November 5, 2024
"Emotion, Emotion, Emotion"
We assembled for the session, the group very happy that session was still being held on Election Night. We began with a fan-favorite game from Halloween, the “Restaurant Game,” where participants role-play various character scenarios. Each round saw characters like turkeys, mad scientists, and zombies in different roles, from customer to doctor, sparking plenty of laughs. We followed this with a dancing game, “Demand a Dance,” and soon, everyone was in high spirits, including one member, with some physical limitations, who danced from her chair.
The group’s excitement grew as we transitioned into reading Much Ado About Nothing, picking up from Act 2, Scene 2. Our ensemble, which has been diving deeply into the play’s characters, decided to skip reading the scene and put it on its feet. "It’s the setup!" one member exclaimed after we acted out the scene, recognizing the clever trap Don John and Borachio were setting. This moment sparked a reflective conversation about the gender dynamics in the play, with participants commenting on Hero’s unfair standards compared to Claudio’s freedom: “This just pisses me off. He’s a boy.” Another member shared how she empathizes with Don John, explaining, “It’s the part of me I’m not anymore—the part I’ve left behind.”
Later, we staged Act 2, Scene 3 with a full cast. We set up the stage and trees to hide Benedick and highlighted the dramatics of Claudio, Leonato, and Don Pedro feeding Benedick information. The session ended with a spirited staging of the scene, encouraging dramatic performances and another member helping the group with stage positioning, offering suggestions like “cheat out.” The night ended on a high note, the session humming with energy as we lowered the ring.
November 7, 2024
During check-in, we discussed the upcoming visit of Detroit Public Theatre’s Producing Artistic Directors (PADs). The question of how to structure the session led to a unanimous decision: we wanted a special evening performance. After some deliberation and multiple votes, we chose to stage Act 2, Scene 1, with its iconic dance and mask elements, giving everyone a chance to participate.
The group wanted to wake up a bit before diving in, so we started with “Crazy 8’s,” which was a hit. Following that, we read through Act 3, Scene 1, casting members in the roles of Hero, Ursula, Margaret, and Beatrice. During the scene, one participant joked about Beatrice’s “self-absorbed” nature, adding, “That’s why I like her. We both are—probably the best way to be in prison!” The group laughed and connected over these character traits, with another participant adding, “All it takes is a little nudge,” referring to how quickly Beatrice and Benedick’s feelings change.
The conversation then shifted to deeper reflections on reputation. One member shared how external perceptions shaped her life and led her to prison: “You’re shaming this woman because you’re trash!” She explained, “It’s so sad—based on what others think and other people’s opinions—that ruled my life.” This sparked a candid discussion about the weight of societal expectations, with one member recalling her grandmother’s constant, “What would the neighbor’s think?”
Act 3, Scene 2 stirred a variety of reactions as we discussed Don John’s jealousy. Another participant captured it perfectly: “Misery loves company!” The group also reflected on Dogberry’s antics in Scene 3, a participant comparing him to the Pink Panther.
Toward the end of the evening, we discussed audience engagement—how important it is to “pause for laughter” and to create moments where the audience feels drawn in. One member shared a mantra from her past sales job: “Grab their attention, paint the picture, set the sail.” We ended the session inspired, ready to “step up our game” and bring everything we’ve discussed and rehearsed to life in the coming weeks. As one member said, it’s all about “emotion, emotion, emotion.”
