Every year, 30 kids are chosen to perform in Fairyland's Children's Theater. It's great training in acting, improvisation, voice, movement, public speaking and dance. It's also a whole lot of fun.

The kids greet visitors to the park and serve as Fairyland's ambassadors to the outside world. Playing their storybook characters, they represent Fairyland at public events including the Jack London Square Christmas Tree lighting, the Chinatown Festival, the Walnut Creek Walnut Festival and Oakland's July 4th parade.

They also spend quality time with Gideon, Tumbleweed Tommy, and the other critters in the petting zoo.

Best of all, they are mentors and role models for the younger children who visit the park. They paint the little ones' faces, read to them, assist them with arts and crafts, help with rides, take their hands and find their parents if they get lost, and in general act like ideal big brothers and sisters.

The tiny visitors repay this kindness with an adoration that verges on hero worship. "You have to remember that to a 5-year-old, a 9-year-old is a big kid," says Karen Block, director of the Children's Theater. "To receive that much attention from a big kid is a rare and wonderful thing."

The reason I'm telling you now is that Fairyland is about to hold auditions for the 2004 Storybook Personalities. And if your child is interested, I don't want him or her to miss out.

Call Fairyland ASAP at (510) 238-6878, extension #3, to schedule an audition time and arrange for them to fax or mail you an application form. Fill out the form and bring it to the audition.

The auditions will be held next Saturday and Sunday, January 10 and 11. Your child will be asked to perform a two-minute presentation to demonstrate his or her most outstanding talents. At least one minute must be a recitation of a memorized short monologue or poem.

For the other minute, he or she can either continue the recitation or sing, dance, or play a musical instrument. A CD/cassette player will be available for recorded accompaniment.

You'll also need to answer a few questions yourself; namely, can you get your youngster to all the rehearsals and performances? It's a hefty time commitment: rehearsals every weekend in February, March and April, followed by performances once a month from May through November. But it's really worth it. Your child doesn't have to live in Oakland to be eligible. All that matters is talent, enthusiasm, and ability to work within a group.

Reach Martin Snapp at (510) 262-2787 or e-mail msnapp cctimes.com.