THE Grand Opera House, York, will hold open auditions for this summer’s Stage Experience production of West Side Story on Sunday, March 6 at 10am.

The Cumberland Street theatre will open its doors to young actors, musicians and technicians for the two-week project from Friday, July 22 to Saturday, August 6, culminating in four performances of Leonard Bernstein and Stephen Sondheim’s energetic American musical.

“We’re looking for singers, dancers and actors, aged ten to 21, to take part in this intensive summer-holiday project, where they will work with a professional director and choreographer,” says marketing assistant Roxanna Klimaszewska.

“We’re delighted to welcome back Louise Dennison for her fourth year filling this role and also welcome Adam Laird as musical director.”

Aspiring theatre technicians will have the chance to work with the Opera House professional team on sound, lighting, set, props and costume. Please note that technical applicants must be aged 16 or over.

West Side Story updates Shakespeare’s Romeo And Juliet tale to the 1950s’ streets of New York City where two gangs, the American Sharks and Puerto Rican Jets, clash on the Upper West Side. Musical highlights include Tonight, Maria, Somewhere, I Feel Pretty, America and Gee, Officer Krupke.

“If you haven’t yet applied for a form, not to worry, you can just turn up on the day,” says Roxanna. “There’s no need to prepare anything, but please come suitably attired.”

West Side Story will be the 11th summer-holiday Stage Experience project at the Opera House.