Organizers of the 2018 Cookies with Characters are holding five auditions in the next two weeks to fill the roles of dozens of characters.

Kiley Spears, who directs the Meredith’s Miracles fundraiser each year, said there are plans in the works for two shows again this year.

There are more than 150 spots available, she said, adding that students can earn community hours by volunteering to work on the show.

Cookies with Characters events have two components – a show, when characters come on stage, and a time for children to pose for photographs and collect autographs from each character.

Tryouts are set for:

• 5 until 8 p.m. on Tues., Jan. 9
• 3:30 until 5:30 p.m., Wed., Jan. 10
• 5 until 8 p.m. Thurs., Jan. 11
• 3:30 until 7 p.m., Tues., Jan. 16

3:30 until 7 p.m., Thurs., Jan. 18

“You only have to come to one of the auditions,” she said.

The tryouts, which are open to students in 8th grade and up, are moving to the former Ansley Place building, located at 1214 East Three Notch St.

Tryouts are conducted on a come and go basis and students do not have to stay the entire time.

Spears said that try-outs include trying on costumes, dancing, if the character dances and students must show personality. They must be available for Sat., Feb. 24, all day.

Spears said there are limitations for face characters such as the Disney princesses.

“Cinderella has to be blonde,” she said.

Additionally, if you had participated in the past, you may text Spears at 427-5321 to sign up for the same character, and will not have to audition again.

The event is the non-profit’s biggest fundraiser of the year.