TWELVE 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 about 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 an auditioning panel again as they compete with more than 60 other members of WODYS for parts in the musical Oklahoma!, to be staged at Worcester’s Swan theatre from Tuesday, August 4, to Saturday, August 8, 2009.

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 we are unable to take everyone.

“We have worked with three groups over the last few weeks, based on their age, coaching in dancing, singing and audition technique.

“Unsuccessful candidates have been offered a placed in the WODYS academy which started two years ago and has been very successful, which is a contributing factor to the standard being higher than usual this year.

“I am very pleased with the interest which continues to be shown in WODYS.

“The youth of Worcester is very talented and I am full of admiration for them and the fact that they make the effort to come down to our hall. A lot of youngsters get a bad press these days and it is nice to meet really genuine youngsters from all sorts of backgrounds and different schools. They should be applauded.”

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.