The holiday cheer will start early at Hartford Stage, as children’s auditions for roles in the 22nd annual production of A Christmas Carol –A Ghost Story of Christmas are held next month.

Children of all cultural backgrounds between the ages of 5-13 are encouraged to audition for the classic holiday tale, which has become a treasured Connecticut family tradition. Auditions will be held on Tuesday, September 10, and Wednesday, September 11, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Callbacks for some roles will be held on Friday, September 13, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Auditions will be held at Hartford Stage Offices, 942 Main Street, 2nd Floor, in Hartford.

At the audition, children will be asked to recite a monologue, poem or speech that is under 1-minute long and sing a few bars of a holiday song without piano accompaniment. Those auditioning should bring a recent photograph and short biography to the audition. Casual, comfortable clothing and shoes are recommended.

Rehearsals begin Friday, November 15, and will be held Tuesday through Sunday. Performance dates for A Christmas Carol–A Ghost Story of Christmas are Friday, November 29, through Sunday, December 28.