February 17th and 19th

February 17

This week’s first session was intentionally light. I was out sick, and without our usual note-taking in place, the evening unfolded simply and organically. The group gathered, played games, read through the show together in a circle of chairs, and spent time talking.

“The More You Practice It Out Loud, the Easier It Gets.” - February 19

We began by gathering and catching up, easing into the night with conversation before our check-in. There was thoughtful discussion about speaking up for oneself and advocating for change. One participant told another, “I’m glad you have the voice to speak up.” That spirit of resilience and encouragement set the tone for the evening.

To help newer ensemble members see where the story is headed, we ran Act 5, Scene 1 — the culmination of the play. Watching everyone step into performance mode so quickly was powerful. Participants embraced their roles, and reflections afterward showed how much the ending clarified the journey of mistaken identity and reunion for the group.

From there, we returned to the beginning of the play and read together. Laughter emerged as we worked through Shakespeare’s dense language. When asked what the Duke’s speech was saying, someone joked, “Too much!” The humor opened the door to a deeper conversation about clarity, pacing, and cutting lines where needed.

As we continued, scenes began to spark. Act 1, Scene 2 flowed smoothly, and by the time we reached Act 2, Scene 1, the energy shifted into something electric. The dynamic between Adriana and Luciana felt alive and grounded, with performers listening closely and responding in real time.

We also talked about Shakespeare’s verse — how line endings interact with full sentences and how rhythm can support understanding. One participant offered a simple truth: “The more you practice it out loud the easier it gets.” It was a reminder that Shakespeare, like any language, becomes more accessible the more we live inside it.

The night closed with laughter, learning, and the raising of the ring — a ritual that continues to anchor our work in community and shared purpose.

February 10th and 12th

“We get creative in here.” - February 10

The evening began with casual conversation and laughter as the group settled in together, swapping stories about inventive cooking and everyday creativity. One participant summed it up best: “We get creative in here.” That spirit of ingenuity carried throughout the session as the ensemble moved from conversation into rehearsal.

We shared updates about upcoming plans, including welcoming new ensemble members and preparing for the next phase of rehearsal. The group eagerly brainstormed roles that new members might take on, demonstrating generosity and openness in making space for newcomers. Costume ideas also flowed freely, with participants imagining bold colors, statement pieces, and playful additions that will bring the world of the show to life.

A highlight of the evening was the introduction of a new ensemble exercise focused on communication and consent. Through playful rounds of Simon Says, participants explored what it feels like to say no, to offer alternatives, and to collaborate in shaping shared choices. Reflections afterward revealed thoughtful insights about agency and openness, reinforcing how rehearsal spaces can support both artistic and personal growth.

From there, the group returned to blocking, bringing strong energy and commitment to scene work. Performers embraced bold character choices and playful accents, and laughter rippled through the room as new ideas were tested. Ensemble members supported one another with feedback and encouragement, helping scenes grow stronger and more dynamic.

The night wrapped with games, improv, and the raising of the ring—a ritual that continues to mark the end of each session with unity and purpose. The sense of connection and shared momentum was clear as everyone headed out, ready to continue building the show together.

“I wanted to try something different.” - February 12

This session was especially exciting as new ensemble members joined the group for the first time. As introductions began, one participant shared simply, “I wanted to try something different,” capturing the courage and curiosity that new members bring into the room.

Conversations quickly turned to why people choose to participate, with both new and returning members sharing their motivations for joining the ensemble. Stories of stepping outside comfort zones, seeking creative challenges, and finding connection through theatre created a welcoming atmosphere for everyone present.

To help new members get oriented, the group revisited the story of the play, introduced characters, and shared insights about the production process. Veteran ensemble members enthusiastically helped newcomers understand the show, demonstrating how the group supports each other through every stage of rehearsal.

The evening also included playful name games and rap-based wordplay, giving everyone a chance to loosen up and connect through humor and rhythm. Costume conversations continued as participants envisioned their characters’ looks, and measurements were taken to prepare for upcoming costume work.

The session concluded with group games and the familiar ritual of raising the ring together—a moment that welcomed new members into the ensemble while reinforcing the sense of shared purpose that keeps the work moving forward.

With new voices joining the process and rehearsal momentum building, the ensemble continues to grow both artistically and as a community.

February 3rd and 5th

“We’re in the 60s and 70s, songs are great.” - February 3

This session was filled with creativity, humor, and big-picture dreaming about what comes next for the ensemble. As we gathered and checked in, we talked about the remainder of the season and the exciting work ahead - finishing blocking, welcoming new ensemble members, and eventually choosing next year’s production. The conversation quickly turned imaginative as participants began brainstorming ways to shape the show in ways that felt true to them.

The group discussed how timing runs might help tighten the script and joked about cutting lines, rearranging moments, and even adding music. The idea of incorporating songs or rap elements sparked enthusiasm, and several participants imagined future productions that blend Shakespeare with original musical or spoken-word storytelling. Conversations about projects like Hip Hop Hamlet inspired everyone to think about how their own creative voices might shape future work together.

As rehearsal began, laughter flowed easily. Playful moments emerged as scenes were restaged, with participants experimenting with character choices, adding humorous touches, and supporting one another’s performances. Improvised moments - like shared reading glasses becoming part of a comic exchange - showed how the ensemble continually discovers new bits of storytelling through collaboration.

Scene work continued with strong performances and generous peer feedback, with participants encouraging one another to explore bigger emotional stakes and clearer character intentions. The energy remained high as rehearsal transitioned into dance practice, with the group suggesting songs and moving together through familiar dances, filling the room with music, laughter, and joy.

The evening ended on a light, playful note, reminding us that even in the middle of rehearsal challenges, laughter and shared movement remain central to the ensemble’s creative process.

