Oxford Playhouse also performs an educational role with its youth theatre ensemble 16I22, writes PETER CANN

Oxford Playhouse's youth theatre group is inviting anyone between the ages of 16 and 22 who is excited about making and creating theatre to the first of two open auditons on Monday.

The group, known as 16I22, takes a central place in the professional workings of the Playhouse which stages theatre of the highest standard. It has been created to excite audiences and to develop the skills, confidence and outlook of the members.

The theatre is dedicated to creating opportunities to support the breath of the community and 16I22 is aimed at university and A-level students, young people in work and those taking a gap-year to make up a varied and interesting team capable of making vibrant work together.

It is looking for new members for the autumn term. Regular sessions run on both Tuesday and Wednesday evenings and are held in the rehearsal room of the Playhouse.

Open auditions will take place on Monday from 5pm to 7pm, and on the following Sunday, May 18, from noon to 2pm. The auditions will include a one-hour group drama workshop and an interview with a member of the Playhouse's Learning Department - a chance for participants to tell them why they want to be a member of 16I22.

The youth theatre costs £50 for a nine-week term under the direction of Jo Noble and there are a number of bursary places available for any young person who is committed to learning about theatre but for whom price may be an obstacle.

Sara Dodd, of 16I22, said: "We have members from schools and colleges all across Oxfordshire, gap-year students and univeristy students from Oxford Brookes and Oxford and Reading Universities. We are looking to get the same sort of really interesting mix of people for next year.

"The group makes its own work based on the ideas and interests of the group so we are looking for anyone with a passion for theatre, performing, sharing ideas and working with new people to create work for the stage. The great thing about the group is how much all the members learn from each other."

To give potential members a taster of what they could be involved in, 16I22 will be performing on June 8.

To book a place at one of the auditions e-mail sarah.dodd@oxfordplayhouse.com or call the Learning Department on 01865 305334 and leave your name, age and contact details. Other auditions will be held at schools and universities across Oxfordshire.