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“How will this fadge?” I whispered to myself as I made my way to the programs building. Tonight marked a big milestone for me: it was my first time acting as a solo facilitator! The sensation could be equated to the first time riding a bike without training wheels—the action is all there, it’s just a matter of perfecting your balance. Part of finding that balance, for me, meant taking very lean notes and focusing on helping to guide the group’s activities. As a result, today’s blog lacks the usual quote-age that I try to include. Thank you, dear readers, for your understanding!

For the first time in more than a year, I went in as the sole facilitator tonight. The participants afforded me the same generosity as always, with veterans stepping right up to the plate and making sure I was up to speed on the group’s work on Hamlet. In many ways, it was one of those quintessential Shakespeare In Prison nights I’ve had a hundred times before.

After Kyle and I answered the traditional three questions, we jumped back in where the group left off on Friday with Act 1 Scene 5. We read the scene once to remind ourselves what was happening, and then several ensemble members jumped into the center of the circle to act out the scene.

During tonight’s check in, a longtime member began, “This is a supportive group.” She said she’d had a conversation with a newbie earlier, and she’d asked if she could bring her concerns to the ensemble. This new member is concerned that her anxiety is preventing her from participating in the way she’s “supposed to.” This is very normal, and the returning member who brought it up asked the ensemble to share their insight. “It’s hard,” said the newbie, “because I really want to participate, but it’s like I don’t know how. How do you guys know to do that [performance stuff]? I don’t have that creative side yet.”

Check-ins began quietly. Our circle was composed of many returning members and a handful of new faces. After a few veteran members spoke about how their days were going, one new member chimed in: “Today, my silver lining is being here and having my escape from reality for a minute.” Around the circle, heads bobbed silently in agreement. We then stood up to lower our first Tuesday night ring of the season.

After a great orientation for new ensemble members last week, it was time to officially kick off SEASON NINE! Wowza. We always begin with our traditional Three Questions (more on that below!). But first, we decided to get up on our feet loosen up a bit.

PERFORMANCES AND WRAP UP: June 4-14, 2019Written by Frannie June 4: Performance #1 Tonight when we arrived at the auditorium,

I know some of our readers (maybe you!) are anxiously awaiting updates about the women’s performances, the last of which

T-minus one week until opening night! The auditorium was busy with excited chatter as the ensemble members gathered their costumes and props, working through jitters as they went. The mission for today was to power through the entire show. When we left off last week, we had made it about two thirds of the way through the show before we needed to stop and pack up. With two rehearsals left before show time, a full top-to-bottom run-through was a must! With all eyes on the prize, we formed a standing circle.

Tonight was special, for tonight was the first rehearsal with COSTUMES! As the facilitators pushed a cart stacked with costume bins down the path towards the programs building, I couldn’t help but hear the theme from 2001: A Space Odyssey playing in the background. The curious looks from inmates and officers alike added to the overall excitement. After all, it’s not every day you see someone carrying a bag full of foam swords…