Tickets are just $2 per seat for a special musical at Surrey's David Brankin Elementary this week.

The school's intermediate students have produced a version of Seussical Jr. that involves them in every facet of the show, from lights and sound to on-stage roles.

This "process-based production" features a cast of 45 young performers plus 18 other students as part of an Art & Design Ensemble.

"These kids have been given a very real introduction to what goes into a real production like this," said Abby Swansburg, drama teacher.

Typically, schools are more apt to stage product-based productions, said Carol Sirianni, fine arts co-ordinator for Surrey school district.

"It's more of a family effort than team effort," she stressed. "To this degree of process-based learning, this is quite unique in Surrey."

Since December, students have worked on the 70minute show for close to five hours a week during class time, plus after-school hours.

"We think it's successful because they got to choose what they wanted, and the numbers worked out well, too," Swansburg said. "The kids backstage know that their role is just as important, and we really stress that."

Public performances are at 1 and 7 p.m. Thursday at the school, 9160 128th St. For info, call 604-585-9547.

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