One of Bermuda's newest production companies has received charity status helping it in its missions to support productions and performers.

Last summer, the group put on 'Work In Progress I: Ammunition', which received rave reviews and it is now auditioning for 'Work In Progress II', which is still untitled.

TROIKA was founded by Nishanthi Bailey, Seldon Woolridge and Shoa Bean and applied for charity status as a way of supporting, not only its productions, but also its performers.

Mr. Woolridge said: "A Trust was established to be the educational entity that promotes and advances the education, knowledge and appreciation of theatre and drama of students of the performing arts. Its main purpose is to provide financial support by way of educational scholarships that advocate theatrical exposure. Funds for the trust are obtained through sponsor and donor contributions."

They would like to support youngsters who have joined other groups. "For example, [former TROIKA players] Candace Furbert and Taariq Tucker are with Up With People and we wanted to be able to support them financially, as they had to pay thousands of dollars," said Miss Bailey.

"Establishing our charitable status will help to afford us a way to support more outside of TROIKA. Also we are only active during the summer, because during the school year we are busy and the performers are busy and focused on their studies, also they are involved with other dance companies and we would like to contribute to the activities that they take part in when they are not with us."

Mr. Woolridge added: "You find that many of the young people that are involved, because of various reasons haven't trained in dance or singing lessons, so this can support them in those ventures, because there are some of our young people who can sing, but haven't had formal vocal training."

After last year's performances, Miss Bean said the public now recognised their name. "People said it was something of quality."

Auditions for TROIKA's 'Work in Progress II' take place this weekend at the Berkeley Institute. TROIKA is calling for actors, dancers, singers and crew to audition on Saturday between 12 noon and 3 p.m.

Participants, aged 13 to 19, are being asked to prepare a 60-second audition piece or perform material provided.

The upcoming performance is set to take place from August 27 to 29.

For more information telephone 537-7590, email troikabda@gmail.com or visit TROIKA on Facebook.