Practice makes perfect but for the Pell City High School (PCHS) cast of “Noises Off,” repeating messed up lines and rehearsing scenes filled with comical errors are what make this play a success.

A show within a show, the production by Michael Frayn gives audiences a glimpse of what it’s like to be part of the theater as an actor/actress.

“It’s a show about producing theater,” PCHS theater teacher Jeremy Gossett said.

“Noises Off” not only demonstrates the difficulty of acting through mistakes and forgotten lines, but it also showcases relationships between actors both on and off the stage.  Three acts in the show provide three different perspectives.  In the first act the audience sees a cast practicing a performance and then sees the rehearsal from backstage in the second act.  During the final act, the cast is performing on tour in Cleveland, and relationships between cast members have changed, forcing them to create another ending.

“A play written like this forces students to learn the same show in three different ways,” Gossett said.  “It’s a fast-paced show.  Doors are constantly opening and closing so it’s all about timing.  It’s definitely a challenge for these kids.”

Gossett’s students began rehearsals for this play back in December.  Made up of juniors and seniors, some of the students in this talented cast have received awards at state competitions.

“In most cases you tend to have to constantly lead students, but with small, talented cast like this one, I get to step back and watch them solve their own problems and learn from their own experiences,” Gossett said.

After spending long hours rehearsing together, students have learned about the nature of working in the theater professionally.

“You become part of a family,” senior Katie Compton said.  “Working together teaches you patience with each other.”

Senior Josh Barrentine took on multiple responsibilities in working on this production by helping build the set and playing one of the lead roles.

“It takes true dedication, but I’ve enjoyed it tremendously,” Barrentine said.  “The show is hilarious.  I’ve never played a funny role before, just serious ones, and this role has brought a new side out of me I didn’t know I had.”

“Noises Off” opens tonight at 7 p.m. in the CEPA Center, next to Pell City High School.  The cast will bedazzle audiences with performances at 7 p.m., Thursday, Friday and Saturday and a matinee performance at 2 p.m., Sunday.  General admission is $10.