One budding thespian, Campbell resident Carolyn DiLoreto, is no stranger to the hard work and dedication of acting. At the tender age of 8, Carolyn has already performed in two musicals. Her part as the title character in The Velveteen Rabbit, however, marks two firsts for the young player: her first performance with Children's Musical Theater San Jose, and her first time playing a nonhuman character.

Despite the newness of the role, Carolyn's previous experience in theater has taught her the secret to preparing for the part. "I practice, and I memorize lines, and I practice my singing and dancing with a CD," says the no-nonsense actor.

Carolyn's precocious work ethic will come in handy as she reaches toward her Hollywood dreams; she expresses a desire to move from the small stage to the big screen, just like her favorite performer, Shirley Temple.

Carolyn is well on her way to achieving her goal. She's already rehearsing for the part of Ngana in the Saratoga Drama Group production of South Pacific and is one of only two children in the cast.

Carolyn isn't the only Campbell resident to harbor starry ambitions. Megan Logdon and Helen Campbell, who play bunnies Foo-Foo and Buster, respectively, also say they want to break out onto the big screen. For now, though, the first-time performers are just having fun playing their parts and getting their first taste of the varied and exciting world of musical theater.

A cast, however, is only as motivated as its director. Director and Children's Musical Theater alumna Megan McGrath has energy and inspiration to spare. After landing her first acting gig when she was 8, she quickly became interested in directing.

"I was a bossy kid," she jokes. "It was in my nature."

McGrath enjoys the exuberance of her young cast.

She says, "Younger kids have this joy of performing. When you get older, you get more self-conscious. At this age, they're still excited to show the audience how they feel."

McGrath says there is also a benefit to getting involved in musical theater at an early age. She says, "It helps to build confidence. The audience reaction is like instant gratification for them. They feel good about themselves right away. Also, they work with other kids and feel like they are a part of a group. It's a good way to make lots of friends. Even the quiet ones are awesome. It's fun to see them shine."

In the updated, musical version of The Velveteen Rabbit, there are enough roles for all 118 members of the cast, giving each child a little time in the spotlight. The 21st-century adaptation is far more chipper and higher tech than its Victorian counterpart, or, as McGrath puts it, "more like Toy Story mixed with The Velveteen Rabbit." The cast even includes a legion of Toys with Batteries, an invention that far outdates the literary version of the story.

But the basic story line is still the same.

Along with the young cast, parents play a major part in the production. And McGrath says the stereotypical stage parents aren't part of it.

"The parents are awesome," she says. "They're really eager to please. When you have this age group, they're right there to help you."

When it comes to musical theater that is as fun to watch as it is to perform, the folks at Children's Musical Theater San Jose are working hard to make it real.

The Velveteen Rabbit runs from Aug. 12 through Aug. 15 at the Montgomery Theater, 1401 Parkmoor Ave., in downtown San Jose. Tickets are $15 for adults and $11 for children 12 and under.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.smtsj.org or call the Children's Musical Theater box office at 408.288.5437.