The Opening and Closing Ceremonies for the Olympics and Paralympics are predicted to be viewed by a worldwide television audience of four billion people in over 200 countries, which is estimated to be worth up to £5 billion ($7.8 billion/€5.8 billion) in airtime value. 

The Olympic Opening Ceremony will be led by Oscar-winning Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle, while theatre and television choreographer Kim Gavin will mastermind the Closing Ceremonies.

They require 10,000 volunteer performers to fill roles as dancers, actors, percussionists and general all-round performers.

"I would like to thank the thousands of people who have come to the auditions," said Sebastian Coe, the chairman of London 2012.

"The enthusiasm, energy and talent has been amazing and the team are looking forward to restarting auditions in January.


"So if you have huge amounts of energy and a willingness to perform in front of a stadium audience and billions of people around the world, then sign up to be part of the cast that will deliver great ceremonies to make the country proud and wow the world next summer."

But organisers admit they need more male performers.

"We need more men - particularly if you have rhythm," organisers said in a casting information note on the official London 2012 website.

"This means those of you who can dance but also drum, or do any sport, job, or hobby that involves keeping to time."

Jenny Sealey and Bradley Hemmings have been appointed as artistic directors of the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games while the team for the Closing Ceremony is due to be announced shortly. 

"I am incredibly excited about Danny Boyle's amazing plans for London's Opening Ceremony," said Jeremy Hunt, Jeremy Hunt, the Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport.

"Four billion people around the world will be absolutely wowed by what they will see by the Olympic and Paralympic Opening and Closing Ceremonies.

"The ceremonies will be the most fantastic advert for everything that is great about our country."

Anyone interested in signing-up for the next round of auditions should click here. 

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