EDWARDSBURG — Earlier this week, a chorus of students ages 8 to 15 danced across the stage at Edwardsburg’s Barn Swallow Theatre in preparation for a one-night show Friday.

The Barn Swallow Theatre, 22334 US-12, Edwardsburg, will host a student production of “Dear Edwina Jr.” at 7 p.m. Friday. Tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for seniors and students 13 to 18 years old, and $6 for children 12 and under.

“I’ve wanted to do this show for a couple of years now,” said Director Kate Podjan, of Elkhart. “There is a lot of variety, lots of different characters, and it is really entertaining. … It has themes of acceptance, kindness and letting people shine in whatever their gifts are.”

The musical, which follows the adventures of Edwina, a young “advice-giver extraordinaire,” is the result of a three-week summer theater camp. Students from across the Michiana region participated in the camp that required 90 total practice hours.

Podjan said she believed that the students who participated in the camp learned teamwork, memorization and patience.

“[The play] requires a lot of focus and teaches them the benefits of hard work,” she said. “From the first day, they are now taking on more responsibility. They come in not knowing anything and by the end, they own it. It’s theirs. It’s their show.”

Podjan is not the only one who believes the camp was beneficial to its student participants.

Her daughter, Lilly, will play the title character of Edwina. Lilly, a 13-year-old who has been in five previous Barn Swallow productions, said she has improved her vocal range and improved in her acting skills through the three-week process.

“It’s helped me grow a lot,” she said. “It’s been really fun. … I’m excited about opening night and to be able to make people laugh and have a good time.”

Podjan said she would encourage anyone to come out to Friday’s musical, believing that they will be able to both enjoy a funny, entertaining show, while also supporting local youth.

“There will be lots of laughs, maybe a couple of tears,” she said. “It will be time well spent. It’s just a fun show, and these kids have worked so hard. They are putting on a show that is not just a kid’s show. This is a good show, regardless of their age.”

For reservations or more information, call (269) 228-6672 or email tickets@barnswallowtheatre.com.