Each Storybook Personality will assume the role of a fairy tale character and stay in character all year. They greet visitors to the park ("Hi! I'm Snow White. Welcome to Children's Fairyland.") and serve as official Fairyland Ambassadors throughout the year, appearing at public events, such as the Jack London Square Christmas Tree Lighting, the Chinatown Festival, the Walnut Creek Walnut Festival and Oakland's July 4th parade.

They will appear also in one of the three shows the Fairyland Children's Theater will present this year: "The Wizard of Oz," "The Monkey King" or "Brer Rabbit."

"Thankfully, 'Brer Rabbit' will be the original African-American folk tale, not the Disney version," says Karen Block, director of the Children's Theater. "For starters, there's no Uncle Remus."

The children won't be able to choose which show they will appear in.

"They're auditioning to become a Personality," says Block, "not for a particular role or a particular show."

In addition to their other duties, the Personalities serve as mentors and role models for the younger children who visit Fairyland. They paint their faces, help with rides, read to them, assist with arts and crafts, and help the little ones find their parents if they get lost.

"You have to remember that to a 5-year-old, a 9-year-old is a big kid," says Block. "To receive that much kindness from a big kid is a rare and wonderful thing."

The auditions will be held Feb. 5 and 6. Children between 8 and 10 years old -- specifically, those born between Jan. 14, 1994, and Jan. 15, 1997 -- are eligible. Each child will be asked to perform a two-minute presentation.

At least one minute must be a recitation of a memorized short monologue or poem. The other minute can be singing, dancing, playing an instrument or continuing the recitation. A tape/CD player will be available for those who choose to bring their own accompaniment.

Their parents will also have to pass scrutiny.

"It's an awfully hefty time commitment," says Block. "Rehearsals every weekend in March, April and May, followed by performances once every three weekends from June through October. We just want to make sure the parents can comfortably commit to that."

Thirty children will be chosen. Every attempt will be made to balance the number of boys and girls and reflect the diversity of the community.

"This is not limited to Oakland children," says Block. "Talent, enthusiasm and the ability to work within a group count for a lot more than geography."

The Storybook Personalities will receive training in theater arts, including singing, play production, ensemble-style acting, creative movement, public speaking and ethnic music and dance styles.

In addition to bringing the children to all rehearsals, performances and public events, their parents must also chaperone at parades or other events, attend meetings of the Children's Theater Program and pay $250 to a designated costume designer to make their child's costume.

To schedule an audition time, call Block at 510-238-6878, Ext. 3, or e-mail kblock@fairyland.org.

"We'll only be able to schedule a limited number of auditions, about 60," says Block, "so I urge people to make their appointments as soon as possible."

To save time, applicants are urged to fill out the application forms in advance. Forms can be downloaded from Fairyland's Web site, www.fairyland.org. There will be a $15 fee for processing each application.