Organizers of the 2016 Cookies with Characters are holding auditions this coming week to fill the roles of dozens of characters.

Kiley Spears, who directs the Meredith’s Miracles fundraiser each year, said for the second year running, there will be two Cookies shows.

“We are adding two Star Wars characters this year, as well as Ursula, Cruella De Vil, and Fairy Godmother,” she said.

Last year, Cookies added several new characters, including Donatello, Raphael, Michelangelo and Leonardo from the “Ninja Turtles,” Maleficent, Olaf from “Frozen,” Paddington Bear and the Genie from “Aladdin.”

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.

This year’s show has changed in that rather than just song and dance, it will include a script.

Spears said students at both Andalusia High School and Straughn High School who need to earn community service hours for Peer Helpers and other programs can earn a good number of hours by participating.

Auditions are set for 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, Jan. 11, 12 and 14, at the Andalusia Area Chamber of Commerce.

Tryouts are conducted on a “come and go” basis. Students only have to try out one night, and do not have to stay the entire time.

Try-outs consist partially of trying on costumes, Spears said. If a character dances, the student also will be asked to “show us personality,” she said. The only limitations are for “face characters,” or those whose costumes don’t include a mask.she said.

“Cinderalla has to be blonde,” she explained.

Those who have performed in the past can text Spears at 334.427.5321 to be put on a list to try out for that part. Spears said the request does not guarantee the role, and each person making that request must speak with her directly before 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 14.

Students who try out will be given a slip telling them what day parts will be announced on Facebook. Students who are cast will be asked to comment on Facebook that they have accepted the role.

Those interested in auditioning must be at least in the eighth grade, and must be available all day the date of the show, Sat., Feb. 27. The audition is open to males and females, and Meredith’s Miracles provides the costumes.

In addition to the character roles, there are plenty of other ways to help, Spears said.

“There are so many levels of jobs, from handing programs out and selling toys,” she said. “The biggest thing is somebody being able to work all day. That is hard.

The event is held as the biggest fundraiser of the year for Meredith’s Miracles, a local non-profit that helps families of sick children with non-medical related costs.