VALDOSTA — Children and former children have annually watched “A Charlie Brown Christmas” on television for a half century.

Thursday, children can become part of the tradition by portraying the Peanuts characters.

Little Actors Theatre holds auditions for a live, stage version of “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” according to the children’s theatre organization.

“This play has all the Charlie Brown characters, Lucy, Linus, Charlie Brown, the rest of the gang, and of course, Snoopy,” said Diane Tovar, LAT director. “Perfect starter play for kids.”

Like the animated holiday special, the play tells a story of Christmas’ meaning of spirit and caring instead of the commercialism that had already seeped into the seasonal culture by the cartoon’s debut in the mid 1960s.

The play is faithful to the TV special written by “Peanuts” cartoonist Charles M. Schulz with Bill Melendez and Lee Mendelson.

Arguably, the live version is more faithful to the Charlie Brown story’s spirit. There are no commercial breaks in the annual Little Actors show, meaning it is only about 20 minutes long.

Little Actors Theatre presents theatre productions for children by children.

The show will be performed Dec. 2, 3.

Auditions are scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 2, Little Actors Studio, 1108 S. Patterson St. More information: Call (229) 292-4742.