This session focused on imagining the future of the summer writing project and exploring what it means to create original work together. The ensemble reflected on last year’s performances and discussed how writing can create opportunities for voices, stories, and experiences to be shared in new ways.

Participants emphasized how meaningful it was that everyone’s writing had a place in previous projects. “I like that everything that was written was included,” one ensemble member shared. “It encouraged people to write.” Others discussed the importance of balancing individual expression with a cohesive production structure. The group explored ideas around themes, collaborative storytelling, performer choice, and ways to shape the performance into something both personal and theatrical.

Throughout the conversation, ensemble members reflected deeply on authorship, ownership, and collaboration. They discussed giving performers freedom with the material while still honoring the intentions of the writer. The conversation became a powerful exploration of trust, creativity, and collective storytelling. One participant summed up the vision for the future simply: “I think we should go beyond the walls.”

The group also shared developing creative ideas for future productions, including original plays, themes centered around love and grief, and collaborative structures where every participant contributes at least one piece of writing. By the end of the night, the ensemble had not only continued preparing for The Comedy of Errors, but also begun building the artistic foundation for the next chapter of Shakespeare & Beyond.