Calling all young actors, singers and dancers: Entertainment group Troika is this weekend hosting auditions for its first ever musical — and it could be starring you.Troika Bermuda, a charity that aims to educate, entertain and enlighten people through theatre, is looking for people between the ages of 13 and 20 for an upcoming production of ‘Once on this Island’.The organisers are also in search of a girl between the ages of eight and 11 to play the female lead as a youngster.Auditions will take place on Saturday at the Berkeley Institute from 10am until 4pm.The Tony-award nominated musical by Lynn Ahrens is a Caribbean adaptation of the popular tale ‘The Little Mermaid’. It tells the story of a black peasant girl who rescues and falls in love with Daniel, a wealthy boy from the other side of the island.To test their love, they have to endure powerful forces of prejudice, hatred and death.Troika co-founder Seldon Woolridge describes it as a Romeo and Juliet type love story.“The peasant girl falls in love with someone from a different cast and [the challenge] of dating someone out of their social stature becomes the basis for the story. It’s about how love can conquer all.”The musical is part of the Troika’s fourth annual Work in Progress summer programme — and will be performed in August.For the past three years they have put young people through a six to eight-week workshop where they develop a theatre piece from start to finish.“They do the writing, we come up with the concept and they do all the work to put it together,” said co-founder Shoa Bean.This year the production will be directed by Steve Huntsman, from Las Vegas.“I believe he will be able to offer young people beyond just the production and how to put together a musical, which is very different from regular theatre,” explained Ms Bean.“He will also teach them the etiquette of how to handle a musical and about the [development] of characters and the different elements it takes to build a musical. He has a wealth of knowledge when it comes to musicals.”The programme is open to all young people and free of charge, thanks to sponsors.Mr Woolridge said it was a great opportunity for young artists looking for something positive and constructive to do during the summer months.“We are really very committed to ensuring that we stay steadfast in our goal of making theatre and arts accessible for young people, considering the many social ills and things going on with our young people today.“We have found the arts provides a safe haven and creative outlet for the young people to explore and express themselves.“Having our young people over the summer keeps them involved in something active, instead of getting in trouble, and it allows them to learn from each other and be among their peers in a positive format.”He said he was involved in similar programmes as a youngster, which helped boost his confidence, level of responsibility and creativity.Organisers are looking for 11 multi-talented young people to serve as main characters. They will also be searching for people to serve in a large casting assembly of background dancers, singers and technical crew.Mr Woolridge believes the programme will give students that extra edge when applying to performing arts schools or pursuing careers in the industry.“We are encouraging people to come out and get involved with the experience because ultimately a lot of our young people are interested in pursuing performing arts, but don’t have experience with a musical.“This will be a great opportunity across the board for people interested in furthering their creative pursuits.”Ms Bean said any young person interested in the performing arts could benefit from taking part. “They don’t necessarily have to sing, but we would like for them to be able to do all three [acting, singing and dancing] in some aspect.“You might be specifically a dancer, but you may be asked to do some singing.“We are trying to encourage any young person with a passion for the arts basically; [anyone who is] willing to be a part of something that will expose them to something more than what they are used to doing.”Actors can audition on Saturday between 10am and 3pm; dancers will take to the stage from 3pm until 4pm.Mr Woolridge encourages participants to research the play and consider the role they want to try out for before showing up. Those who make it past the first phase of auditioning will be invited for a call back on June 16.Troika will also accept video submissions from people who are away in school. These entries must be e-mailed to info@troikabda.com by Saturday.Useful website: www.troikabda.com.