Nation Ford High School's theater program is staging three musicals this school year instead of its usual fall play and spring musical, a shift driven by new director Scott Albert.

Albert took over the drama club after former director Cheri Addison stepped down. Addison remains Nation Ford's theater teacher, The Talon, the school's student newspaper, reported Monday, Sept. 14. Albert told The Talon he has been involved in theater since age 10 and landed his first national tour at 17, playing the Beast in "Beauty and the Beast."

The two fall productions are "Finding Your Voice" and "Come From Away," with performances scheduled for late October and November. A third musical, not yet announced, is planned for the spring. Rehearsals are already underway at the Fort Mill school.

"I think the most important aspect is that the whole program is student led," Albert told The Talon.

He said he wants students to learn every element of running a production, not just performing on stage. Students handle marketing, stage management, set design, costumes, fundraising and lighting.

Albert has also brought in Broadway professionals to lead workshops and Q&A sessions with students. Junior Aaliyah Huey, who is starring as a lead in both fall musicals, said the outside expertise is raising the bar.

"There's a lot more theater professionals involved this year, which will elevate the program, I think," Huey told The Talon.

Albert, who also directed "Million Dollar Quartet" at Cain Center for the Arts in Cornelius, N.C., holds a full-time job outside the program. He said he relies heavily on Addison and her classroom to keep things running.

Sophomore Ellie Bowman serves as stage manager for "Finding Your Voice" and runs backstage mics for "Come From Away." Bowman has been part of Nation Ford's theater program since her freshman year.

"Come From Away" is a Tony Award-nominated musical that ran on Broadway for 1,669 performances before becoming available for high school licensing through Music Theatre International, according to Broadway News.

Specific performance dates, times and ticket information for the fall productions have not been announced.