Welcome to Your First Day

Whether you’re new, returning or continuing with PCPA, we’re looking forward to having you with us in the Summer Company.

All incoming Company Members – whether new, returning, or continuing – are required to attend orientation on the first day of their Agreement. At that time you will receive important company information and have an opportunity to ask questions.

Company Members arriving on May 25, 2022— please report to room 18 in the Columbia Business Center (CBC) at 8:30 am (see the “Directions” tab). Following orientation, we will offer facility tours for new company members.

Company Members starting any day other than May 25 will be contacted individually with the time and location of their required first day orientation meeting.

We hope you’ll feel the pleasure and mighty purpose that comes with being surrounded by professionals who, like you, derive deep personal satisfaction by giving their very best to the play – something bigger and with greater impact than any of our individual efforts. We all strive to do our very best, to bring our full capacities to help our colleagues work shine and to help the whole piece of art have the radiance of which it is capable. Few things are as fun as excellence, and few things are as frustrating as unfulfilled potential. We look forward to having you join us as we go all the way and make it great.

For questions, contact Geno Franco, Company Manager/Assistant Production Manager at g.franco@pcpa.org or (805) 928-7731 ext. 3153

What We Need From You

Greetings!

If you have not done so already, please fill out the applicable forms below. If you have any questions, contact Geno Franco, Company Manager / Assistant Production Manager at g.franco@pcpa.org or (805) 928-7731 ext 3153.

If you would like help finding housing please fill out the form at the link below. Some apartment complexes offer month to month rentals but the most common housing option here at PCPA is to rent a room from a patron or donor (see more at the “Housing” tab). If you already have your housing worked out, please notify Geno Franco.

Housing Form

Please complete the Emergency Information once you’ve received the link to Virtual Call Board. This information is only accessible to Stage Management, Company Management, and our Accounting Coordinator. It will only be referred to in the event of an emergency.
We ask that all incoming actors and technicians submit a headshot for our summer program and/or company ID. Please email your headshot (200 dpi, 6″ x 4.5″) to publicity@pcpa.org.

If you do not have a headshot, fret not! One will be taken upon your arrival.

Production Schedule

Below is a summary of the 2022 summer season. Production information below.

The Agitators Previews

6/23, 6/24

 1st Rehearsal

May 31

 1st day of Tech

June 18

 Opening

June 25

 Closing

July 10
Sound of Music Previews

6/30, 7/1

 1st Rehearsal

May 31

 1st day of Tech

June 25

 Opening

July 2

 Closing

July 31
Into the Woods Previews

8/11, 8/12

 1st Rehearsal

August 2

 1st day of Tech

August 6

 Opening

August 13

 Closing

September 4
Native Gardens Previews

8/25, 8/26

 1st Rehearsal

July 29

 1st day of Tech

August 20

 Opening

August 27

 Closing

September 17

Directions to Marian and Severson Theatres

From the North: Take the Stowell Road Exit off of 101 South. Turn right at the light onto Bradley Road. Cross through the first intersection (Bradley and Stowell) and then turn left when you see signs for Allan Hancock College Campus, then take an immediate right and follow the signs pointing to “theatres.”
Building D is the one that looks like and upside down cupcake and has PCPA flags out front.

From the South: Take the Stowell Road Exit off of 101 North and turn right onto Bradley Road. Turn left when you see Allan Hancock College Campus, then take an immediate right and follow the signs pointing to “theatre.”
Building D is the one that looks like an upside down cupcake and has PCPA flags out front.

 

Directions to The Scene/Prop/Costume Shops

800 S. College Drive
Santa Maria, CA 93454

From the Marian / Severson Theaters: Exit the Marian Theatre parking lot turning right onto Bradley. Turn right – at the light – on Stowell, and right onto South College Drive. After five blocks, you’ll pass the athletic fields. Just to their north is E. Park Ave. You’ll see the parking lot on your right in the next block – this is for Building O. There is usually an Allan Hancock Winery sign that helps denote you have found the right place!

Directions to The Rehearsal Rooms and Admin Offices - "CBC"

900 East Stowell Rd
Santa Maria, CA 93454

From the North: Take the Stowell Road Exit off of 101 South. Go straight through the light so you are passing between two shopping centers. Continue past the Costco tire shop and CBC will be on your right; enter under the awning on the left.

