ORGANISERS of next year’s spectacular production of the York Mystery Plays have urged up to 1,500 people from across the community to get involved.

In August next year, the world-famous plays will be staged amid the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey in the Museum Gardens for the first time in 24 years.

Details of the co-production between York Theatre Royal, Riding Lights Theatre Company and York Museums Trust were unveiled at a community launch event at the Theatre Royal last night.

The event was attended by more than 100 councillors, business leaders, head teachers and other leading figures from across the city.

Community producer Liam Evans-Ford and project manager Ben Pugh earlier told The Press that the plays belonged to the people of York. It was hoped about 1,000 people would join a small group of professional actors on stage and another 500 volunteers would become involved in everything from costume-making, marketing and administration to front-of-house and stewarding, prop-making, lighting and sound.

Liam said volunteers taking part would have a great opportunity to foster their talents and further their career ambitions.

A series of five auditions will take place at different locations across York this autumn, with rehearsals starting in the New Year.

Liam appealed for any business or organisation with covered room for rehearsals for up to 500 people to come forward. Ben said the audience of about 1,400 per performance would be seated in three tiered grandstands situated in an arc, fully covered to protect people from rain – although the actors will still be exposed to the elements.

Toilets and ticket pick-up points will be provided in portable buildings, and a tented village will be created on a former bowling green behind the stage area to provide facilities such as changing areas and a green room.

Ben said work would start on construction of the seating and stage at the beginning of next July, giving four weeks to complete the project and allow time for technical rehearsals.

After the production has finished, a full project will get underway to restore the gardens to their original state, with any areas of grass that have been damaged being returfed.

To get involved in the plays project, email mystery2012@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk, go to yorkmysteryplays-2012.com or phone 01904 623568.