THE sun will come out for young hopefuls who audition for York Stage Musicals’ spring production of Annie on Sunday at the Joseph Rowntree School, Haxby Road, York.

Girls aged from eight to 15 are invited to take part in the open auditions for the chance to appear at the Grand Opera House, York, from May 20 to 24.

The production team of director Robert Readman, musical director Adam Tomlinson and choreographer Lesley Hill will be looking to cast fiery, flame-haired Annie and her band of lively orphans.

From the auditions at 10am and recalls at 1pm, the panel will select a total of 30 girls: two to play Annie and two teams of girls for the orphans.

“All should bring lunch and clothes to dance in and come prepared with a comic poem or story, no longer than one minute, to recite from memory in an American accent,” says Robert, who asks all those interested in taking part to send an email to robertreadman@hotmail.com for the script and vocal score.

“All girls should look at Scene 1, pages 1 to 6, including the song Maybe,” Robert adds. “Girls who are considered suitable for the role of Annie will be asked to look at pages 18 to 21 including the song Tomorrow. Not all girls will perform this second audition, but please be prepared, just in case.”

Summing up what the panel wants to spot, Robert says: “Annie is about girls in 1930s New York at the pinnacle of the Great Depression who have to fight for survival, so we’re looking for kids who are full of conviction, confidence and with fire in their belly.”

All other roles in Annie, such as boozy orphanage loose cannon Miss Hannigan and billionaire Daddy Warbucks, will be auditioned in February. Again, please email Robert with your details if you want to be considered.

• Performances of Charles Strouse, Martin Charnin and Thomas Meehan’s Broadway musical will be at 7pm on May 20 to 22; 5pm and 8pm, May 23; and 3pm and 7pm, May 24. For tickets, phone 0844 871 3024 or book online at atgtickets.com/york