THE Royal Shakespeare Company wants to cast six local amateur actors in a touring production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which comes to the Alhambra in April 2016.

The date marks the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death at the age of 52 in Stratford-upon-Avon.

Although featuring a professional cast, in every location a new group of amateur performers will play Bottom and the rude mechanicals, and local schoolchildren will play Titania’s fairy train.

Ian Wainwright, RSC producer, said: “It’s a great opportunity for an amateur company, as the team chosen will receive training from the RSC, as well as rehearse and perform with the RSC’s own professional cast.

“The amateur team will also get the opportunity to travel to Stratford-upon-Avon to perform on the stage of the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.

“We want to show that Shakespeare really is the people’s playwright and his words belong to everyone as performers as well as audience.”

Therefore, Yorkshire needs the region’s amateur theatre companies to audition ready for the production’s visit to Bradford.

For information and to download the application form visit bradford-theatres.co.uk/rsc-a-play-for-the-nation. The deadline for applications is Monday, March 16, 2015.