Professor Patty Gallagher confers with student actor Brenna Carrera as the two collaborate to bring a fresh approach to Shakespeare’s words.

Student actors rehearse the shipwreck scene in the first scene of “The Comedy of Errors.” From left, Alex Cook, Angie Flum, Celeste LaGrange, Luna Camitan, Mad Charles, Gillian O’Leary and Clover Lettieri.

UC Santa Cruz acting students trod the boards of the stage of the eXperimental Theater at the university’s Theater Arts Center during a dress rehearsal Tuesday night of William Shakespeare’s “The Comedy of Errors.” UCSC Department of Performance, Play and Design professor Patty Gallagher reimagined the classic comedy to set the production in the first half of the 20th century during the Vaudeville and silent movie era. The 17 student actors and crew members are supported by Gallagher and a handful of professionals for the show. The classic comedy based on a Roman comedy by Plautus, follows two sets of twins who were separated by a shipwreck. For the current production, Gallagher teamed up with fellow UCSC professor David Lee Cuthbert, who has worked on Broadway, to design the sets and lighting. Cuthbert, in a UCSC News story, praised Gallagher as a fantastic collaborator: “Everyone can throw out an idea, and if it’s good it’ll get integrated. Her directing style is really to create an environment where everyone feels they have the ability to contribute.” Cuthbert died unexpectedly this week and Gallagher said, “His last creative act was to build his beloved students a beautiful playground. He is in our hearts every minute we stand in it.” Gallagher said she works to inspire her students and future audience members to remain undaunted by the poetry of Shakespeare and revel in its relevance and beauty. “The Comedy of Errors” opens at UCSC on Friday and runs this weekend and next. Tickets are available at Eventbrite.

Student stage manager Casey Moore keeps dress rehearsal running smoothly.

Student actors rehearse a scene. From left, Eleven Turoff, Brenna Carrera, Kyle Lieu, Madison Tan and Eleanor Fleckenstein.