BELFAST — Belfast Maskers is holding open auditions for its production of "Playboy of the Western World," the raucous Irish play by J.M. Synge. The timeless tale is set in a rural Irish village, where the arrival of a mysterious stranger claiming to have committed a daring crime turns the community upside down.

“This production promises to bring humor, intrigue, and a bit of Irish charm to the Belfast stage,” said Maskers, in a news release.

Auditions will take place at the Basil Burwell Community Theater, 17 Court Street in Belfast, On Sunday, June 23, from 3 pm - 6 pm and Tuesday, June 25, from 5 pm - 8 pm (auditioners need only attend one day).

Experienced director Michael Toner will cast the play and begin rehearsals soon after. Toner has been acting, directing, dialect coaching and specializing in Irish theater for over 52 years.

Auditions will consist of cold reading excerpts from the play. If actors would also like to bring a prepared 2-3 minute monologue they may, but it is not required. Performances take place at the theater, opening on August 23.

Roles are available for men and women from their teens through late 60s. Descriptions of the colorful characters can be found at http://www.belfastmaskers.com/auditions — along with the audition sides. Anyone wishing to familiarize themselves with the material can participate in a friendly read-through at the theater on Saturday, June 22, at 4 p.m.

Belfast Maskers has been creating theater for, and with, Belfast and the surrounding community since 1987. For more information about this, other productions, and other volunteer opportunities, visit http://www.BelfastMaskers.com or email info@belfastmaskers.com.