Work on their new production - Shrek: The Musical - has begun with auditions to be held from the end of January ahead of performances in July.

Nexus director Julie Lovell said she felt this year would be a good opportunity for both performers and audiences to return to theatres in strong numbers.

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"Bendigo is ready for something that is uplifting, has a message and is something to look forward to," she said. "Shrek is fun and something to celebrate. It has a big ensemble cast and is a fantasy story.

"Theatres were closed for two years. One of the aims of Arts Australia and Arts Victoria is getting the new generation into the theatre. I think Shrek will attract new people to the theatre and is aimed at the generation to bring kids to the theatre."

Last year, Nexus planned to present Oliver to Bendigo audiences and rescheduled its production multiple times in the face of COVID restrictions and lockdowns.

In the end, the show was cancelled with cast only performing for their parents.

Ms Lovell said the young cast felt the 19 months spent working on Oliver was worth it despite not being able to perform to the public.

"I interviewed all the kids and called every cast member and spoke with them in the last month of Oliver," she said. "The comments and feedback I got from cast and parents was that it was worth the investment and time because the cast got a community, resilience and received the ability to find friendship.

"Not only did they have fun still putting on a show for their parents but they were still able to build a community worth investing in. I'm glad we pushed through a long 19 months."

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Ms Lovell is expecting to direct a large cast for this year's production of Shrek.

"It's a typical Nexus show," she said. "Our goal is to give every kid (from year 7 to 12) an opportunity to be in a show like this.

"That's our aim but one of our goals is also training for life. We want to give an opportunity for kids to come in and learn new skills. Not just training for the theatre but also, as people as grow, preparing them to be adults in coming years."

Shrek is scheduled to perform at The Capital from July 21 to 30.

Nexus BYT will hold auditions for Shrek from the end of January.

For full details visit www.nexusbyt.com

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