The cast and crew of Blanchet’s production of A Christmas Carol are hard at work at the Moore Theater. Departing precisely at 2:45pm to the theater, the cast and crew are there until 10:00pm.
Since the cast is so practiced in performing, the main focus of the week is on the technical side of the musical presentation.

“We all have extremely difficult parts in different ways,” said Kyle Scott who will play Jacob Marley’s ghost. “I think [the] cast puts in more work leading up to the show, but the crew does the most right before the show.”

A “cue by cue” was directed on Tuesday night where lighting and microphone transitions were worked. It is a very long start and stop process with lots of reblocking. Over four hours were utilized for the first half of the production. The remainder of the production was worked out on Wednesday before a twenty-minute Panda Express dinner. Meals during tech week are provided by PALS – Performing Arts League Supporters. PALS is made up of the parents of students in the drama program.

Leading up to the performance, an hour-and-a-half time slot is given for the hair and makeup crew to work their magic on all the actors as well as to attach microphones and get in costumes.
With how long they are at the theater and the rapid approach of opening night, it is a very stressful time for all involved in the show.

“Balancing school with rehearsals is hard,” said Scott.

Many teachers are understanding and lighten the homework load around the time of the musical. All drama students are tasked with reaching out to their teachers before the start of tech week to try to minimize stress.

“Lots of facemasks, tea, and sleep,” said thespian Chiara Procaccio.

Each student has different ways of handling the long hours.

The first performance of A Christmas Carol is a matinee for middle school students on Dec 9. All are welcome for opening night the same day at 7:30pm. Performances will also be on Dec 10 at 7:30pm and Dec 11 at 2:00pm as well as another matinee for middle schoolers on Dec 12.