This week, the cast of The Little Mermaid has been going through their final rehearsal process, which in the world of theatre is called “tech week.” Also described as “hell week,” this week is jam-packed and the cast will always find themselves busy. Each rehearsal, the cast runs the full show in costume and makeup with microphones and lights. During each run, the performers and crew treat it as the real show and work to make it the best they can for this weekend’s performances. This experience is extremely exhausting and time consuming but in the end, very rewarding and worth the hours put in. Kira Swanson, who plays Ariel describes tech week as “a great way to connect with everyone” as through all the ups and downs, the cast works together to make the show come to life.

In a day in the life of cast member, Isabella Burgos, who plays Ursula in the production, there is no break. “I wake up, pack up all my makeup, undergarments for costumes, voice essentials (honey, steamer, tea, cough drops), hair products, and script. I get ready for school and then head to tech. I go over all things like scenes that I’m in and things that I keep getting wrong. I try to get some school and college work during small breaks.” During Isabella’s busy day, she takes time to reflect on the importance of tech week to her as well. “Tech week is very challenging but it becomes easier and more enjoyable with practice.”

The show is a lot more than the actors on stage. It takes a lot of people behind the scenes to put this  production together as well. Aiden Boughton, the production’s sound engineer has been working hard this week to make sure everything is running smoothly. Aiden makes sure that the correct actor’s mics are on, the music connects to their vocals and much more. “At times the process can be very stressful, but it is the most satisfying thing to watch when it all comes together. This is my third time helping out with the play and I feel just as excited as I did the first year.” 

The process of putting on a show is one that many people don’t understand, and who knew the most stressful part would be the ending. Once the actors start to feel like they know the show like the back of their hand throughout tech week, that is how they know they are doing their job. So yes, tech week is “Hell week” but without it, the final production wouldn’t be as professional and gratifying as it is.