This summer, a remarkable group of students demonstrated not only their creativity and innovation but also the comprehensive education they received at Paradise Valley Community College (PVCC), transforming a capstone project and club activity for PVCC’s Tech Club into a full-blown theatrical show. This dynamic quartet – three sisters and a fellow Puma alumna – showcased their diverse talents in the production of The Comedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.
As their final capstone project for Tech Club, the students planned, organized, and performed a showcase of their newly acquired skills. Sisters Hannah and Veronica Lawrie crafted the comedic Shakespearean script, while Hannah also designed the props. Fellow student Olivia Terry served as technical director, lighting designer, and scenic designer. Gabrielle Lawrie (Hannah and Veronica’s sister) handled projections, costumes, and directed the show, with Veronica also overseeing makeup and hair. All of their work demonstrated the depth of their training, from stage lighting and set construction to carpentry and design.
These four women had all honed their craft working in the tech shop at PVCC's Center for Performing Arts (CPA). They learned everything from deck crew responsibilities to lighting, projection, props, hair and makeup design. As Gabrielle said, "Everything we know about the technical side of theater and how to run a show like this, we know because we were given the opportunity to learn in the tech shop."
The production was not just about the performance but also about showcasing the many aspects of technical theater. “It was a labor of love for everyone involved,” said Veronica. “This project was a collaboration between so many different people, including a high school student, current PVCC students, alumni, faculty, and staff. We received encouragement, building assistance, consulting, running the show… and so much more.”
PVCC professors Ryan Wentzel and Toran Keeley, who served as producer and advisor respectively, provided guidance and support, and also helped build the set, while Veda VanDeusen Garrett helped promote the show. Their mentorship ensured the team stayed on track and helped them to navigate the logistics of producing such an intricate show.
"The dedication and creativity these students brought to the show exemplify the caliber of talent we cultivate here at PVCC,” said Ryan Wentzel, PVCC Fine and Performing Arts faculty. “They not only showcased their skills but also demonstrated the collaborative spirit that drives successful theater productions. I’m incredibly proud of how they transformed their education into a compelling, professional-level performance."
The success of The Comedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark is just the beginning for these talented Pumas. Gabrielle continues to work part-time in the CPA tech shop, while Olivia has secured a full-time position as a lighting designer at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix, Az. Hannah and Veronica are pursuing their love for writing and art, both individually and together.
To learn more about PVCC and its many Visual and Performing Arts programs, visit our website. To see a full list of upcoming events and shows at the Center for the Performing Arts, click here.