From the South: Take the Stowell Road Exit off of 101 North. Take your first left onto Bradley and then take the first right onto Columbia Way – passing through the shopping centers. Continue straight past the Costco tire shop. CBC will be on your right, enter under the awning on the left.

Parking

To park on Allan Hancock College Campus you need to purchase a parking permit online – please be aware that the parking permit costs less than one ticket and PCPA cannot help you if you receive a parking ticket. To purchase your parking permit, please long into myhancock with the username and password you established during registration. To purchase your parking permit, please use this link.

One Day Passes are available at vending machines in AHC parking lots for $2.00 a day.

Driving Company Vehicles

Some Technical Interns will be asked to drive company vehicles during their time with PCPA. If this applies to you, a straightforward form will be provided during your orientation – please be sure to bring your drivers license on your first day for this purpose. More specific information regarding vehicle policies will be shared during your first week.

Actor Supplies

Clothing

Weather/temperature on the Central Coast (and in our rehearsal studios) can vary throughout the day and into the night. Layers are very helpful. It can be 85 degrees during the day and 40 degrees at night. It can get cold when rehearsing outdoors in Solvang in the evenings and at night. A good jacket, hat, and scarf will be useful.

Bring plenty of sturdy athletic clothing and shoes, sweatpants, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and clothing in which you are free to move without completely obscuring the line of the body. Actors in musicals should have dance shoes. Actors must wear closed toed shoes at all times in all of our buildings.

We recommend you bring a pair of kneepads.

Those playing female roles should have medium-height heels for rehearsal. Dance character shoes are fine.
Those playing male roles should have a pair of hard-soled shoes (not boots) for rehearsal. Character shoes are fine.

Technician Supplies

Summer Intern Supplies List:
All summer technical interns are required to have closed toed shoes – all shoes must be sturdy and cover your full foot at all times you are at any PCPA facility, no matter which position you hold. Acceptable footwear includes work boots or hiking boots unless otherwise required for the different positions listed below. We require all technicians to have outdoor personal protections (sunscreen, hat, a water bottle with a solid closure system, sweatshirt/hoodie/heavy jacket) for working outside and in the evenings at the Festival Theatre in Solvang when the temperature drops at night to the 50s. In general your show blacks need to be suitable for both warm and cold weather, shoes must be all black and hard soled, and pants must have belt loops and be worn with a belt.

There are also specific requirements and recommendations in each of the following areas:

Carpenters and Prop Artisans:
Required – 25’+ steel tape measure, hat with a visor or ANSI rated safety sunglasses, regular safety glasses, hard soled shoes or boots (steel or safety toes encouraged), Multi-tool
Recommended – Personal hatred hat, screw gun, basic carpentry hand tools (hammer, wrenches, ratchet & sockets, screwdrivers, square, etc.), welding hood, welding gloves, 100% cotton long sleeve shirt of welding leathers

Costumers:
Recommended for Stitchers and First Hands – 8: shears, thread snips, thimble, pinking shears
Recommended for Costume Crafts Technicians – smock or other personal protection equipment, clothing for painting/dyeing

Dressers:
Required – 3 sets of black clothing (long sleeved shirts, long pants with belt loops, belt, solid black shoes, black socks), black sweatshirt/hoodie/heavy jacket
Recommended – Multi-tool

Lighting Technicians:
Required – crescent wrench, Multi-tool, work gloves, mini flashlight, 3 sets of black clothing (long sleeved shirt, long pants with belt loops, belt, solid black she’s, black socks)
Recommended for all Lighting Technicians – personal hard hat, speed wrench, headlamp (with a low or red light setting), kneepads for working on catwalks
Recommended for Spot Operators – heavy black sweatshirts, black scarf and black hat

Painters:
Required – 25′ + steel tape measure, clothing that can be painted in that is suitable for both warm and cold weather, sturdy hard soled shoes

Production Assistants/Running Crew:
Required – 3 sets of black clothing (long sleeved shirts, long pants with belt loops, belt, solid black shoes, black socks), black sweatshirt/hoodie/heavy jacket, Multi-tool, mini flashlight

