Though the first leaves of Autumn have yet to fall, preparation for this year’s Christmas on the River children’s production is well underway.

Auditions for the Canebrake Players COTR Children’s Production of the Junie B. Jones play “Jingle Bells, Batman Smells” will be held Sunday, Sept. 16 at 2 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 17 at 6 p.m.

“I think children should come out and audition because I believe they should know about the arts,” said Laurie Willingham, president of the Canebrake Players. “I think children should at least be in a play or work behind the scenes and see how fun it is.”

Jennifer Roemen will be directing the play and ages 8-18 are encouraged to audition. Materials will be provided for participants to read.

“There’s more than Nintendo and Playstation. It’s not often children just fall into a book and lose themselves,” Willingham said. “I think it will be an exciting time for children.”

The production will be held at the Old School on Main St. The tickets are $5 for students and $10 for adults.

The show times include: Saturday, Dec. 1 at 2 p.m., Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 7 at 7 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 8 at 7 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 9 at 2 p.m.