THE Wyvern Theatre today began the search for 250 youngsters to star in the musical, Fame.

Singers, dancers, actors and backstage crew are wanted to join the Wyvern Theatre's 10th Summer Youth Project.

Auditions will be held on Monday, May 5 at the theatre.

All application forms, printed here, must be handed into the Wyvern no later than Friday, April 18.

Nicki Western, project co-ordinator, said: "Fame is such a fantastic show to celebrate our 10th anniversary of youth projects.''

Last year's musical was West Side Story and the young hopefuls taking part were asked to nominate this year's show. Fame came out overwhelmingly on top.

Brought to the big screen with Irene Cara in the 1980s, Nicki Western said Fame was the perfect musical for a youth project with lots of gritty parts for teenagers, innovative dance routines and catchy songs.

She said: "We are all really looking forward to an exhilarating and unforgettable show. We want the memory of Fame to live for ever.'

"Over 400 local children have auditioned previously and this year we are expecting an even bigger turn out."

Marking 10 years of successful projects, Fame, will be directed and choreographed by Swindon's Pollyann Tanner.

The dancer is no stranger to youth projects having choreographed each one in Swindon and several at The Beck Theatre in Hayes, Middlesex as well as directing last year's successful show.

Her husband, David Wicks, technical manger at the theatre, will be leading the backstage crew, which will be auditioned for separately.

Anyone interested in positions in lighting, sound, stage management and props should send their details to the Wyvern for a technical audition form.

Young hopefuls aged between nine and 25-years-old are wanted for the project, which runs from July 24 to August 9. The fee is £70.

The youngsters will learn the disciplines of working on a professional show.

Previous shows include Bugsy, Annie, 42nd Street, My Fair Lady, Oliver, Joseph, Me and My Girl, Crazy For You and West Side Story.

In the past, EMI CD pressing plant sponsored the projects but pulled out when the headquarters left Swindon.

The theatre is currently looking for new sponsorship. If anyone is interested please contact Swindon 535535.

Any youngsters wanting to be the star of the future, simply fill in the audition form printed here and return it to Nicki Western, Wyvern Theatre, Theatre Square, Swindon, SN1 1QN with a passport size photograph.auditions forms are also available in the theatre foyer or from Swindon 535536.