Auditions and workshops for the 2007 Ryedale Festival Community Opera will be held at the Milton Rooms, Malton, on May 20, from 4pm to 7pm, and at Helmsley Arts Centre on May 21, from 7pm to 9pm.

"Can you sing? Dance? Are you a performer?" asks director Em Whitfield.

"We're looking for performers, musicians and artists of all ages and abilities to take part in this year 's spectacular musical Voyage Of The Maris Piper at the Milton Rooms in July. In particular, the hunt is on for a tenor singer to take one of the lead roles."

Em is seeking performers with strong voices and the enthusiasm to stage a full-scale production in five days.

"You don't need any past experience, but owing to the numbers of people wanting to be involved, we'll hold auditions in Malton and Helmsley as we're looking for a cast of 80, " she says. "We'd also love to hear from anyone interested in painting, sewing and helping backstage."

The 2007 Ryedale Festival Community Opera has received funding from the Arts Council and will be supported too by Sundella Drinks and Helmsley NADFAS.

If you would like to enrol or need further information, phone Em on 01751 431231.