HELMSLEY Arts Centre is looking for performers and aspiring performers of all ages to take part in its third community play.

Open audition workshops for a new play The Kissing Ring will take place at Helmsley Methodist Church Rooms on Wednesday, April 15, from 7pm to 9pm, and at Helmsley Arts Centre on Sunday, April 19, from 11am to 1pm. Individuals may then be invited to stay on for further auditions from 1.30pm to 3.30pm that day.

Artistic director Em Whitfield Brooks said: “The last two community plays we’ve staged have been fantastic, bringing people from all over Ryedale together to work quite intensively to make a spectacular piece of theatre.

“We’re looking for new people to come and take part, as well as welcoming anyone who has been involved with us before. It doesn’t matter whether you have acted before, this is all about new experiences and the chance to work with an excellent professional director.”

The Kissing Ring has been written and directed by Helena Fox, who has recently moved to the area, although her family hails originally from Kirkbymoorside.

The play tells a local story of ritual, romance and superstition using recorded testimonials, folklore and traditions of the 1800s.

Phone Helena on 07746 034101 or Em on 01439 772112.