Following its 13th annual birthday bash benefit, May 4, TADA!, "The biggest name in little kids," kicks its summer season into high gear with auditions, a show, and week-long workshops.

TADA!, New York's only professional youth theatre ensemble, was founded in 1984. The not-for-profit company stages original musicals written by adults but performed by actors aged 8-17 (with most in the 10-14 range). Performers are chosen from open auditions in NYC public schools, many of them in poor, inner-city neighborhoods. Coming out of the TADA! experience have been such performers as Ricki .

Auditions for the next TADA! show, a revival of Rabbit Sense, will be (3:30-5:30 PM), May 27 (4-6 PM), May 30 (4-6 PM), and May 31 (3:30-5:30 PM). Children trying out will be asked to participate in an improvisation and to learn a song and dance number at the audition (no pre-preparation is necessary). Those cast will do 40 performances of Rabbit Sense (July 18-Aug. 17), with rehearsals taking place four days a week plus Saturdays. For an appointment to audition call (212) 627-1732.

Rabbit Sense, a 1991 revue based on Uncle Remus stories (e.g., Brer Rabbit, Brer Fox), was written by Davidson Lloyd with music by John Kroner and lyrics by Gary Gardner. Janine Nina Trevens will direct; Dani Raese will choreograph. Sets are by Ellen Waggett, costumes by Shelley Norton; lighting by A.C. Hickox.

TADA! Also offers training for kids in week-long, intensive, musical theatre workshops. All material in the "Rainbow Stages" program is drawn from original works containing songs and characters specifically written for performance by children, the idea being to help kids develop self-confidence, coordination, listening and concentration skills, as well as singing, acting, ensemble work and dancing proficiency. Ten-week after-school classes crank up in September. For information on TADA!'s classes and auditions, as well as tickets to Rabbit Sense, call (212) 627-1732.

--By David Lefkowitz