With BV West’s production of The Crucible kicking off in one week, the final days of rehearsal are becoming increasingly crucial to the success of the show.

Ms. Vanderpol, the school’s director and drama teacher, previously taught at Lawrence High School for over twenty years. During her time there, she acquired many quirky traditions that define her career–one of which she brought to West.

Marathon Saturday, otherwise referred to as the start of “Hell Week”, is an all-day rehearsal conducted the weekend before the show’s premier. Starting at 9 AM and going as long as 5 PM, all elements of theater are brought together by cast and crew. Lighting and sound are configured, the two acts of the show are brought together for the first time, and set pieces are added to the stage. In addition, Mrs. Stahly coordinates and assigns costumes to cast members.

While the day is long and stress-filled, Marathon Saturday is a testament to the determination of the theater department. Laughs are shared to counteract the high-stakes of a first time run-through; meals are passed along and soda cans are clinked by girls dressed in corsets and petticoats. It is a time for actors and “techies” alike to come together in a single cause: make the show the best it can be.

Assistant directors work alongside their cast and crew to keep things running smoothly. Running lines, finishing up set details, and helping Vanderpol coordinate the massive effort, their work is similarly vital to the show’s success.

Marathon Saturday is a feat of its own. And with much anticipation for West’s Crucible production, hopefully it will be a time for all to come together and create the best piece of art they can.

The Crucible shows November 11th and 12th in the PAC, starting at 7 PM.