Stage Managers/Assistant Stage Managers:
Required – 3 sets of black clothing (long sleeved shirts, long pants with belt loops, belt, solid black shoes, black socks), black sweatshirt/hoodie/heavy jacket, Multi-tool, mini flashlight

Sound Technicians:
Required – flashlight, hearing protections, work gloves, sunglasses,3 sets of black clothing (long sleeved shirts, long pants with belt loops, belt, solid black shoes, black socks), black sweatshirt/hoodie/heavy jacket
Recommended – Leatherman, soldiering iron, basic repair kit, C-wrench, personal hard hat

FAQ

I am a current student at PCPA or have been one in the past. Do I still need to apply to AHC?

Please contact Trisha Stewart at trisha.stewart@pcpa.org or (805) 928-7731 ext. 4114 with all registration questions.

Do I have to pay for registration?

Contact the Conservatory office.

I'm a non-Equity actor. Am I required to help with strike?

Yes. A strike call will be posted on the call board during your last week of performances in each venue (Santa Maria and Solvang). Occasionally we will not need actor help for strike, but you should assume you will be needed until you are told otherwise. This means you should plan to remain at the theater immediately after your final performance until you are released at the conclusion of the show’s strike.

When and how much do I get paid?

During their time with PCPA, technicians and non-Equity actors – no matter their level of experience – are engaged as professional interns, and as such are not employees of PCPA. Interns do not receive “pay.” All financial support comes to interns in the form of stipend. Your stipend is disbursed on the dates outlined in your Agreement, in the amounts detailed therein. In general, your total stipend amount is divided into equal parts and disbursed on the first day of your Agreement, every subsequent first day of the month and the last day of Your Agreement. However, while this is the usual formula for disbursement, you must refer to your Agreement for the exact dates and amounts.

How can I pick up my check?

Interns may pick up their checks from the PCPA Box Office at the Marian Theatre beginning on or after each disbursement date on their Scholarship Agreement. The Box Office is open 12:30 – 7:00pm Wednesday through Sunday. Please bring a photo ID as well as your PCPA Company ID.

Equity actors are paid on Fridays. They may pick up their checks from the PCPA Box Office during business hours (12:30 – 7:00pm Wednesday – Sunday) and must present a photo ID as well as your PCPA Company ID.

What if my disbursement date falls on a Monday or Tuesday, or on a holiday?

If your disbursement date falls on a Monday or Tuesday, you may pick it up at the Box Office between 12:00-2:00 PM only. Simply knock on the outside window and show your ID. If your disbursement falls on a Monday or Tuesday and you do not pick it up on that day, you must wait until regular Box Office hours to pick it up.

If your disbursement date falls on a holiday, your check will be available during regular Box Office hours on the last business day before the holiday.

The last day of my Agreement is a Sunday, and my shop is closed on weekends. Can I pick up my check on my last Friday?

No. We can mail your final check to a forwarding address if you like, but you are expected to be in town through the final day of your Scholarship Agreement.

Can I get an advance on my next disbursement?

No.

Can I sign up for direct deposit?

Unfortunately we are not able to provide direct deposit for scholarship or guest Equity checks.

What if my bank doesn't have a branch in Santa Maria?

You may cash your check at PCPA’s bank, Rabobank. There are several branches in town.

Is my scholarship taxable?

Yes. The portion of a scholarship meant to cover living expenses is specifically defined as taxable income. Students must report this income to the IRS. You will not receive a W-2 from PCPA. If you would like a letter stating your scholarship amount come next tax season, you can email Laura Schaaf at lschaaf@pcpa.org. You should consult a tax professional for specific guidance on the taxability of scholarship income respecting your specific situation.

Housing

Welcome to PCPA! We are thrilled you are joining the company. I am the Company Manager/Assistant Production Manager and part of my responsibility is to help you find housing. I serve as the liaison between tenants and host families. I will give you a list of options that best fit your needs then it is up to you to make the connection.

PCPA does not provide housing. However, we do have information regarding housing, rooms for rent in private homes, and roommate referrals. Our students/interns do one of following things:

Rent a room in a private home (see details below)
Find roommates and rent a house or apartment off the open market (see details below)
Please be advised that there are extremely limited pet friendly options. If you are lucky to find one, be prepared to pay an additional amount of at least $100 per month.

