Middle school can be a key stage in a child's development. It's a time when kids are experiencing new things, exploring their independence and making decisions that will affect their futures.

Extracurricular activities like drama and theater can have a positive influence on that development. Now that's a true life adventure.

"For some of them, they come out and for the first time they're handed a task," said Justin Droegemueller, co-director of the Warwick Middle School's production of "Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures." "Seeing them rise to the challenge and take the responsibility is rewarding. They're trying new things. I think that's kind of cool. I try to encourage them to be themselves and to share their lives and to share their sparks. When you do that, it encourages others to share their spark. That's what this age group is all about."

"Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures" will be performed at Warwick Middle School, 401 Maple St., Lititz, on Friday, Nov. 15, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Nov. 16, at 1 p.m. General admission tickets can be purchased on Thursday, Nov. 14, between 6 and 7 p.m. at the middle school auditorium box office or an hour before each show.

Each performance is expected to last 90 minutes.

"The general plot revolves around a girl coming to a new school," said Allison Droegemueller, co-director of the play. "When she arrives, everyone is set in their mindsets. She brings this new level of energy and lots of life. As she tells her true life stories, everyone in the class becomes more outgoing and creative."

The cast of "Gooney Bird Greene and Her True Life Adventures" includes seven eighth-graders and 15 seventh-graders. The cast features Addison Woge as Gooney Bird Greene, Nola Lobo as Mrs. Pidgeon, Alaina DePaul as Felicia Ann, Willow Johnson as Chelsea, Noah Lehman as Beanie, Valyn Gagliardic as Tricia, Chloe Bechdel as Keiko, Oleksandr Hyrniuk as Malcolm, Jackson Wainman as Barry and Adam Walker as Nicholas.

"It's students from all walks of life," said Justin. "Oh, my goodness, I don't know how they do it. These kids really, really step up. Some of these parts have close to a hundred lines. We just end up getting these talented kids. It's really kind of wonderful how they rise to the occasion."

"It's an awesome show, based on an awesome book with some awesome characters," said Jackson. "I enjoy acting and being there, meeting new faces and speaking my part. It's a funny show with an entertaining story. We've worked as hard as we could to make an enjoyable experience for people to come and watch."

During the second week of September, the Warwick middle-schoolers' work on the fall play began with auditions and rehearsals. Since then, the cast and support staff have rehearsed three times a week.

"I think Lititz and Warwick is known for its drama program, and we try to build that foundation at the middle school level," said Allison. "It's a learning experience, and it's something (student performers) have to go through. It's also about learning responsibility. At some point, they need to be able to do this on their own. Theater involves taking feedback in a positive way and then applying the feedback."