EDWARDSBURG — King Midas can only think of one thing: gold.

As the story goes, he loves gold crowns, gold rings, gold spoons, gold mirrors — everything gold. The king’s love for gold is what gets him into trouble, said director Karen Hackel — and what makes this character perfect for a young performer.

Auditions for roles in The Barn Swallow Theatre’s upcoming children’s performance of “King Midas and the Touch of Gold” will be hosted from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursday, April 18 and from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the theater, 22334 US-12, Edwardsburg.

Children ages 6 through 13 can audition for one of 21 roles in the play, and according to Hackel, do not need to prepare anything, or bring any special items, to auditions.

“They will each be given a scene from the play to read,” Hackel said.

She said she would like to encourage any child thinking they might be interested to give it a shot.

“If you don’t try you won’t know if you can do it — that’s the first step,” she said.

The play teaches the lesson to not be greedy and also to be careful when wishing for things, Hackel said.

“It’s good for the kids to learn good lessons, while having fun acting,” she said.

Parents should go with their child to audition and bring with them a list any types of conflicts that would take their child away from practices.

“King Midas” will be the fourth children’s production Hackel has directed, though she is a regular actor in the theater’s adult productions. What started out as a fill-in position for her has become one of her favorite things to do at the theater.

“Growing up as a child, it was my dream to be an actress, so I know how important it is for children to be involved,” Hackel said.

Though there are only 21 roles in the play of King Midas, Hackel said that if 45 children show up, she will find roles for all of them.

“Because I want them all to have a chance to perform,” Hackel said. “I would have loved to have been involved with [a children’s theatre] as a child.”

“King Midas and the Touch of Gold” will take place at The Barn Swallow Theatre in June, with four performances: 7:30 p.m. on June 13, 14 and 15 and 2 p.m. on June 16. Tickets can be purchased in advance, or at the door.