Putting together a musical with a cast of 41 youth in the third- through 12th-grade is no small feat, but members of the Performing Arts Workshop Musical Theatre Experience were up to the challenge.

Moreover, they put the show together in one week’s time.

At 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, students will perform “Beauty and the Beast Jr.” at the Brandywine Elementary School, 2428 S. 13th St. Tickets cost $5 for general admission and $8 for reserved seats. A $1 discount is available to those who show their Niles library card at the door.

Since last Friday, students in the summer program founded by Brandywine alumni August Garritano and Lena Miles, have been learning not only their roles, but also choreography and a host of musical numbers.

PAW is a weeklong camp, in which youth put on a production with the guidance of volunteers who have knowledge of performing arts. Four separate workshops are offered and some students participate in multiple weeks of the camp. Last week, students wrote and produced their own theatrical production, which debuted Thursday.

To help students learn their roles in a week’s time and perform to the best of their abilities, directors utilized several 15-minute intervals to work with each student one on one in choreography and music lessons.

Co-director Danny Ferenczi praised the team of volunteers and students who have worked together to bring the production to fruition.

By Tuesday, Ferenczi said many students had already learned their lines and could perform without a script.

“They are sponges and they take everything that we teach them and apply it,” Ferenczi said. “We are really lucky to have this group. They are so dedicated to it, because they want to be here. That makes it easier and all the more fun for us.”

Choreographer Carlee Stoker echoed this praise.

“I am very proud to have the [opportunity] to work with these kids,” she said.

Brandywine 10th-grader Lucas Harner has been a dedicated PAW member, since the camp was first inducted six years ago.

“I just have always loved acting ever since I was a little kid,” Harner said.

The camp helped to fuel his passion for acting and teach him skills in vocals and singing that he said could help him attain a career in the field.

After high school, Harner hopes to attend the New York Film Academy.

Looking back on the week spent learning the part of Gaston, Harner said it was indeed a challenge. But through “practicing every second,” Harner said he was ready for the show to go on.

“It all comes together at the end,” Harner said.

Throughout his years with the program, Harner said he has garnered many valuable skills that have fueled his love for acting.

Harner encouraged the community to come and see the production for themselves.

“No one puts on a show in a week and successfully does it, except us,” Harner said.

Upcoming PAW performances:

• 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday, PAW Musical Theatre Experience presents Beauty and the Beast Jr.

Tickets: $5 for general admission, $8 for reserved seats

• 5 p.m. July 5, PAW Cubs performance

• 7 p.m. July 13, PAW Jr. Performance