Students and staff from the theater department at Fresno City College performed “Almost Maine,” a play written by actor and playwright John Cariani. The play made its Central Valley debut on March 2 and ran through March 10.

“Almost Maine” is a collection of comedic vignettes that portray  different love stories between several characters, all of which take place at the same time in one night. The play takes place in the fictional town of Almost in northern Maine. Characters in the play experience love in many, often funny, ways.

The cast and crew of “Almost Maine” went through an extensive process to prepare for this production. They auditioned, did readings and outside research as well.

For 21-year-old Kai Di Mino and 19-year-old Olivia Stemler – who played the couple, Pete and Ginnette respectively – part of the outside research was to build their character history.

“We worked together on building character history and discussed our physical points on stage,” said Di Mino. “We went star-gazing,” added Stemler – as their characters spend time star-gazing in the play.

Aside from outside research – which also included knowing climates for Maine – 20-year-old theater student Esau Mora said imagination was also an important aspect of the preparation process.

“You have to delve as deeply as you can into your character,” said Mora, who played Steve. In playing Steve, Mora found that not only could he relate to him, but anyone else could as well.

“Steve is all of us,” he said of his character that gets out of a bad relationship and doesn’t want to be in a relationship again. Mora said that at some point we all have  “that fear that’s the really scary part.”

Mora wasn’t the only one who felt a connection with his character. Of playing Pete, Di Mino said, “Jumping into Pete is like coming alive.”

In addition to connections to their respective characters, actors also felt connections with each other, crew and staff. Instead of seeing each other as competition, they support each other.

“The cast has come together, we’re a family. We believe in what the show is about,” said Di Mino.

After a long preparation process and the connections made along the way, it all comes down to a performance with an audience.

“Theater is meant to inspire and move an audience. If we can create thought, we’ve done our job. We are a mirror to society and hopefully better your relationships,” said Mora.

He continued, “As artists we try to promote that growth; you’re falling into a wonderland and coming back to reality bringing these treasures with you.”