PCH players are preparing for “Shakespeare in Hollywood,” the fall play, which will be performed Nov. 17-19. All members are developing the play by tech crew creating props, managers directing cast and crew, and actors practicing lines as if they are in the 16th century.
“Rehearsals are upbeat and energetic,” sophomore props manager and production assistant Mercedes McGonigle said. “Everyone is friends with everyone, and they’re all devoted to having a great show, which makes for a happy and productive time.”
The preparation for the show is different for everyone involved. The cast has to work on line memorization, and characterization, while each tech crew member builds props and the set. Research and prep-findings also have to be done prior rehearsal dates. Managers take the time to pull, borrow, or even rent props that fit the time period of the play.
Sound crew works on sound effects and researching music of the time period, while set crew focuses on painting and building the set.
According to freshman production assistant, Autumn Goldsby, managers need to make sure that actors have all the accents, makeup has their props, and costumes are in their making.
“Overall, all the actors have the most preparation because ‘Shakespeare’ is completely different from modern times,” Goldsby said.
“I think that it takes more than me to put on a show,” director of the play Nicole Voss said. “As we prepare that’s why we need all the tech managers to be on their game, actors prepare line memorization so it’s more than just me and takes an entire village.”
The cast and crew’s biggest conflict that arises with rehearsals are everyone’s busy schedules. McGonigle has to manage her time with all her activities. Anthony Blatter, senior and actor faces the challenge of learning lines as the play approaches while balancing other things in his life.
“The characterization is the best part of preparation,” Blatter said. “It’s a lot of fun, but it’s also hard.”
Characterization for the actors mean figuring out how a person’s character will act and their history. That is one of the many aspects of the production process, which is many participants’ favorite part of the play.
“It can often be the most exciting part of my day and I look forward to it every day,” sophomore company stage manager Stella Bauer said. “Although days can get long and tiring it is one of the happiest moments of my day.”
PCH Players sometimes come to rehearsal even if there is no school and have been preparing since the middle of September which constant rehearsals after school each week.
“It’s a fun thing, you get to meet a lot of people and spend time with them because you’re together so often,” sophomore actor Jeremy Alport said.
Voss said her favorite part of the preparation process is researching background information on the play, working on character development with actors, and finding props. The actors are working on memorizing their lines, and tech crew is making progress with their respective areas. The cast and crew have all of their blocking done.Tech crew are pulling props, costumes, figuring out makeup, creating sound effects and lighting for the show.
“It’s definitely important and preparation is key,” junior and master electrician, Jonathan Scully said.
Many of the PCH Players are looking forward to seeing their hard work pay off.

“I’m most excited for opening night of our show,” McGonigle said. “It’s a culmination of all the hard work that each person put in, and the feeling of accomplishment you get is just amazing.”
Until then, they will put in the time to make the performances the best they can.
“I think the preparation of the play is exhausting and long,” Alport said, “yet it all pays off in the end.”