"The Encouragement Goes a Long Way"
January 14
We arrived at the facility just after 5:20 p.m., got into the Programs building early, and reorganized the bin before setting up the room. Ensemble members trickled in, chatting as they arrived. One participant, wearing makeup, expressed disappointment, thinking auditions were that night. The group was glad for the extra practice time and decided to audition on stage instead of in the circle.
One participant was the first to try the Beatrice monologue. A facilitator suggested they take a beat and connect with us before starting. We introduced the concept of a "moment before," and we discussed not apologizing when forgetting lines. Another participant went next, taking the beat well. A third participant followed, remarking afterward, “I can’t remember jack squat, I was going too fast.” Another member shared a memorization strategy: writing out lines, cutting them up, and practicing with friends in the day room. “Those are some tough bitches,” they said.
Another ensemble member tried the Benedick monologue, struggling with the lines at first. We encouraged them to use the book and have fun. When they did, they delivered a great performance. Another member, working on Beatrice, said, “It felt good because I’ve been practicing. I was intimidated by the words, but once I got it, I got it.” They credited another participant for helping them, saying, “They got me out of my room after 1:30.”
The group discussed the ripple effect of the program. “Everybody knows what SIP is,” one said. Others chimed in: “Can I join?” and “The encouragement goes a long way.”
Another ensemble member performed Benedick but was hard to hear. The group encouraged them to be louder and slow down. Another participant tried Claudio, initially nervous, but improved when paired with a partner acting as Hero. Another member, performing Beatrice again, declared, “When I come back on Thursday, I’ll know it by heart.”
One participant, after trying Claudio, said, “I didn’t like it. I want to do Benedick.” They performed Benedick’s monologue, sharing, “I like the anger from Claudio and the cockiness of Benedick; it’s more my personality.” The group reassured them: “Once you get into your zone, you can do anything.”
We ended the session by raising the ring, feeling energized by the progress.
January 16
The freezing cold couldn’t dampen the group’s energy. Nervous excitement filled the auditorium as ensemble members practiced their pieces. One member was especially supportive, snapping and encouraging others.
An ensemble member kicked off auditions, introducing themselves formally before performing Beatrice’s monologue off book. Though they struggled with lines, they powered through without calling for help. Another participant followed, also off book, nervous but composed. A third member read Beatrice’s monologue, using a tree as a prop to hide behind, aligning with the script’s context. “They have really come out of their shell in this program!”
Another participant performed Benedick, opting for a half-closed curtain. Though they stumbled, they stayed committed, finishing with an outro instead of an intro. Another ensemble member performed Benedick on book, speaking quickly but using the stage effectively. Another participant, on book for Beatrice, said they had been “practicing for days!” Another member, performing Beatrice, started with a giggle break behind the curtain. “Let me get my giggles out!” they said before delivering a sassy, confident performance.
One participant, initially hesitant, performed Claudio. “I don’t need nobody!” they said, declining a partner on stage. Another member, ever the pro, performed with ease, owning the stage and working the text. Inspired by them, another participant tried the same speech, supported by the group’s guidance.
Finally, another member, despite health struggles, performed Dogberry’s “ass” speech with over-the-top humor, leaving everyone laughing.
Facilitators joined in with monologues of their own. One tried to claim they weren’t prepared, prompting a participant to call out, “Neither did I!”
Two ensemble members decided to perform a Beatrice and Benedick exchange, with others filling in as Leonato and Don Pedro. Afterward, the group completed the ballot process for casting. While waiting for results, they played Crazy Eights and the Counting Game, struggling to get past five but enjoying themselves.
When the cast list was revealed, one participant was the only one who didn’t receive their top choices. They chose Borachio without complaint. Another member opted to switch from Don Pedro to Ursula, and the first participant took Don Pedro.
We left feeling accomplished and excited for what’s next.