For each production that takes place, the theatre department works to prepare themselves and their plays for curtain time. Now, the production of “Mamma Mia” is ready for opening night. Actors and tech crew will perform the show for the public for the first time at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium Friday, Nov. 1.

Since the end of August, students and staff in the theatre department have rehearsed three days a week to perfect the show. There will be four more shows on Nov. 2, 7, 8, and 9, all at 6:30 p.m.

“I have more than a hundred kids in this production, which is amazing that there have been that many kids dedicated to our process,” Theatre Director Vicki Kirkley said. “I am hoping that our students have an amazing experience and that they have learned how to put together a production that is high quality so that the audience loves it when they come.”

From the very beginning of the first rehearsal, the theatre students have all chipped in by adding their own flair to the play.

“The show is actually choreographed by a student, and our lighting design is done by a student, our costume design is done by a student,” Kirkley said. “We are constantly trying to provide leadership opportunities for our kids, so they can learn more.”

As soon as the doors to the production open, the community is welcome to see the work that the theatre department has put into “Mamma Mia,” including the multiple songs, dances and numerous lines the actors had to learn.

“I’m part of the ensemble, which means that me and a bunch of other actors make up the background,” actress and junior Nikki Hansen said. “The fun thing about being in ensemble is you get to make up your own character. We (the ensemble) make up most of the group numbers, like ‘Money, Money, Money’ and ‘Mamma Mia’ and stuff like that. It’s exciting because it’s a movie that most people know. We’re just bringing the songs that everyone loves and enjoys and adding more to it.”

Tickets to see Mamma Mia are available online at prospertheatre.com or at the door.

“Even though I think I had rather a small role in building the final product, being able to work in such a production is quite enlightening about what happens behind the scenes,” tech crew member Lucas Cancherini said. “It’s really incredible knowing how the set was built, the choreography being worked on, the actors practicing their lines. In the end, the public sees only the final product, but when you know the entire journey that took to put on the show, it’s extremely thrilling to see everyone working.”