Option 1 has the most opportunities. Room rentals can range from $550 – $700 per month. I have a llist of hosts who rent rooms to PCPA students and interns all the time, and they understand what your schedule will be like. You’ll have a private room, a private or shared bathroom, and full house access, including kitchen and laundry, etc. Most rooms come fully furnished (there are also a few unfurnished possibilities, if you want to bring your own bedroom furniture.) These rentals do not include a meal plan, phone or housekeeping. Some rental options include cable and internet, but this varies per host (but most are included.)

Option 2 is trickier, but if you are interested in an apartment or house for rent, I can make recommendations. Unfurnished 1-bedroom apartment rentals start around $900 per month and 2-bedroom rentals start around $1100 per month. These prices do not include utilities. Note that furnished apartments are NOT available in this area, so I would not recommend this option unless you can bring your own furniture or buy it when you get here.

Once you’ve accepted the position I would ask you to go to the “What We Need from You” tab and complete the appropriate information as soon as possible. As I help you find the situation that best suits you, I’ll need to know whether you will have a car, whether you have any pet allergies/problems, whether you require your own bedroom and/or bathroom, and how much you’re willing to spend per month on rent. It’s also helpful to me to know your age and what kind of person you are to live with, to help me narrow down a good fit for you.

As we get closer, I will send you more information about your first day. Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Geno Franco
Company Manager/Assistant Production Manager
(805) 928-7731 x 3153
g.franco@pcpa.org

Housing FAQ

What is the rent range?

For host family’s homes, room rentals can range from $500-$650 per month and include utilities, a bed, a dresser and full house privileges.

What is a host family?

A host family opens up a room or two in their home for our students. Many have been host families for years and are supporters of PCPA. They are not screened but I try to list information I gather from other students to share with new students.

What if I don’t want to stay with a host family?

Staying with a host family is not the only option. You can rent an apartment. Unfurnished 1-bedroom apartment rentals start around $1000 per month and 2-bedroom rentals start around $1500 per month. These prices do not include utilities. Note that furnished apartments are NOT available in this area, so I would not recommend this option unless you can bring your own stuff or buy it when you get here.

What is PCPA’s role in the housing process?

If you wish for PCPA to assist you in finding housing options, you should fill out the housing form located on the “What We Need from You” tab.
Once you fill out this form I will send you a list of housing options. It is then YOUR responsibility to contact the host family and work out an agreement with them.
You should ask as many questions as you need to so that you can feel comfortable with your choice. I have not met all of the families or been in their homes.
This part of the process is up to you.

What does rent include?

For 95% of our host family’s homes utilities are included. Cable and internet service varies. I will include a list of the information I have about internet and cable.

Can I bring my pet?

It is HIGHLY recommended that you do not bring a pet. The homes that allow animals are VERY limited.

Are the homes furnished?

95% of the homes are furnished. You should ask about the specific furnishings. However linens, towels, and such may or may not be provided. You should inquire about this and other possible items.

Are there homes that are all PCPA students?

There are a few houses and apartments that are rented by current students and interns. It can be challenging to get one of those spots, and the rent range is more in the $600 – $700 category. If you’re interested in these options, please let me know in the notes section of your cousin survey!

Do I have to pay a deposit or sign a lease?

For host family’s homes you will not have to sign a lease. You may have to sign an agreement regarding needing to move out or house rules. There are some homes that require a deposit but most do not.

What if I don’t have a car?

We do have some homes within a mile or two of campus. I would recommend getting a bike. The weather is always lovely.

What if I have more questions?

Please feel free to contact me at companymanager@pcpa.org or 805.928.7731 ext. 3153 and I will help you as much as possible.
We want you to feel comfortable with your housing choice so you can do your best work in the studios, shops, and stage.

