“I Made Sure My Schedule Leaves Tuesdays and Thursdays Open”
April 29
Ensemble members began arriving at the auditorium just after 6 p.m., and we started the evening with a goal: begin the run-through promptly at 6:30. Spirits were high as the group gathered. An ensemble member shared a milestone—she had just finished her academic semester and intentionally built her next class schedule to leave Tuesdays and Thursdays open for Shakespeare. Her dedication was met with congratulations from the group and underscored just how much SIP means to its participants.
At 6:15, we launched into our traditional check-in circle, followed by the opening ring, led by a new ensemble member who was trying it for the first time. She was supported in the ritual by the other ensemble members, reminding her what to say. The ring serves as our grounding ritual—a space to come together, reflect, and begin with intention. After that, we jumped right into the play.
We began a run-through of Much Ado About Nothing, starting with Act 1 and working straight through to the end of Act 4, Scene 1—the emotional turning point in the play where relationships are challenged and loyalties tested. With a few ensemble members absent, facilitators filled in for missing roles.
Throughout the run, one ensemble member’s dedication to being fully memorized stood out. Though her commitment is inspiring, we noticed that turning pages mid-scene caused a few moments of slowed pacing. The group discussed that while memorization is the goal, fluidity and connection are equally important. This led to a broader reflection on timing—especially in the gossip scenes, where quick pacing and clear shifts between private and “overheard” dialogue are essential for both humor and clarity.
To support the ensemble in refining these moments, we floated the idea of doing a speed-through or Italian run—a rehearsal method where actors run lines at a fast clip, helping with memorization, pacing, and cue pickup. The group agreed to give it a try during Thursday’s session.
We wrapped for the night after the pivotal Benedick and Beatrice scene, and asked the group to:
Continue practicing out loud
Bring in more suggested cuts
Be prepared for Thursday’s speed-through and to finish the final scenes of the play
Facilitators also plan to offer a few cuts to help tighten the pacing as we head into our final run.
We closed the evening with another ring, led by the same ensemble member who opened it, sending us off with the same focus and spirit we started with.