This session focused on developing community values and discussing how the ensemble hopes to work together this summer. Reflecting on past SIP experiences and welcoming new ideas helped identify what was most important for the ensemble. 

Throughout the evening, the ensemble discussed how to navigate the relationship between writers and actors. One ensemble member shared her experience revising her piece to make an actor more comfortable. 

“I’m an open writer.” She said, “I agree with the actor 99%. I don’t mind if the actor changes my stuff.”

This sparked a broader conversation about how to balance a writer’s intentions with the actor’s interpretation. Ensemble members agreed that writing and editing decisions should remain with the writer, but the performance choices are up to the actor. At the same time, the group agreed to maintain communication and acknowledge when personal pieces may need more direction from the writer. 

The ensemble also discussed how to manage conflict and feedback. One participant encouraged others to be open to change, saying,  “Be an adult. Have an open mind, open heart.” This led another participant to emphasize having fun and not taking things too seriously, “What happens in the moment happens in the moment.”

Later in the evening, the conversation turned to the theme of the show. Ensemble members discussed chosen family, remembrance, and grieving the women who have been lost. One ensemble member praised another participant’s idea for a theme about chosen family,  “Being in prison we don’t pick our bunkies or our unit, but we choose who we give love and time to. We pick our family here.”

The discussion concluded with creating a plan for choosing how many pieces each ensemble member can add to the show.  The night closed with a high energy improv game, laughter, and a sense of excitement for what’s to come.