Even in the midst of a difficult year, there are reasons to smile. That's the message behind "The COVID Chronicles," a show written by community members. It will be presented on the outdoor stage at DreamWrights Center for Community Arts, 100 Carlisle Ave., York, at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 23.

"This is a show written from stories submitted by the community and then adapted to the stage as short scenes and vignettes," explained Jay Schmuck, technical director. "We asked for submissions from the entire York community and beyond, with some targeted asks to specific friends and creatives."

Auditions and rehearsals for the show were held by "bubble casting," meaning the cast consists of pairs or groups of people who have been in close contact over the past year.

"We felt like we weren't ready to bring in people from all over to rehearse together just yet, so we came up with using the idea of the bubble," Schmuck remarked. "Throughout COVID, there has been talk of keeping your bubble small, your bubble being a social or family group that have all been around each other and feel safe being together without masks."

This is the first time the theater has performed a show written entirely from community input, he noted. The show will be directed by Schmuck, Chris Velez and Jaci Keagy.

Schmuck said he's excited about the opportunity to use the venue's outdoor stage for a full production.

"Last year on the stage, we hosted regular open mic nights and an improv night, but this is the first full production show on the outdoor stage and its return for the 2021 outdoor season," he stated.

The theater has other outdoor productions planned for the spring and summer, including a Drive-In Cabaret on Friday, May 7, which is also the date of Give Local York. Additionally, open mic nights will be returning this summer.

Schmuck said "The COVID Chronicles" offers audiences an opportunity to enjoy a night out and a few laughs after a tough year.

"Come have a laugh at our collective discomfort in our shared humanity," he remarked. "Come join in on the first live theater (here) in a year, with a completely original show about and for the York community."

For more information on "The COVID Chronicles," visit https://dreamwrights.org.