all the way home.

The show's producer, YSM artistic director Nik Briggs, says: "Hairspray promises to build on the success of our September production, Sister Act, which attracted the talents of BBC1's I’d Do Anything finalist and West End star Cleopatra Rey, who played Deloris Van Cartier.

"Hairspray will be playing a major theatre in York for the first time and ticket pre-sales indicate it’s a very popular choice with York audiences, so buy yours early to avoid disappointment.”

Now the focus switches to finding the right performers to fill the various roles, fromTracy Turnblad to ensemble members. “We want to attract the best cast possible and urge any talented performers to come along to our first cast meeting to find out more”, says Jessica.

Anyone keen to be involved should contact Jessica by emailing info@yorkstagemusicals.co.uk or should visit yorkstagemusicals.co.uk or facebook.com/yorkstagemusicals or YSM''s Twitter page (@yorkstagemusic).

York Stage Musicals have established a track record for being a stepping stone for actors to progress into careers in musical theatre in the West End and beyond.

"We're always looking for new talent, so that we may identify and hone the actors of tomorrow," says Nik.

"Among our success stories are Ashley Stilburn, who's now playing Fueily and understudying Marius in Les Miserable in the West End; Olivia Evans, who was in the national tour of Sister Act in 2012; Alistair Scott Baron, who toured with The Phantom Of The Opera, and Scott Garnham, who has appeared in Les Miserables and I Can’t Sing: The X Factor Musical in the West End."

Who might follow in their footsteps? Wednesday's meeting could be the first step. Meanwhile tickets for Hairspray are on sale at £18.90 to £23.90, plus booking fee, on 0844 871 3024 or online at atgtickets.com/york