Because the play is an original production, cast members were able to create their own characters. However, this doesn’t mean they get to act however they’d like. The actors research extensively to make sure the events of the play and their characters are portrayed as realistically and accurately as possible.

“We figured out what the important transitions and events were that led up to the fire,” junior Allee Pineault said. “In order to bring the audience to this place and time, we developed these chapters in our story that show different aspects of the event.”

Pineault’s character is Clara Nicolosi, an Italian immigrant who leaves most of her family behind and gets a job at the factory in New York. Pineault thinks that her character is easy to connect to because she has to leave something she loves.

“With these characters, it’s easy to find aspects in them, like the hardships, that you can relate to. It’s easy, although maybe not on a huge scale, to relate to them,” Pineault said.

Since this play is about a variety of different people of all ages and ethnicities, some members feel that the cultural barrier can make the acting difficult.

Sophomore Tori Gitten’s character, Tessie, is a 16-year-old immigrant living with her brothers, mother and cousins. Tessie works at the factory and learns what is means to be an American girl.

“Transforming into my character takes time and understanding,” Gitten said. “Her Ukrainian ethnicity is a challenge.”

“I think the hardest part is putting ourselves in the situation with the fire,” Pineault said. “It’s such a hard scene to picture yourself doing the things you would have to if you were trapped in the fire and the choices you’d have to make.”

After the cast members create their characters, they begin working on dialogue and fit in the personalities of their characters. After that, they begin working on creating scenes.

“Voices from the Fire” will be performed November 15 to 17 in the WHS theater at 7:30 pm.