Amenities

Banking

Bank of America
300 Town Center East SE Corner of Main & Broadway

2060 S. Broadway Between Carmen & Betteravia Chase

Chase
401 S. Broadway SW Corner of Cook & Broadway

2200 S. Broadway SE Corner of Betteravia & Broadway

Mechanics Bank
AHC Student Center ATM Building G, AHC Campus

519 E. Main St. NW Corner of Main & Elizabeth

1554 S. Broadway NE Corner of Broadway & Battles

1110 E. Clark Ave. (Orcutt) SE Corner of Clark & Bradley

Coast Hills Credit Union
1203 S. Broadway
SW Corner of Stowell and Broadway

SESLOC Federal Credit Union
2506 S. Broadway, Santa Maria

Wells Fargo Bank
319 E. Main St. NW Corner of Main & Miller

Wells Fargo Bank
2445 S. Broadway SW Corner of Broadway & McCoy

407 E. Main St. NE Corner of Main & Miller

1450 S. Broadway Between Stowell & Enos

4869 S. Bradley (Orcutt) NW Corner of Clark & Bradley

Post Offices

201 E. Battles
Between Miller & Broadway

155 S. 1st St. (Old Orcutt)
Off Clark, W of Orcutt Expwy/Broadway

Medical Services

Marian Medical Center
1400 E. Church
Off Main, E of Hwy 101

Central Coast Urgent Care
340 East Betteravia Rd.
Suite C
Ross Shopping Center

Dr. Ng (Dentist & Eyecare)
610 E. Chapel
(805) 928-0363

Dr. Lohman (Chiropractor)
2255 S. Broadway, Ste. 1
(805) 928-8866

ALTERNATIVE SERVICES
Acupuncture Center of SM (Herb Kandel or Claire Heinritz)
225 E. Miller
(805) 922-4490

Things To Do

Cities
San Luis Obispo (35 miles north)
– college town, restaurants, clubs, shopping, farmer’s market

Santa Barbara (75 miles south)
– college town, restaurants, clubs, shopping, beach

Cambria (70 miles north)
– artsy town, galleries, Moonstone Beach.

Harmony (65 miles north)
– artist colony, population 20, pottery and hand blown glass

Las Vegas – 7 hours

Los Angeles – 3 hours

Morro Bay (50 miles north)
– on the ocean, cute fishing town with a really big rock

San Francisco – 4 hours

Water
Avila Beach – 30 miles north
Guadalupe Dunes – West on Main Street until you hit water
Pismo Beach – 25 miles north
Cachuma Lake – 45 minutes south
Lopez Lake – 45 minutes north on 101Arroyo Grande – Camping
Naciemento Lake – 2 hours north on 101
Oso Flaco Lake – 15 minutes west

Wineries
Paso Robles: http://www.pasowine.com/
map: http://www.pasowine.com/wineries/map.php

Arroyo Grande & San Luis Obispo:
http://slowine.com/
map: http://slowine.com/cm/wineries_vineyards/wine_tasting_map.html

Santa Barbara County (including Santa Maria & Solvang):
http://www.sbcountywines.com/
map: http://www.sbcountywines.com/visit/map.html

Seasonal Events
Farmers’ Markets
San Luis Obispo – Every Thursday Night 5-9pm. Blocks and blocks of food, goods, music, people, and fun. Local shops stay open late. and Saturday mornings.
Santa Maria – Every Wednesday afternoon 2-6pm, Mervyns’s parking lot. Small but plenty of fresh vegetables.
Morro Bay – farmers market Thursday afternoons.
Arroyo Grande – farmers market Wednesday mornings and Saturday afternoons.
Mid-State Fair (July 22-August 2) – Paso Robles (60 miles north) – Lots of great bands! (www.midstatefair.com)

Misc. Stuff
Biplane rides – Oceano Airport
Boomers! – Santa Maria – miniature golf, batting cages, go-carts
Chumash Indian Casino – for the bingo and gambling lovers – Santa Ynez
Hearst Castle (75 miles north) – best display of sheer decadence on the Central Coast
Montana De Oro State Park (35 miles north) – lots of hiking, woods, water
Pismo Preserve – Shell Beach
Prime Outlets – shopping – Pismo Beach
Sycamore Springs – Avila Beach – amazing hot springs (www.sycamoresprings.com)
Whale Watching – Morro Bay, Santa Barbara

