FIFTEEN youngsters who auditioned successfully for membership of a youth theatre group are facing a second audition, this time for roles in the group's summer show.

They were among more than 70 eight to 18-year-olds who sang, danced and acted in a bid to join Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section (WODYS).

Early next year, they will be up before a panel of judges again as they compete with more than 50 other members of WODYS for parts in the musical Back To The 80s, to be staged at Worcester's Swan theatre from Tuesday, July 29, to Saturday, August 2, 2008.

The second auditions will follow a series of workshops in various forms of stagecraft being held between now and Christmas.

WODYS chairman and director David Humphries said: "The standard at the membership auditions was very high and it's a shame that that we are unable to take everyone. However, I urge those who were not successful this time to try again, and in the meantime there is WODYS' academy.

"We think it is very important to encourage youngsters in performing arts because it gives them confidence, encourages them to use their talents and provides them with a lot of fun, even if they don't go on to a career in theatre."

The academy meets on Saturday afternoons at St Mary's Hall in the Arboretum, Worcester, for tuition in singing, dancing and drama. The classes culminate in a production for parents, and then the children will have the opportunity to take part in next year's audition for membership of the group.

WODYS, formed in 1982 with a handful of youngsters, has become the leading amateur dramatic youth group in the area, constantly producing high standards of musical theatre and attracting audiences of all ages.