USUALLY, Portland’s CEMA Theatre Group auditions are just for actors, but this time around the call out is for a broader range of talents for a special performance planned this year.

Musicians, magicians, gymnasts, jugglers and more are invited to this week try out for “Scoundrels in the Cove” – a one night only 1920s themed interactive performance in a Portland laneway.

Theatre group member Corey Williams has been hatching the project for some time, and the group’s regular actors are very excited to be braking through the usual boundaries of the theatre.

“It’s in two parts, the first is the laneway, your barbershop quartets singing over the top of a barrel, kids getting around causing trouble, storytellers, all that sort of thing,” he said.

“If you close your eyes and think of a movie dating back to that time, the characters there, that’s essentially what we’re going for.

“Anyone is able to come into the laneway, so hopefully we’ll pack the place out.”

Part two will be for paying ticketholders, who will be treated to a dinner-and-show inside, with an original show set in the same era.

Mr Williams said the more performers they can populate the alley with, the better.

“If you’ve got any ability at all that you think could work, we're open to anyone to come and try out.

“There will be storytellers and that sort of thing as well, so if people don't think they have a specific skill, there are still options for those interested in being involved.

“Magicians are one that we want to highlight, and musicians too, and again, if you don’t have any tricks but want to have a go we can find something.

“We'll have some storytellers telling local based stories, so hopefully there’s something for everyone.”

Mr Williams was part of a similar production in Dubbo, and said they were a rare and very fun experience for performers.

“It’s a different skill, it's very different acting when you're right in front of me and you can react to me, versus when I'm up on stage and you can only laugh and clap and stay silent,” he said.

“So it’s new for pretty much everyone, and probably lots of the audience as well.”

Auditions will be held on Wednesday 14th Feb 6.30pm at Portland Arts Centre. More information is available from Mr Williams on 0424 482 176