“I like that we get to write our own pieces.” - April 14
This session shifted our focus toward imagination, authorship, and the future of the ensemble’s creative work.
After gathering and checking in, many members transitioned into Volunteer Appreciation Event rehearsal, leaving a smaller group to reflect on the summer program. What followed was a rich and generative conversation about what the ensemble values most in their creative process.
“I like that we get to write our own pieces. There are no shows where we get to write,” one ensemble member shared, grounding the conversation in the importance of authorship and ownership. The group explored how to build on that strength, with suggestions to make the final performance feel more structured and production-driven.
An exciting idea emerged: a larger original play interwoven with “commercial breaks” featuring original writing. These pieces would explore themes of love, loss, grief, struggle, happiness, and overcoming. With support from Aupperlee, the group discussed using guiding questions to help generate writing, ensuring that everyone has a point of entry into the creative process.
The room was filled with storytelling. An ensemble member shared writing and even broke into song, creating a moment of play and connection. Others reflected on past seasons and the desire to balance heavier themes with humor and lightness. “I like funny things,” one participant noted, reminding us of the importance of joy alongside truth.
By the end of the session, the group was already thinking ahead—imagining a model where a writer or small team develops a piece over the course of the season. The foundation for this summer’s work is beginning to take shape, rooted in collaboration, creativity, and the voices of the ensemble.
“There is a lot of great scene work happening.” - April 16
This session brought us back into the heart of rehearsal, with a full run of Comedy of Errors and continued work on Hamlet for the Volunteer Appreciation Event.
After check-in, we began a run at 6:32, with ensemble members stepping into roles and supporting one another throughout. Even with overlapping work happening in the space, the focus remained on building the world of the play and strengthening each moment.
“There is a lot of great scene work happening,” and it showed. Performances are becoming more grounded and confident, with participants bringing energy, specificity, and growing clarity to their characters. Scenes we’ve revisited are showing noticeable improvement, a testament to the ensemble’s commitment to the process.
We spent time refining key moments—particularly physical sequences and transitions—working through blocking and exploring how to make storytelling clearer and more dynamic. Some performances began tentatively but opened up as the work continued, revealing depth and confidence.
Fisher-Grant supported the Hamlet group, helping simplify the sword fight choreography and making the scene more accessible and playable. Meanwhile, conversations around music and transitions sparked ideas for how to enhance the flow and energy of the performance as a whole.
As the evening continued, we adapted as needed—stepping into roles, adjusting staging, and keeping the work moving forward. We closed by spending additional time on the Hamlet scene, digging deeper into the text and continuing to shape the piece.
The momentum is clear: the ensemble is building something strong, together.