DAPHNE — Eastern Shore Repertory Theater is expanding its presence in Daphne, bringing more youth theater opportunities to the city and introducing elementary school students to live performances.

The organization hosted a private performance of “High School Musical Jr.” for Daphne Elementary School students at the Daphne Civic Center ahead of its Nov. 6-8 production.

Following a pizza party, students ranging from the 3rd to 5th grade attended the performance free of charge. After lunch, students walked from the elementary school to the Civic Center for the show.

Daphne Elementary School principal Laura Herron said the event gave students access to an experience they might not otherwise have.

"I was incredibly excited because our students won't always have this opportunity, and the fact that they get to attend and walk to an event in our neighborhood is great to keep things local," Herron said.

Herron said experiences outside the classroom can help students develop knowledge and interests they may not have the opportunity to learn about through traditional schooling.

"A lot of students don't even know what a musical is," Herron said.

The performance comes as Eastern Shore Repertory Theater is preparing to expand its programming into Daphne, including plans to hold its spring production of “The Little Mermaid” at the city's new amphitheater.

Samantha Coppels, a member of the Eastern Shore Repertory Theater auxiliary, said the organization hopes the expansion will increase community participation.

"We want the community to be a part of ESRT," Coppels said.

Eastern Shore Repertory Theater is a community-based youth theater organization that offers fall and spring productions, summer camps and children's theater academies. Its program serves students from public, private and homeschool programs throughout the Eastern Shore.

Participation in its larger productions requires auditions, with age requirements varying by show. The organization also offers programs for younger children interested in learning about theater.

Besides performances, the theater also offers volunteer opportunities through its auxiliary, which raises money to support theater programs and scholarships for students.

"Even if you have kids involved in the theater or you don't, if you just want to get involved in the local theater, there's opportunities for everyone," Coppels said.

The private performance also provided an opportunity to introduce elementary school students to the theater's programs.

"There's a lot of excitement and energy behind it, so we hope they feel that when they go," Coppels said. "The kids work so hard for this show throughout the year, and this is their moment to shine."

Herron said Daphne Elementary School already offers opportunities for students interested in performing arts through its after-school theater club, Rising Stars Theater.

The club meets on Wednesdays and produces a Christmas performance. Students participate in acting as well as the technical aspects of theater production, such as operating lights, managing curtains and handling other backstage duties.

"We hope that this event, and especially seeing the musical, the live production, that'll encourage them to audition for the group and want to share their talents too, because we have a lot of students that are interested in dramatic arts," Herron said.