Two years ago, three theater majors at Lehigh Valley Charter HS for the Arts wanted to explore more creative outlets, craving the art of theater, and banded together to found a business of their own.

Now, Eclectic Performing Arts Company, a theater company run exclusively by high school students, amasses more productions than its founders could have ever anticipated. These students, now seniors –Zena Spratley, Kylie Miller and Madison Marzano – have worked tirelessly to produce cabarets, a book of poetry, and several full-fledged productions, comprising everything from Shakespearean comedy to contemporary plays and original student work.

Simply put, they’ve fulfilled their initial goals of instituting greater opportunities with which students can promulgate their love of theater.

When reflecting on the company’s myriad achievements, co-founder Zena Spratley said she believes that one of its major keys to success entails gaining support from the community. Many of Eclectic’s productions have found a home at the Unicorn Theatre in Catasauqua, owned by Alicia Vanderluis, who opened her venue to these aspiring young thespians with open arms.

“That’s really how we thrive as a company,” Spratley said. “With such an active theater presence in the Lehigh Valley, we’ve managed to insert ourselves in the community quite well, and the connections we’ve made really keep Eclectic running.”

Currently, Eclectic has two upcoming productions: “Hazelwood Jr. High” and “Dog Sees God: Confessions of a Teenage Blockhead.” The first of these, directed by Spratley and written by Rob Urbinati, takes inspiration from a true story in which middle school drama escalates to a shocking climax, culminating in murder.

“I was absolutely captivated by the chilling nature in which Urbinati portrays this heinous crime onstage,” Spratley said. “I think it’s important for these stories to be told, especially through theater, to raise questions like: What makes someone capable of murder? Is it circumstantial or something inherent?”

Next year, Eclectic’s founders depart for college, leaving the future of the company uncertain. Yet Spratley remains confident in their extant accomplishments, continually inspired by the triumphs attained with her friends:

“Because of the opportunities we have cultivated for ourselves, we are about to wake up every day and create something, and there is absolutely nothing more amazing than that.”