The Footlight Players, the longest running theater in the Southeast, will hold open auditions Sunday, Aug. 1 and Monday, Aug. 2 at 7 p.m. at Footlight Theatre, 20 Queen St., for The Lion in Winter, written by James Goldman. The show will be performed Oct. 1-17 as a part of the theatre's 79th season.

The Lion in Winter is set in 1187 and chronicles the back stabbing, lying, spying and rampant infidelity of England's royal family, the Plantagenets. Pitting King Henry II against his strong-willed wife Eleanor of Aquitaine and the couple's three heirs, this historical comedy is as timely as today in it's portrayal of the time honored struggle for love and power.

Director Evan Parry will hold open auditions to fill the following parts:

Men: Henry II, King of England, age 50's, Prince Richard, age mid 20's , Prince Geoffrey, age mid 20's, Prince John, teenager, Philip, King of France, age 18

Women: Eleanor of Aquitaine, Henry's queen, age 50-60's, Alais, Henry's mistress and Philip's sister, age early 20's.

Auditions consist of cold readings from the script. Those interested should bring a current headshot to be attached to individual audition forms. For more information call 722-7521 or visit www.FootLightPlayers.net and click on "auditions."