Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling announced this morning that she's collaborating with veteran U.K. theater producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender on a stage play that explores untold stories of the character's early years.

"Over the years I have received countless approaches about turning Harry Potter into a theatrical production," Rowling said in a statement, "but Sonia and Colin’s vision was the only one that really made sense to me, and which had the sensitivity, intensity and intimacy I thought appropriate for bringing Harry's story to the stage. After a year in gestation it is exciting to see this project moving on to the next phase. I’d like to thank Warner Bros. for their continuing support in this project."

She will serve as a co-producer, but won't write the play. The search is on for a director and writer, with the project planned to go into development next year.

Here's the synopsis: "What was it like to be the boy in the cupboard under the stairs? This brand new play, which will be developed for the U.K. theatre, will explore the previously untold story of Harry's early years as an orphan and outcast. Featuring some of our favorite characters from the Harry Potter books, this new work will offer a unique insight into the heart and mind of the now legendary young wizard. A seemingly ordinary boy, but one for whom Destiny has plans ..."

Rowling has already been busy expanding upon the Harry Potter franchise, with Warner Bros. announcing in September that the author will write a screenplay for the first film in a planned trilogy inspired by the Hogwarts textbook Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and the adventures of its fictitious author Newt Scamander.