Some of the profits from The Zoo Story will pay for a two-day NIDA drama school course for a member of the audience or their nominee.

The play’s producers and actors, Andy Carolan, 20, and Joe McDonald, 17, are out to encourage others to get involved in the “wonderful world of theatre”.

“There’s so much talent in our region but not nearly as much encouragement and inspiration to jump up on stage and put on a show,” Andy said.

“We hope that our NIDA course giveaway will offer one local the chance to realise their potential in performing arts and make others aware of the opportunities that are out there.”

Andy, on his “second gap year”, and Joe, a student at Dubbo College Senior Campus, are not newcomers to the stage having been involved in shows by Dubbo Theatre Company and Wesley House Players.

Their decision to stage The Zoo Story, by arrangement with Hal Leonard Australia Pty Ltd on behalf of Dramatists Play Service New York, was driven by an interest in the play by American Edward Albee and the fun that comes from performing.

They have been rehearsing two or three times a week since March with nerves now kicking in as opening night draws near.

“This has been a new challenge for us,” Andy said.

“It’s not just your average show that you get in Dubbo at the moment.”

The Zoo Story is reported to “leave you questioning many of the values that shape our lives today”.

It portrays an encounter between a well-to-do-businessman and an isolated and disheartened young man, desperate to have a meaningful conversation with another human being.

Audiences are set to laugh, cringe and maybe even shed a tear during the one-hour show.

The Zoo Story will open at the Dubbo RSL Theatrette on July 6 at 7.30pm, with another two shows scheduled the following day at 2.30am and 7.30pm.

Profit from the matinee performance will be donated to Orana Arts to help it bring theatre workshops to Dubbo across the next 12 months.

Tickets to the play can be bought at the Dubbo RSL Memorial Club or Swish Gallery.