The inner workings of community theater -- with all its ups and downs -- will be explored as Orem's Timpanogos High School Productions Company takes to the stage with Rick Abbot's comedy "Play On!"

Its story surrounds a community theater's production of a new play, "Murder Most Foul," in which the playwright keeps making changes, said THS drama director Agnes Broberg. Essentially, the show becomes not only a play within a play, but a number of plays within a play.

"You are never too sure where the script ends, and improvisation begins," Broberg said.

Three specific elements of the production were designed to heighten the "community theater" experience for both audience and performers.

First, the venue for "Play On!" will be the high school's Little Theater, which seats about 96 people, giving it more of the intimate feeling of community theater, Broberg said.

Secondly, Broberg has double-cast most of the parts. Each actor or actress has one role, but they switch from cast to cast.

"Somewhere in the six performances each person has to be in the play with the other cast at least twice," Broberg said. "An audience member could come every night and there would be a different cast. The students get to see what it is like with so many community theaters that are double-cast."

A third way that the feel of community theater is brought into the production is by starting the show with an empty stage, then gradually adding pieces to the set, Broberg said.

Only three of the roles are not double-cast: Geraldine Dunbar, the director, (Camlyn Giddins); Henry, (Cody Brown); and Billy, (Daniel Bean).

Giddins said she has most enjoyed connecting her character to directors she has known.

"It is mocking them in a friendly way, so that's been really fun," she said. "I also love the improvisation that we are allowed to do."

Giddins's favorite scenes include one in the second act when the action builds frenetically in intensity, and one in which the play's author, Phyllis Montague (Alana Smith), comes in with a whole new script to foist on the cast.

Smith likes the eccentric nature of her character.

"Phyllis Montague is over the top, and very melodramatic," she said. "I get to cry, weep and laugh -- all that fun stuff. ... But I think that the improvisation of 'Play On!' is probably what all of us enjoy the most."

Asked if she has found the comic elements of "Play On!" to be true to her own experiences in community theater, Broberg said she and assistant director Denise Gull "are dying. We know these people. We know these characters. Some of them, we know far too well."

Six performances are planned, beginning with opening night on Oct. 23. The evening shows are at 7 p.m. There will be a matinee at 2 p.m. as well as an evening performance on Oct. 24.

The play will continue its nightly performances Oct. 26-28. Tickets at the door are $6 for adults, and $5 for children, students and seniors.

Timpanogos High's Little Theater is located at the north end of the school, and can be reached by entering through the main doors, turning down the hall to the right, and following the signs that will be posted.