Sci-fi series Beckinfield will let aspiring actors create and play their own characters.

US-based online entertainment company Theatrics is launching what it calls the “world’s first Mass Participation TV series” entitled Beckinfield.

The sci-fi mystery series is launching in beta testing on Wednesday and will have a full paid launch in March.

Using online technologies and social networking, the series will allow aspiring actors to create and play a character, collaborate with others on subplots and reach a non-paying audience.

“My journey as a professional actor led me to the idea for Mass Participation TV,” said Bob Gebert [pictured], Theatrics Co-Founder and Vice President of Creative. “At almost every level, interesting roles can be tough to come by. We have designed a system that provides the tools, the stage and the audience, and lets actors create the original characters they want to play. Our hope is that Beckinfield will give actors a regular creative outlet, a showcase for their abilities and become a launching pad for many talented people.”

The Theatrics team, which has secured $1.3m in funding from outside sources, is also attending Sundance and SXSW. The company plans to offer other participatory series in the future.

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