THE Roxy Theatre may be out of action next year while the redevelopment gets underway, but that doesn't mean the curtain will close on the shire's culture scene.
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Leeton actor Jake Speer will be bringing William Shakespeare's Henry V to the stage at Mountford Park in April next year and there's a role for all ages to play on and off the stage.
While the redevelopment of the Roxy Theatre is happening, ideas and plans are being put into place to ensure the community still has opportunities to be involved in the arts.
This is where Mr Speer is stepping in and where he will be making his debut as a theatre director, but also starring in the lead role in the play.
However, actors, costume designers, lighting and other facets that require a show to come together are all needed.
Also on offer will be an intern/mentorship initiative where residents can put themselves forward to shadow some of the key makers of the production.
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This could be in producing, directing, acting, sound and much more.
As well as having Mr Speer on board, he will be bringing experienced help to the stage show from Sydney to be part of the creative team.
"Our production designer has been in town, we've got a lighting designer coming down," he said.
The idea is to equip people in the community and wider region with these skills so they can learn, perhaps study later in the future and then bring that knowledge back to town to use in the years down the track.
"This particular production is a partnership between myself and the Roxy Theatre ... this is a play I have wanted to do forever and ever," Mr Speer said.
"Talking about all of the amazing attention on the arts in the community and developing that with the Roxy upgrade, we're trying to give people opportunities while the theatre is closed and utlising spaces that don't normally get used for this sort of thing.
"Council is on board and we're really excited to be bringing such a great play to the outdoor stage at the park.
"It's really going to be something like we haven't seen here before."
A community information night will be held at the Roxy Theatre on December 1 for those interested in taking part, with Mr Speer pointing out this stage production is for all ages and he will be there on the night to answer any and all questions.
He said maybe there's someone out there who has always wanted to give acting a go, or perhaps getting their creativity flowing with costume design - there's never been a better time to get a taste for the theatre life.
"We want people to be involved in the technical side of the production as well to learn," Mr Speer said.
"We're offering what we are calling mentorship attachments. There's a series of positions available where those who apply and are successful will be able to 'attach themselves' to one of the key elements of the production.
"It's not just about putting on a play, we're trying to equip the community and get everyone involved so these sorts of things can continue into the future."
This isn't the first time Mr Speer has brought a production to town.
He's filmed a documentary for the town's centenary here and put on the stage show The Government Inspector at the Roxy Theatre.
More recently he was in the shire and wider area filming his own short film titled Inside Water.
He said bringing projects back to Leeton was something he loved doing.
"This is my home and somewhere I love being," Mr Speer said.
Auditions for acting roles will take place on December 12 and 13, as well as a second round of auditions on January 9 and 10.
Those seeking more information should attend the community session on December 1 at 6.30pm where all of the ins and outs will be discussed.