Entertainment

Edwards Cinemas 10
1521 S. Bradley
(805) 347-1166

Hi-Way Drive-In
3085 Santa Maria Way
(805) 937-3515

Festival Cinemas (Arroyo Grande)
1160 W. Branch
(805) 481-7553

Rancho Bowl
128 E. Donovan
SE Corner of Broadway & Donovan Billiard Lounge
1931 S. Thornburg
Off Carmen, W of Broadway

Edwards Cinema 14
100 Town Center East
(805) 922-3523

SLO Rep
888 Morro Street
San Luis Obispo
www.slorep.org

The Great American Melodrama
1863 Front Street
Oceano, CA 93445
www.americanmelodrama.com

Fitness

Casey Canino – Pilates Training and Classes
530-401-3294
caseycanino@hotmail.com
www.caseycanino.com

Western Village Health Club
2015 S. Broadway
(805) 348-1888

In-Shape City
1318 S. Broadway
(805) 928-7474

PERSONAL TRAINING
(Note: If you are interested in working with Gary or Mike, call them before you choose an exercise facility.)

Gary Gorospe
(805) 260-2781
gary@custom-workouts.com

Mike Loos
(310) 430-8456
eliteperformancept@yahoo.com

The Pad Climbing Gym
2399 A. St, Santa Maria
844-254-6287

Anytime Fitness (24 hour)
153 E. Clark Ave.
Orcutt
805 938-1300

Groceries

Albertsons
2320 S. Broadway
NE Corner of Broadway & McCoy

1120 E. Clark Ave. (Orcutt)
SE Corner of Clark & Bradley

Costco
1700 S. Bradley

Lassen’s Natural Food & Vitamins
1790 S. Broadway
Between Newlove & Inger

Trader Joe’s
1303 S. Bradley
Right next to CBC

955 Rancho Parkway (Arroyo Grande)
Branch St. Exit

Vons
817 E. Main St.
NE Corner of Main & College

Grocery Outlet
1948 S. Broadway
805 922-0190

FoodMaxx
1870 N. Broadway
805 348-9600

Vallartas Supermarket
1482 S. Broadway
805 922-9815

FoodsCo
1465 S. Broadway
805 922-9815

Restaurants

(This is a sampling of the variety offered in Santa Maria. We also have the usual chains, steakhouses, diners, Italian, seafood, pizza, Chinese take-out, and fast food. There are also some great non-chain specialty places in easy driving distance to Pismo or SLO, etc.)

Boonie Thai
618 E. Main St.
Between College & Elizabeth

California Sushi
416 E. Main St.
SE Corner of Main & Miller

Dino’s Liquor & Deli (sandwiches)
750 E. Main St.
SW Corner of Main & College

In-N-Out
(famous California burgers)
1330 S. Bradley
Across from CBC

Jack’s
(breakfast & burgers, etc.)
156-C N. Broadway St.
(Old Orcutt)
Off Clark, W of Orcutt Expy/Broadway

Klondike Pizza
(custom pizza & beer)
2059 S. Broadway
Between Carmen & Betteravia

Maya (Mexican)
110 S. Lincoln St.
Off Broadway & Main

The Natural Café
(vegan options)
2407 S. Broadway
SW Corner of McCoy & Broadway

Panera
(bread, soup, salads, sandwiches)
540 E. Betteravia
SW Corner of College & Betteravia

Yanagi Sushi & Grill
2431 S. Broadway
SW Corner of McCoy & Broadway

Shaw’s Steakhouse – rebuilding
714 S. Broadway
805 925-5862

Kay’s Orcutt Country Kitchen
135 E. Clark Ave
Orcutt
805 934-4429

The Swiss Restaurant
516 N. Broadway
805 347-7800

Moxie Cafe
1317 W. McCoy Lane
805 361-2900

The Pantry
726 S. Broadway
805 739-8895

Rancho Nipomo BBQ & Cal-Mex
108 Cuyama Lane
Nipomo, CA

Starbucks
1201 E. Main
NE Corner of Main & Hwy 101

1419 S. Broadway, Ste. A
SW Corner of Broadway & Stowell

530 E. Betteravia
SW Corner of College & Betteravia

2530 S. Broadway
Between McCoy & Santa Maria Way