THE chance to star on the stage in 2006 has arrived for budding actors, dancers and singers in Comet country. Youth theatre group Fusion is a community project in Stevenage that offers people aged 11 to 25 the opportunity to take part in all aspects of th

THE chance to star on the stage in 2006 has arrived for budding actors, dancers and singers in Comet country.

Youth theatre group Fusion is a community project in Stevenage that offers people aged 11 to 25 the opportunity to take part in all aspects of theatre.

The company has been successfully running for 10 years and annually they perform a major musical at the Gordon Craig Theatre, as well as several other smaller productions during the year.

Christmas shoppers may have spotted the group in Stevenage town centre when they sang and danced numbers from hit musicals Hair and Fame, in celebration of the success of the two shows recently staged at the Gordon Craig.

Executive councillor for community and culture Sue Myson said: "As a community leader the council is always keen to encourage young people to get involved in arts and culture.

"Fusion Performing Arts Company put on some excellent performances and I congratulate them on another successful year."

The group's forthcoming project is fresh off Broadway and auditions are being held next week.

Artistic director Sarah Ellis said: "Fusion's next major show will be Parade, our most ambitious project yet.

"We are proud to be one of the first companies in England to perform this ground-breaking show which has only just left Broadway in a flurry of awards.

"We are so excited to be on the cutting edge of theatre."

Parade will be performed as part of the Stevenage Festival on June 30 and July 1 at the Gordon Craig Theatre and auditions will be held next Tuesday, January 10.

Anyone aged between 11 and 25 is urged to go along.

For more information, contact Sarah on 01438 219400 or sarah@fusionperformancearts.com