RICHFIELD — From pirate battles to nursery blocks, Neverland has taken shape inside East Juniata Elementary School in Richfield — all thanks to the hard work and imagination of fourth-, fifth- and sixth-grade students preparing to present “Pantastic!,” a playful adaptation inspired by “Peter Pan.”

The elementary musical, staged each spring, is the result of a close collaboration between music teacher and musical director Ashley Smith and art teacher and artistic director Tanya Williams, who work together to create an inclusive theater experience for a growing and enthusiastic group of students.

“We began this process way back in July, going through all of our potential options as to what the musical would be the best fit for this year,” Smith said. “We found a version of ‘Peter Pan, Pantastic!’ that stood out as something our students would love and bring to life. They have done a phenomenal job preparing for this performance, and we are all so excited to share it with the world.”

This year’s production features students from three grade levels and emphasizes involvement far beyond the stage. Rather than purchasing sets or props, nearly everything used in the show has been designed and created by the students during the school day.

In art class, students who finish their regular projects can work on set pieces and props for the musical, as needed. This year, that work included crafting weapons for a large pirate fight scene and painting oversized ABC blocks for the darling nursery.

“It’s important to us that students feel ownership over the entire production,” Williams said. “They don’t just perform in the show — they help build it.”

Rehearsals are structured to fit within the elementary school schedule. Students practice music, lines and choreography during class time, with only three after-school rehearsals used to pull the full production together. That limited schedule helps make participation possible for as many students as possible.

Smith and Williams collaborate early in the school year to select a musical based on student interest and the ability to divide roles so every child who wants to participate has a meaningful part.

“We look at how many students are interested and how we can create as many characters as possible,” Williams said. “Musical theater has been growing here for three years now, and that’s because students know there’s a place for them.”

Unlike many school productions, “Pantastic!” has no admission fee. The show is not a Disney production, allowing the school to avoid costly copyright licensing fees. Instead, the musical runs entirely on fundraising efforts and donations collected at the door.

“Disney copyrights are very expensive,” Williams said. “By choosing a different production, we’re able to keep the show free and open to the entire community.”

Recent rehearsals included sixth-graders practicing an energetic pirate scene, complete with student-made props and plenty of enthusiasm. For many students, musical theater has become a highlight of the school year.

“They’re learning teamwork, responsibility and confidence,” Smith said. “You can see their growth every time they step on stage.”

As opening day approaches, excitement is building throughout the school. Sets are painted, props are ready, and students are eager to share what they’ve created.

“They’ve worked hard, supported one another, and taken pride in every part of this show,” Williams said. “We can’t wait to share ‘Pantastic!’ with the community.”