Bright lights, an appreciative audience, stepping out of oneself to explore another character.

For performers, there is simply nothing like the exhilaration of being on stage. It's an experience that a hardworking group of Manheim Township students has earned.

In association with the Manheim Township Performing Arts Club, Manheim Township High School will present its interpretation of the musical hit "Fame" on Thursday, Feb. 29; Friday, March 1; and Saturday, March 2, all at 7 p.m. The performances will be presented in the auditorium of Manheim Township High School, 115 Blue Streak Blvd., Lancaster.

"Most kids are not going to do this beyond high school," said Samantha Haldeman, the show's director. "The thing I want them to take away is that feeling of stepping on a stage, the feel of the applause. I want them to know that they're worthy of the applause. I want them to soak in that moment of being appreciated. They might not remember these songs, but they're always going to have the memory of that standing ovation."

While the show features a cast of 45, some 150 Manheim Township students have been afforded an opportunity to participate in the production of "Fame." In addition to the acting, students are being charged with tasks like building and painting sets, handling props and costumes and playing music from the stage's orchestra pit.

"It's about getting more of the student body involved," said Haldeman. "I'm always the one who wants the biggest casts. We've been working hard. We want to keep the good theater coming."

"My plan in life is to perform," said senior Grace Kline, who portrays an English teacher in the production. "It's just always been my biggest passion to be on stage and act. It feels like the best place to be. It teaches perspective because you have to have empathy to put yourself in other people's shoes. When you start putting all the pieces together, magic happens."

Set in New York City in the 1980s, "Fame" is a stage musical based on a film of the same name that follows the struggles of an aspiring group of young performers. The fast-paced performance contains little dialogue and features 13 songs, one smoothly blending into the next.

"We're coming off 'Beauty and the Beast' and 'Mary Poppins,' and I just wanted to do something more modern," said Haldeman. "The music is super catchy. There is a lot of diversity and styles of music and athletic dancing. It's definitely a larger-scale operation than a stage play, just because there are so many moving pieces. Every kid on stage has to dance and sing and act at the same time."

Auditions for Manheim Township's production of "Fame" began after Thanksgiving. The cast and crew have been rehearsing diligently through December, January and February.

"They just live here," joked Haldeman about the students' commitment of time. "They see me more than they see their parents. It's a lot of work, but it's work we enjoy. It's always been a family where everyone comes together and can express themselves. They're super talented and wonderful young people. You have to work to make beautiful music and beautiful art."