“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.