“Everyone’s Voice Counts”
As September deepened, the ensemble’s work grew more focused. Tuesday began with laughter—a round of What Are You Doing? had everyone calling out imaginary actions and cheering each other on. When the group turned back to Adriana’s monologue, the energy shifted to concentration and courage. One ensemble member performed the speech twice, prompting a peer to remark, “The first time felt like a poem, this time was like she was really there.” The actor nodded: “It felt more real.”
Another participant wanted “to put more into it,” taking another run at the same lines. The group lingered on the moment when Adriana calls her husband an “Unfeeling fool!” trying out different tones until someone exclaimed, “That was good—she really did a good job!” The applause that followed was genuine and proud.
By Thursday, new members had joined, and the ensemble paused the text to share stories about growth. “I was stupid shy and now I’m out there!” one said. “I thought I was the star of the show even though I had two lines!” Another reflected, “You can be yourself and be vulnerable.” A chorus of agreement followed: “Everyone’s voice counts.” “The ensemble matters.” “This is my outside-inside.”
The conversation turned reflective and deeply personal. “I was definitely in my shell. It helped me a lot with confidence.” “This is building the right kind of confidence instead of being cocky—I’m right sized.” “Before it was egotistical confidence—this is good self-esteem.” Then, laughter filled the room again when a participant introduced themselves as “William’s Shakespeare.” The cheers that followed made clear: this group had found its rhythm—collaborative, confident, and kind.