The Mechanicals

Who are the Mechanicals?

The Mechanicals are basically the Canon’s community network—people who enjoy working with us and intend to keep doing so.

The Mechanicals are the Canon’s first call when help is needed (with FOH/ushering, design, postering, etc), and in exchange, they receive special benefits & events!

Once you’ve been part of 2 or more Canon shows, the Canon will ask if you’d like to join.

These shows could be through acting, designing, directing, or being crew.

 The 2026 Mechanical Roster

Emilie Weidlich

Bio

Ezra Veenstra

Bio

Isabella Giordano

Bio

Ivey Rhyson

Bio

Katy Payne

Bio

Owen Webb

Bio

Ryan Pfeiffer

Ryan is delighted to join Canon Shakespeare Company as one of their Mechanicals!

The plays of William Shakespeare have long been among Ryan's favorites, from college & local theatre in Montana (Jaques in As You Like It; Don John in Much Ado About Nothing) to here in Portland (King Henry in Henry IV, Pts. I & II; Caesar in Julius Caesar), and even to the big screen of indie film (Claudius in Hamlet).

Most recently, Ryan played with Canon in Dr. Faustus, and is in King Beer, their upcoming summer fundraiser of Sauced Shakespeare.

So many amazing productions with wonderfully talented people, and Ryan is honored to have an integral part in crafting more memories with Canon.

“Once more unto the breach, dear friends!”

More about the Mechanicals

What do the Mechanicals do?

  • To stay a Mechanical, one must be involved in 1+ show per year (this could be ushering, helping with strike, etc—does not require full show participation)

  • We will ask for help with marketing, load-ins, etc—you do not have to help, but we appreciate those who can!

What benefits do the Mechanicals get?

  • Skip auditions, straight to callbacks! (NO guaranteed casting)

  • Special Mechanicals-only events (like our Godfather + spaghetti and wine night)

  • Mechanicals groupchat access

  • Invites to board meetings to offer feedback/suggestions

FAQ

  • Are Mechanicals on the board?

    • Mechanicals are not on the board, but they may be invited to open board meetings to offer feedback and suggestions.

  • Are Mechanicals given special preference in casting?

    • No. While Mechanicals may go straight to callbacks, from there, they are considered the same as any other auditioner.

    • Occasionally, if the Canon is doing an unpaid fundraiser, we will cast from the Mechanicals instead of holding formal auditions (as all of our auditioned shows are paid stipends).

  • I’m not interested in acting—could I still be a Mechanical?

    • Yes! Working on a show in a design/crew capacity still counts towards your two shows. If you want to offer your services to the Canon, please reach out!

Want to Join?

Reach out to company@canonpdx.org if you’re interested in getting more involved with the Canon and becoming a Mechanical!