Rezac Auditorium set the stage for actors of varying ages, giving them a chance to shine bright under the spotlight.

On the evenings of March 29 and 31, many Manhattan High School thespians took part in the annual show, Salute to Broadway.

“I was actually the narrator, and I also did a little number with my friend Ryan Hoffman,” senior Sydney Shields said.

Shields and Hoffman performed a piece from Broadway’s “Avenue Q,” featuring two male characters named Nicky and Gary, where Nicky is upset, but Gary attempts to cheer him up.

Salute to Broadway gives young actors and actresses a chance to perform some of their favorite pieces. The show features pieces from many professional plays and musicals that each actor and actress has the opportunity to choose a number from. The only requirement is that the show they choose from has been on Broadway.

“I definitely think [Salute to Broadway] is a good starter point if you’re, like, considering doing theater,” senior Gabrielle Smith said. “It’s like a little trial of theater. You get to see from pre-production through to the actual shows and the entire process in under a week, which is incredibly cool and not a lot of schools get that opportunity.”

Smith worked as a stage manager for this year’s show.

Salute to Broadway is typically a show that only takes about a week or even less to prepare. Students of various classes rehearse and audition their own pieces for a spot in the show. Upon being cast, those students, along with students from the advanced drama classes, spend only a couple of back-to-back days rehearsing after school.

“[This show] definitely had its challenges,” Smith said. “I really enjoyed working it. I’m glad that I got to stage manage Salute to Broadway for my final [show] since I’m a senior.”

Despite its quick pace and production, Salute to Broadway– as well as basically any show produced at MHS– encourages anyone of any experience background to try out. This last stretch of the year, however, already has its selected cast for the spring play “Much Ado About Nothing.” Show times are 7 p.m. on April 18, 19, and 20.

“[Theater] is a really great bonding experience because you just get to hang out with your friends all the time and work together, and that’s really how I made some of my closest friends,” Shields said.