For theater kids, the pull to the stage doesn’t fade just because they chose a different path in college.

Off Off Broadway is the University of South Carolina’s only musical theater organization for non-theatre majors. Its spring production of “9 to 5: The Musical” was the latest showcase for its diverse ensemble.

Founded in 2007 by a group of non-theatre-major friends, Off Off Broadway now has grown to nearly 100 members. The organization puts on full-scale musicals each semester, and they perform at Town Theatre, a venue that seats more than 300. Shows are free and open to the public, drawing audiences beyond just campus.

Club president Inaara Jadavji, a public relations major, joined on a whim as a freshman without knowing anyone in the club.

“What started as just a way for me to keep performing and hold onto a lifelong passion quickly blossomed into a wonderful community I could fully invest myself in,” Jadavji said. “After just a few rehearsals and social events, I knew I’d stick with the org as long as I could.”

For her final senior semester, she starred as Violet Newstead in “9 to 5: The Musical.” She called the character an ambitious secretary fighting to reach the top, a role she said was “ironically reflective” of her own leadership within the organization. For Jadavji, the favorite part of her final production with the organization was tech week.

“It’s a stressful but exciting period where we add in our set, lights, costumes, mics, props, and really feel the show come alive,” she said. “The cast and crew grew so close and enjoyed every minute together.”

Marine science major Kaitlyn Sheldrick, who served as the show’s music director, said her favorite part was watching the cast grow throughout the rehearsal process.

“It was inspiring to see them all come together and watch all the friendships blossom,” Sheldrick said.

Nursing major Mia Bianchi, a choreographer, said the cast’s enthusiasm made her job a lot easier.

“When we were excited to teach them and they matched our energy, it felt very rewarding,” Bianchi said.

As Jadavji prepares to graduate, she’s looking forward to seeing where the organization is headed.

“I hope our shows reach even wider audiences, as our mission of accessible theater opportunities is so unique in the Columbia theater landscape,” she said. “What I hope for the most is for many more USC students to find the sense of belonging, growth and accomplishment I have found within this group.”