Young actors are sought for a summer production of Terry Pratchett's Johnny and the Dead. The production will be staged as part of a Youth Arts Festival taking place at various venues this summer. It’s being mounted by the talented team at Douglas Youth Arts Centre, part of the Department of Education and Children’s Youth Service. Fiona Helleur, Head of Youth Arts, said: ‘It’s a black comedy about Johnny, a boy who not only sees dead people but is harassed by them to help save their cemetery from the evil clutches of Amalgamated Consolidated Holdings, which wants to destroy graves and build an office block. ‘We are looking for 30 young people aged 11 to 14 who can act, or are willing to learn, to take part in this brilliant production, which will be directed by Aaron Joughin. ‘The cast can expect a lot of comedy and silliness as Johnny finds himself in a series of mishaps and misunderstandings as he tries to help the dead people.’ Director Aaron, 21, was in the Manx National Youth Theatre (run by the Youth Service) for a decade and has appeared in Shakespeare on the London Eye and in productions for the National Association of Youth Theatres in the Isle of Man, London and Burnley. He has worked at the Youth Arts Centre for two years. ‘We are looking for people who want to have fun on stage as this is a hilarious script that will be enjoyable to perform,’ he said. ‘We want young people who want to act, dance or sing and those who want to work backstage on set design and construction, sound, lighting and even as assistant director.’ Fiona added: ‘This will be the first drama production for this age group at the Youth Arts Centre and we know it will be a lot of hard work, but it promises to be an enjoyable experience for all involved.’ Auditions take place at Douglas Youth Arts Centre on Wednesday 25th May at 7.30pm and rehearsals start on Wednesday 15th June at 7.30pm. Contact Fiona on 07624 437339 or email f.helleur@doe.sch.im for more information or to register for a place. Ends