After being introduced to "The Phantom of the Opera" at a young age, Penn Manor High School alumnus Donovan Hoffer became infatuated with the dramatics. On special occasions such as Mother's Day, Hoffer recalls performing productions of "Beauty and the Beast" in the living room with colored construction paper sets and blankets for costumes.

"Music truly became my therapy" stated Hoffer.

After Hoffer's parents realized his talent in the performing arts, they signed him up for tap and musical theatre dance training, which then led to voice lessons. Soon after training began, Hoffer booked his first professional gig in a holiday show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster at the age of 11.

During his time at Penn Manor High School, Hoffer participated in the spring musical every year, he was active in chorus and Manor Singers, and he auditioned for district and county chorus almost every year. Hoffer was also a member of the International Thespian Society club.

"There were a few teachers and mentors that were very supportive of my journey during my years at Penn Manor, such as Melissa Mintzer as theatre director and Melissa Telesco as music director," said Hoffer. "These two women were passionate and very supportive."

Broadway became a destination for Hoffer. After high school graduation, he moved to New York City at 18 to train at the American Musical and Dramatic Academy. After one semester, Hoffer decided school wasn't for him and that he had already received the foundation to move forward and dive into the world of auditions and booking work.

In March of 2020, Hoffer's bags were packed because he was heading to rehearsals in Tampa, Fla., for the Broadway production of "Kinky Boots" on Norwegian Cruise Lines. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, those plans never came to fruition. With theater dark across the world, he had no choice but to create his own theater. "I've found a supportive fan base on TikTok, which helped me gain a lot of self-confidence," stated Hoffer.

After Hoffer created a presence online, a casting producer asked Hoffer to audition for NBC's America's Got Talent (AGT). "Of course, I immediately said yes!" exclaimed Hoffer. "I auditioned for AGT to represent my family, my journey, and make all my mentors and teachers proud who encouraged me along the way. I want young kids to watch me perform and know that it's OK to be different. Different is beautiful."

Hoffer's audition will air when season 16 of AGT premieres on Tuesday, June 1.

This summer, Hoffer will perform in a concert with PRIMA Theatre featuring the music of Queen and Journey. The concert will occur outdoors from a portable stage in the parking lot at Liberty Place, located behind the Lancaster Barnstormers' stadium at 8 p.m. on Friday, June 11, and Saturday, June 12, as well as Friday, June 18, and Saturday, June 19. For more information, visit https://primatheatre.org/queen.