It's the biggest audition of the year for the region's pre-adolescent performers.

A Christmas Carol at Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park will have auditions July 16. Nine area children will be cast to fill speaking and non-speaking parts in the annual productions. Roles are available for boys and girls between the ages of eight and 13. The role of Tiny Tim requires a boy between the ages of five and seven. To be eligible, children must not turn 14 before Dec. 30.

Children should submit a resume of any experience to the Playhouse, along with a photograph. (A good quality family photograph is acceptable.) Resume and photo must be submitted even if they have been submitted in the past and must indicate exact birth date and height.

Children will be asked to present a one-minute monologue, story or poem.

Rehearsals begin in mid-November. Interested children must be available for all rehearsals and performances, which begin Dec. 1. .

Headshots and resumes should be sent to: Cincinnati Playhouse in the Park, ATTN: AUDITIONS, c/o Michael Haney, P.O. Box 6537, Cincinnati, OH 45206. All photos and resumes must be received by July 2. Please do not call. Auditions will be scheduled by Playhouse.