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.