Bilston Operatic Youth Company call for men to get Footloose

Show organisers are hoping an all-singing, all-dancing young man comes to the rescue to take on the role of Ren McCormack – made famous on the big screen by Kevin Bacon in the 80s.

All the older boys in the company have left for drama school and so they are on the lookout for someone to step in for the show, which runs from April 4 to 8 next year at the Mill Theatre in Dormston School.

Producer Laura Canadine said: "This is the first time we've been in the situation since the group began in May last year. Unfortunately all of our older boys have now left the company to pursue their dreams of drama school. Now we are asking all 14 to 20-year-olds to come forward to audition for the role of Ren.

"You don't have to be the world's best singer or dancer, you just have to have enthusiasm and potential.

"The girls are desperate to know who will take up the role, and hold the show together. He's the love interest, the hero, he'll hold the show in his hands!"

The company are also open to boys of all ages.

Laura continued: "We're always looking for new people and I think it's often more difficult to encourage boys to join in with performing arts. We are oversubscribed with girls, and even have a waiting list for the girls, so we hope some boys will be able to take to the stage too.

"The boys that have just left us had a fantastic time as part of our Les Misérables production in April this year and we're hoping to replicate that in Footloose.

"We just need the lads to put on their dancing shoes and join us."

Kevin Bacon starred in the 1984 hit film, which features a soundatrack including such hits as Footloose, Holding Out for a Hero and Let's Hear it for the Boy.

Auditions for the part of Ren are taking place on November 9 at The Willows Campus, Green Park School, Green Park Avenue, Bilston, where the group rehearses.

For more information, email bilstonoperatic@hotmail.co.uk, or call secretary Sarah Houghton on 07798792248.