Every spring, the Lower Dauphin Thespian Society puts on a unique show: Dramapalooza. The program allows a handful of seniors to direct one-act plays, which they have the option to write.

This year, seniors Jaxon Umidi, Aubrey Subbio, Daphne Linn, Jordan Braman, and Asher Barrs will be directing the shorter shows. All students are encouraged to audition, and everyone will be accepted and have a chance to showcase their acting skills or try something new.

Auditions will take place on Wednesday, March 5 directly after school in the auditorium. Students will be divided into groups and visit each director’s audition station, with audition material they have prepared specifically for their show. After the auditions, directors will stay with advisor Mr. Doug Grove and choose their actors.

In March and April, directors will run their own rehearsals and manage schedules, getting ready to put on the final show. Dramapalooza will take place on Saturday, May 3, at 3pm. “Brunchapalooza,” a breakfast-for-dinner buffet, is available to take part in at 5pm, while the Dramapalooza judges deliberate. Following this will be the awards ceremony in which certain actors will receive recognition and the most talked-about title of “Best Play” will be bestowed upon the show which has best earned it.

“I wish I joined Dramapalooza my freshman year because I had so much fun last year,” says senior Aubrey Subbio, who will be directing a self-written play. “I’m very excited to get to direct this year and have people perform a play that I wrote. If you are having doubts about joining Dramapalooza, I would highly recommend signing up. I made some great memories from it.”

Senior Hunter Meyers, who will be acting in the show, echoes this sentiment. “Dramapalooza has always been a hallmark of LD theatre and is by far one of my favorite times of the year,” he says. “Truly Dramapalooza is an essential part of Lower Dauphin’s theatre community due to the plethora of opportunities it presents for aspiring actors, directors, and even writers. Dramapalooza 12 itself looks to be a one of a kind experience and I am overjoyed to be a part of it.”