“How Do I Act That?” – April 7
I arrived a bit late, waiting on materials for our Hamlet work, but the group was already gathered and ready to begin. After a quick check-in, we dove into Act 5, Scene 1 of Hamlet, with ensemble members stepping into the Gravedigger scene and immediately finding moments of humor and rhythm in the text.
We spent time discussing how to adapt the final scene for a smaller group, problem-solving together and identifying what could be trimmed while still honoring the story. From there, we shifted back into The Comedy of Errors, continuing our work through Act 1, Scene 2.
One of the most exciting moments of the night came when a participant asked, “How do I act that?” It opened up a rich conversation about playing actions instead of emotions - focusing on what a character is doing rather than how they feel. She immediately began applying the note, and the shift was clear.
Throughout the rehearsal, ideas were flying. Participants explored physical comedy, experimented with reactions, and even suggested adding sound elements like drum hits to heighten moments of impact. The room was full of creativity, even as we navigated moments of distraction and worked to stay focused.
We closed by revisiting Hamlet, where the group had already begun shaping casting ideas for the Volunteer Appreciation Event (VAE). Even in its early stages, there was a strong sense of ownership and excitement around the piece.
“I’m Not Going to Go Out Like That!” – April 9
This session was grounded in detailed scene work as we continued building The Comedy of Errors. After some initial discussion and planning, we jumped into Act 4, Scene 3, where the group brought strong instincts and clear character choices. The scene developed quickly through repetition, with each pass adding more specificity and confidence.
We then moved into Act 4, Scene 4, focusing on staging and physical storytelling. The ensemble worked through the mechanics of the scene - particularly moments involving movement and coordination - offering ideas and adjustments to make the action clearer and more dynamic. The work required patience and collaboration, and the group continued to refine it together.
Later in the session, attention shifted to the VAE Hamlet piece. The ensemble is still discovering the tone of the scene, exploring whether it leans more toward comedy or seriousness. As they work through the language, they are beginning to find clarity in both the storytelling and their individual performances.
The process is ongoing, but what remains consistent is the ensemble’s willingness to experiment, question, and shape the work together.