Students at Lititz Christian School (LCS) have embarked on a dramatic adventure.

They are seeking a beloved animated character. But what they may discover along the way is a bit more about themselves.

"One of the most important things theater teaches is being part of a community, to feel valued," said Jennifer Balmer, an English teacher at LCS who heads the school's theater program. "I want (the actors) to feel they're part of telling the story. Theater is hard work to do it well. I want them to learn hard work pays off. I ask them, 'What do you want to put into it?' You get out of it what you put into it, which is kind of like life."

Along with assistance from student Ella Urquhart, Balmer is directing "Finding Nemo JR.," a kid-friendly, spring musical being presented by student performers and support staff from LCS. The show will be staged for the public at 6:30 p.m. on both Friday, April 24, and Saturday, April 25, inside the Warwick Middle School auditorium, 401 Maple St., Lititz.

Tickets for the show can be purchased in advance at http://www.lititzchristian.net, or at the door on the evenings of the performances. Doors will open at 6 p.m.

"I do love this story. It's a redemption story," said Balmer. "Nemo makes a poor decision, becomes isolated and has to experience trials to grow. This story really follows the steps of an epic journey. The main characters run into all sorts of scary and loveable characters along the way that make the journey both more enjoyable and harder."

The performance will last for an hour, and there will be no intermission.

"It's a shorter show, and obviously it's very family friendly," said Balmer. "The audience should expect an uplifting story. They will see little ones work together to create this story. They might leave the show with a joyful tear in their eye. Maybe they will be wrestling with the concept that there can be too much freedom. It's a lighthearted show, but it encourages people to think deeply as well."

A total of 50 students in grades kindergarten through 12th are involved with the production of "Finding Nemo JR.," 41 of whom are cast members. Some members of the cast play multiple roles.

"They are really sweet children who are eager to learn and try new things," said Balmer. "Some are learning tap (dancing) choreography. They're excited and they're filled with joy and energy."

Members of the cast include seventh-grader Paige Fox as Marlin, eighth-grader Layna Morrie as Coral, third-grader Josie Fox as Nemo, third-grader Cubbie Antes as Pearl, second-grader Garrison Balmer as Sheldon, fourth-grader Seraphie Puniello as Tad, 11th-grader Breanna Stellato as Professor Ray, fifth-grader Reagan Lauson as Dory, seventh-grader Briella Heim as Bruce/Tad's Mom, fifth-grader Regan Hannis as Chum, and fifth-grader Juliette Rittler as Anchor.

"I'm so excited to be Marlin in this year's musical," said Paige. "I've learned that we need the whole cast to make the show come together. I've also learned that acting can be hard at times, but in the end, you have an amazing show."

"The elementary students are definitely looking up to the older high school students, just what they're doing and how they treat each other," said Balmer, "and I think that's beautiful. Each age level has something to learn from the other. That's a really rare, special opportunity. It's been fun to watch them fit together. I tell them theater is like a team sport."

Work on LCS' edition of Finding Nemo Jr. began near the end of January with auditions. From now to then, the cast and crew have been tweaking and fine-tuning their final product during 90-minute rehearsals four times each week.

"During the performances, there are so many emotions," said Balmer. "We want to help (the students) handle their emotions. Our payoff is at the end. I think they'll be so excited to show their family and friends what they've been working on. I think excitement will be the biggest emotion. When the lights go on, there's no feeling like it."

"Nemo has a lot of personality and feelings," said Josie. "I'm really happy that I got to do 'Finding Nemo JR.' because I felt like I had no faith that I would get the part of Nemo. But now that I have, I have a lot of trust in myself and I'm really excited. I've learned you have to trust the other cast members."