Ninety-four eager children entered the Dave and Mary Alper Jewish Community Center on Saturday in the hopes of being cast in the Miami Childrens Theater production of Annie, the musical about the spunky orphan with red curly hair.

The production will be the third of the Miami Childrens Theater's 2009-10 season, which will total eight shows between the Alper JCC and the Coral Gables Youth Center Theater.

Many children auditioning were familiar faces around Miami Childrens Theater, yet their excitement was just as high as if it were their first show.

``Each show is a completely new experience. New people, new music, new lines, new story,'' said Michael Font, 15. ``That's what theater is: ever-changing. It waits for no one.''

Michael, a sophomore at The Academy of Arts and Minds High School in Coconut Grove, has been involved in nine productions with Miami Childrens, and hopes to do many more on his way to becoming a professional actor.

On Saturday, his sights were set on playing President Franklin Delano Roosevelt or Rooster, Miss Hannigan's evil brother.

Sammy Gonzalez, 13, yearned to be cast as Miss Hannigan, the owner of Annie's orphanage.

While waiting for her turn to audition, Sammy discussed song and monologue choices with the other young performers whom she has gotten to know during her year with Miami Childrens Theater.

``There's really a lot of great talent here,'' said Sammy, the sixth-grader from South Miami Middle School for Drama. ``It's tough competition.''

Sammy has worked on two previous shows and participated in Broadway Bound, Miami Childrens' summer camp for those with acting experience.

Christine Blair Vega, the director of Annie, is leading the team that will determine who of the 94 children will get the 35 to 40 parts in the musical.

The director sent e-mails Saturday night informing the children whether or not they made call-backs, which will take place on Sept. 23.

Casting will be completed by Sept. 26.

However, Blair Vega, who has directed two other productions with Miami Childrens, wanted all the hopefuls to know that there is a place for them in the show, even if it is not on stage.

``We just don't have the ability to cast every child . . . but any child that is interested can get involved in some way,'' Blair Vega said.

``They can work on the costumes, set up the lights or help with building the sets.''

Throughout the year, Miami Childrens Theater also offers many classes, ranging from morning sessions for toddlers and parents to advanced acting classes for teenagers. Private voice lessons or audition preparation is offered as well.

``It is so important for kids to have these outlets,'' Blair Vega said.

``Especially now that funding for the arts is so low.''

Miami Childrens Theater has helped young people develop their talents since 1996, when Angela Ardolino, who remains involved with each production, founded the program.

``We are just trying to keep the arts alive,'' said Lucy Charles, the office manager for Miami Childrens Theater since January.

``And we offer a really great product to the community.''

As for the perfect Annie, Blair Vega said she has narrowed it down to four.

``I'm really, really happy with all the kids that auditioned,'' she said.

``They blew me away.''

Opening night for the musical will be Dec. 3 at the Alper JCC, 11155 SW 112th Ave.

For more information about Miami Childrens Theater programs or productions, go to www.miamichildrenstheater.com.

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