BUDDING actors and actresses from the canine world are being given the chance to put their first paw on the ladder to theatrical fame.In less than four weeks Felixstowe Spa Pavilion begins work on its first ever Summer Youth Project, to produce a production of Annie from scratch in only two weeks.

BUDDING actors and actresses from the canine world are being given the chance to put their first paw on the ladder to theatrical fame.

In less than four weeks Felixstowe Spa Pavilion begins work on its first ever Summer Youth Project, to produce a production of Annie from scratch in only two weeks. And while the auditions have already been held and the majority of the cast chosen for the show which will be staged from August 20 to 23, there is however still one important member of the cast missing - Sandy.

Therefore auditions will be held at 4pm on Monday to find the perfect dog to step into the role of Annie's four-legged friend.

Leighton Dewar, marketing manager at the seafront theatre, said: "This is a very important part as Sandy is integral to the show. The dog is on stage a lot of the time and one of the songs is Annie's ode to her new-found animal friend. It's not much of a show without Sandy the dog."

The lucky dog to win the part will be paid in lots of dog biscuits, while the pet's owners will receive 20 tickets for one of the shows when it takes to the stage. The dog does not need to have been on stage before but he or she must be tame, like being around children and Sandy coloured.

Mr Dewar said: "The dog doesn't need to have acting experience but this show could make him or her a star in their own right."

At Monday's auditions the dogs will be tested to see how well they can come on and off stage and if they respond to being called by someone other than their owner.

The chosen animal will need to be available to take part in rehearsals throughout the two-week Summer Youth Project as well as for five public performances at the end of that period.

The lucky Sandy will join a cast of more than 100 youngsters and will star directly alongside 14-year-old Bethany Bugg who won the part of the red-haired orphan.

This is the first time the Spa Pavilion has undertaken a project on this scale but it will result in the biggest ever show to be staged at the Felixstowe Theatre.

The project is supported by Felixstowe Town Council and Suffolk Coastal District Council and sponsored by the Evening Star and will bring together all these nine to 25-year-olds to undergo an intensive period of training and rehearsals under expert professional supervision.

Paul Ryan, general manager at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion, said: "The Spa continues to get bigger and better shows every season and we hope that this Summer Youth Project will be the crowning glory of our year."

n Anyone wanting to audition their dog is asked to register with Leighton Dewar at the Spa Pavilion on 01394 288052. The auditions will be held at the seafront theatre at 4pm on Monday.

n Annie will be at Felixstowe Spa Pavilion from August 20 to 23. Tickets cost £9.50 and are available at the theatre or by calling 01394 282126.