“You must wear boots.” - February 5

This session opened with lively conversation and a return to one of the ensemble’s favorite topics: costumes. As measurements were gathered, participants shared ideas about how facilitators and background performers might look onstage. Suggestions ranged from jumpsuits and military-style hats to boots and tie-dye shirts, all contributing to a vibrant visual world for the production. Participants eagerly described their own costume wishes as well, imagining hats, colorful ascots, and playful details that fit the show’s energetic spirit.

Rehearsal then moved into scene work, with participants diving into Act 2, Scene 2. Performers explored new choices, refining blocking and experimenting with comedic timing. Facilitators encouraged performers to heighten humor and connection, and the group supported one another in finding moments that felt playful and alive.

Even when rehearsal energy dipped, the ensemble found ways to bring levity back into the room. One performer burst into a scene with such bold physical comedy that laughter spread instantly through the group, resetting the mood and reminding everyone of the joy at the heart of the process.

As rehearsal wound down, the group shifted into games, playing rounds of Late for Work and reconnecting through play. The laughter and movement closed the evening on a strong note, reinforcing how much this work depends not only on performance skills but on trust, humor, and ensemble connection.

January 27th and 29th

“Acceptance is my answer.” — January 27

This session began with warm conversation and a sense of ease as the group gathered and checked in together. To deepen our exploration of The Comedy of Errors, I posed a question connected to my Exit Project: What does mistaken identity and being misunderstood mean to you? The conversation that followed was thoughtful, vulnerable, and deeply reflective.

Participants shared powerful stories about identity, perception, and growth—about being labeled, misunderstood, and learning to reclaim their own narratives. Many spoke about the importance of acceptance, self-awareness, and emotional honesty. One participant reflected on how recognizing and naming her identity helps her stay on track in her recovery, while another shared how being misunderstood throughout her life shaped her desire to be seen and acknowledged. Others spoke about family, parenting, gender expectations, and the complexity of being judged by a single story.

The group also discussed femininity, masculinity, and sexuality, highlighting how stereotypes shape expectations and how self-expression can be a form of resistance and healing. The conversation underscored how Comedy of Errors—a play built on mistaken identity—offers a rich framework for examining how we see ourselves and how others see us.

After the discussion, we transitioned into movement with Crazy 8s and then returned to rehearsal, picking up Act 4, Scene 4. The group worked through stage combat moments and character interactions, experimenting with blocking and filling in roles as needed. We discussed prop needs for the scene and began planning how to support the physical storytelling moving forward.

The evening balanced deep reflection with collaborative practice—affirming how ensemble dialogue and rehearsal can inform and enrich one another.

“She wants to be a disco queen with a crown.” — January 29

This session opened with lighthearted conversation and celebration—one participant shared that it was her birthday and that she wanted to play Pancake, setting a playful tone for the evening. We checked in as a group and discussed upcoming plans for the production, including opening the callout for new ensemble members and how many new participants to invite into the process.

We then moved into rehearsal for Act 5, Scene 1, where I took measurements to support costume planning. The group continued imagining the visual world of the show, with participants sharing bold costume ideas—pink looks, disco-inspired outfits, crowns, and sequined jumpsuits—leaning into the vibrant, playful aesthetic of the production.

After rehearsal, we played Queen of the Jungle and Pancake, filling the room with laughter and movement. The games offered a joyful close to the evening, reinforcing the ensemble’s sense of community, play, and shared momentum as we head toward performance.

January 20th and 22nd

“Laughter is medicine for the soul.” - January 20

Our ensemble gathered this week for a joyful and thoughtful rehearsal filled with reflection, humor, and creative discovery. During check-in, participants shared why they were excited to take on The Comedy of Errors—and what comedy means to them in this moment of their lives.

One participant shared, “We can let loose and be ourselves. It’s such a serious world—so I find every chance to have fun.” Another added, “I thrive better in comedy. I gotta get past this part to go on to tragic roles. My goal is to act.”

The group reflected deeply on laughter and joy, with one participant beautifully summarizing, “Laughter is medicine for the soul.” Another shared, “Shakespeare is my happiness. You bring us happiness. It lets you forget for just a minute the reality you’re in.”

After sharing jokes and stories—sparking waves of laughter—we dove back into blocking Act 3, Scene 1 and beyond. Ensemble members stepped into new roles, supported one another through staging, and brought strong energy and confidence to the work. Participants experimented with movement, dance, and character choices, building momentum toward a vibrant, playful production.

The day closed with continued collaboration, curiosity, and a shared commitment to making people laugh—onstage and off.

“You threw me off ‘cause you’re playing a woman!” “You’re playing a man!” - January 22

Rehearsal continued with creativity, collaboration, and an infectious sense of play. Ensemble members shared their love of reading, creativity, and learning, and celebrated one another with kindness and care. We checked in as a group, shared updates, and celebrated milestones together.

We began the session with warm-ups and movement exercises, followed by focused blocking on Act 3, Scene 2. Participants worked together to deepen objectives, add physicality, and explore audience engagement. When we tried a new chase exercise to energize the scene, the response was immediate and joyful.

“That was fun!” one participant exclaimed, while another added, “I loved it!” The ensemble decided to keep the exercise as part of the staging, embracing movement and play as key storytelling tools.

We continued into Act 4, Scene 2, refining character choices and comedic beats. Participants applied notes with enthusiasm, fought for objectives, and celebrated each other’s breakthroughs. Improvisation, accents, and playful experimentation kept the room buzzing with laughter—especially during a spirited exchange about cross-gender casting that had the whole ensemble laughing.

We wrapped the session with a group game and plenty of joy, ending with connection, humor, and a shared sense of accomplishment.