PARENTS have a chance to get their little stars out of the living room and into the spotlight as the Wyvern Theatre seeks dancers and dwarfs for their Christmas pantomime.

The Wyvern will host its annual Christmas production – Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs – later this year and they are looking for talented youngsters with stage presence to take part in the panto.

Laura James, marketing manager at the Wyvern, said the production was the highlight of the theatre’s year.

She said: “It’s really important to the local community. It’s our biggest production of the year. It’s for all the family, it’s Christmas and a feel-good time and it’s a great chance for the kids to get involved.

“We’re expecting some familiar faces to show up from our juvenile dance chorus last year who did an excellent job – they absolutely loved it.”

The theatre is looking for young people aged between nine and 19 to join the juvenile dance chorus or play one of the seven dwarfs, and no acting experience is necessary.

This year’s panto will run from December 5 to January 3, 2016.

Laura said: “The main thing we’re looking for is a kid with great stage presence. This year is different because we have more spots available for auditionees, so anyone has a chance.

“They have to have strong dance and/or acting ability but they don’t have to have had previous experience.”

Open auditions will be held on May 9 in front of a panel of esteemed judges including the director, manager of the Wyvern and choreographers, who will be keeping an eye out for new talent.

Rehearsals will begin in November and will be held after school and at weekends until the production begins on December 5. Successful candidates will have the opportunity to work with a professional choreographer, director and cast.

Two teams of dancers and dwarfs will perform twice on alternate days until January 3.

Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs will be staged by the producers of the Wyvern’s previous productions, Dick Whittington, Jack and the Beanstalk and Aladdin.

For more information about the auditions and to download an application form, visit swindon theatres.co.uk or call 01793 524 481 and ask to be sent an audition pack.