Since she was 2 years old, Brooke McElmoyle has participated in or attended virtually every Jim Thorpe Area High School musical.

As the granddaughter of Natalie Kmetz, legendary Jim Thorpe musical director, McElmoyle grew up in the theater.

Now in her senior year, McElmoyle is in a lead role and serves as a veteran mentor to younger cast members.

“It’s bittersweet because it’s my last year, but I’m really excited to go out with this one,” McElmoyle said. This weekend McElmoyle and 34 of her classmates will put on a production of “Footloose the Musical” at Jim Thorpe Area High School.

This is Kmetz’s 47th musical at Jim Thorpe, an amazing run by any measure.

After all that time, she says the musical is as fun as ever.

“We get a really good time together, and they get to be a family that you have outside of your home. Just so much fun. They really are,” she said.

McElmoyle is set to play Ariel, the daughter of a preacher in a town which forbids dancing. Ariel falls for Ren, an outsider who flouts the dancing ban. Nolan Rehrig is playing Ren. Other principal actors include Corbin Frisvold, Carson Queen, Sophia Samoleski, Julia Hodnik and Ashley Hill.

The two were also the leads in the school’s production of “The Little Mermaid” two years ago.

Rehearsals for “Footloose” started back in February. Since then the cast has been practicing three nights a week, while balancing sports practices, college visits, clubs and activities. Kmetz says they are a multitalented cast.

As she was preparing to play the lead role of Ariel in “Footloose,” McElmoyle decided that she will attend Moravian College next year. That’s given her a big relief heading into the play.

She’s also strived to be there for her classmates as they prepare for the play. She imparts to the cast that they should study their lines, but also have fun and not be nervous.

“You’re here because you love what you’re doing, so just go out there and have fun,” she said.

The Jim Thorpe musical draws fans of musicals from beyond just the school district. Kmetz said she’s met people at the shows who traveled from Philadelphia and the New York area just to see the school’s musical.

“I’m so glad when we get people who have never been here, then they remember and come back,” she said.

McElmoyle said it’s been an honor to work with her grandmother because she is so dedicated to helping the musical each year.

She said Kmetz’s love for the musical is clear all year long.

“That’s just what you need in a director and a coach, you just need someone who loves what they do and is so dedicated and loves the kids. And generally wants to be here,” McElmoyle said.

Kmetz says she stays successful due to her behind-the-scenes team, including her, her niece Julie, Rosie Trice, Matt Motola and Laurie Miller.

She’s motivated by the fun that the cast has together. And when people attend the play, they should be, too.

“I think they see that when they come to one of my plays and they see all the mingling together. It’s just so much fun, it really is,” Kmetz said.

Students will perform “Footloose” on Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m. in the auditorium of Jim Thorpe Area High School, 1 Olympian Way, Jim Thorpe.

Tickets are available at the door for $10.