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This session marked an exciting milestone for the summer ensemble. As the halfway point approaches, the ensemble has generated a well-rounded collection of original work. This session shifted their focus from creating new pieces to revising, drafting artists’ statements, and discussing final show logistics.

The evening began with check-ins, the ring, and conversations about the upcoming schedule. During the session, the group turned in finalized writing for facilitators to count and copy.

This session focused on sharing writing, offering feedback, and continuing to draft pieces for this summer’s production. With a growing collection of original work, this week’s readings highlighted the ensemble’s creativity and collaborative spirit.

Before the session began, conversations centered on the recent storm, power outages, and anticipation surrounding new policies. After gathering for check-ins and the ring, the ensemble turned to sharing their pieces.

This session focused on sharing new writing while further exploring what love means and how compassion is formed. As ensemble members reflected on grief and identity, they also made space for collaboration and joy. Before the session officially began, conversations were lively. Ensemble members discussed the summer heat and the long walks to the session. They also discussed life in the facility, mental and physical health, and the importance of keeping an open mind towards others. 

During check-in, the ensemble also learned that another woman in the facility had passed away, shifting the conversation to navigating difficult emotions during the writing process. One participant reflected, “You can’t have compassion without knowing pain.” A facilitator added, “You can’t have grief without knowing love.”

Despite the sweltering weather, this was a productive and thoughtful session focusing on the creative process and new drafts for the show. 

As participants gathered, conversations centered around the extreme summer heat, illness, healthcare, and store markups. In this session, the ensemble revisited the conflict from the last session. One participant reflected on the disagreement, expressing that she felt attacked for sharing her opinion. She apologized for walking away from the discussion and affirmed that she wanted to remain part of the ensemble. Other ensemble members offered their support, sparking a conversation about how meaningful art invites differing perspectives and the importance of critique during the creative process.

This session focused on digging deeper into how to convey the theme of love and compassion. Participants shared personal experiences and reflected on family and grief. The ensemble also collaborated on feedback and worked through differing perspectives. 

As facilitators and ensemble members gathered, conversations centered on family and mental health. One participant reflected on the challenges of navigating life inside, “You gotta have a poker face – especially in here.”

This session centered on finalizing the theme for the summer production. The evening was filled with reflection, creativity, and excitement as participants continued shaping what this year’s show will become.

Before beginning, the ensemble checked in about recent illnesses, discussed the arrival of a new warden, and caught up on the absence of a facilitator and another ensemble member. After opening with the ring and a name game, the ensemble welcomed a new facilitator, who introduced herself to the group.

This session had an exciting buzz as ensemble members shared their first writing drafts of the summer and generated more ideas for a show theme. The workbooks for the session were also unveiled. 

The ensemble welcomed a new member who expressed excitement about acting and her love of Shakespeare. She admitted to feeling apprehensive about writing, and the other ensemble members encouraged her to participate in whatever way feels comfortable.

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.

The first session of our summer writing project marked the beginning of a new season of collaboration. With five new members joining the ensemble, the evening focused on welcoming new voices, introducing the structure of the program, and beginning conversations about what we want this summer to become.

As the new members arrived, we walked everyone through our check-in process and introduced the ring, giving our newest ensemble members their first glimpse into the traditions that shape every SIP season. We also began reviewing the orientation packet, making note of updates we want to make before future sessions, including creating a version specifically for the summer writing program.

Our first session after the performances of The Comedy of Errors felt different. There was joy in celebrating what the ensemble had accomplished, but there was also grief, reflection, gratitude, and the realization that one chapter had come to an end.

As we gathered, it became clear that check-in needed to be more than a routine. It became a space to hold one another through loss, celebrate one another’s work, and acknowledge the transitions happening within the ensemble. Members reflected on someone they had recently lost, shared personal losses in their own lives, and honored Morris and Santillan as they prepared for their final session with the group.