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“I had a wonderful time and I got great reviews.” – August 25

With our summer performances behind us, our final session of the summer program gave us an opportunity to come back together, reflect on everything we had accomplished, and begin looking toward what comes next for Shakespeare in Prison.

Before we even made it into the ring, the evening began with conversation. One participant shared good news about her niece, who had been in a coma and was beginning to wake up. She was only able to stay long enough to say goodbye before leaving to call her family. Before she left, we found ourselves talking about some of the realities of life inside. At one point she told me, “I’m glad you guys see how it really is.”

“I like that I can connect with the audience.” – August 20

This was the ensemble’s final performance of the summer. The ensemble returned to the stage for one final show, bringing the production to an energetic and celebratory close.

Before the performance, ensemble members set the space and prepare props and costumes. The energy was light as the cast chatted, laughed, and complimented each other’s hair and makeup. Past ensemble members returned to watch the final show, adding to the sense of community in the room. Before the curtains opened, the ensemble gathered for check-ins, the ring, and a warm-up. An ensemble member also led a moment of silence before the performance began.

“I’m just glad I got through it without crying.” – August 18

After weeks of writing, rehearsing, blocking, and preparing, the ensemble finally took the stage for their first performance of their original works! The night was filled with anticipation. Ensemble members arrived early to prepare the stage, set up props, and get dressed before the show

The ensemble closed the curtains as guests poured in. Many in the audience knew the cast members, so there was plenty of excitement and anticipation as everyone waited for the show to begin. Before the performance, we did the usual check-ins, the ring, and a quick warm-up.

Thurgood

Join us for the final production of our 12th Season!

The Nacirema Society

A pitch perfect comedy!

The DPT Holiday Cabaret

Join us for our Annual Holiday Celebration!

Shakespeare in Prison Blog Updates from the Women's Ensemble

“You Gotta Have a Hook.” – May 12

The ensemble entered rehearsal with high energy and lots of conversation, ranging from Mother’s Day reflections to music, rap, and performance ideas for the future summer project. One participant shared a rap with the group, encouraged by another ensemble member, sparking a conversation about how every future summer show should include a rap battle. “You gotta have a hook,” one ensemble member joked as the room filled with laughter and creativity.

After check-ins and the ring, the group jumped quickly into a full run of The Comedy of Errors. Facilitators and ensemble members filled in missing roles to keep the pace moving. The energy throughout the room stayed high, with several participants bringing strong comedic instincts and playful experimentation into the work. One participant especially embraced trying different accents throughout the rehearsal, bringing spontaneity and joy into the room.

“I Think We Should Go Beyond the Walls” – May 7

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.

“Everyone Should Just Keep Going if They Mess Up” – May 5

The ensemble jumped into rehearsal almost immediately after arriving, energized by the arrival of props and new creative possibilities. The session focused heavily on pacing, scene work, and refining the growing world of The Comedy of Errors. Ensemble members filled in for missing roles throughout the evening, creating a collaborative rehearsal room where everyone supported one another and kept the show moving forward.

As the run progressed, the ensemble continued strengthening blocking, entrances, exits, and physical comedy. One participant brought huge energy and variety to Dromio (S), while others explored stronger vocal choices, clearer pacing, and more dynamic movement. The group also experimented with staging details, including placement of the fountain prop and new approaches to slapstick moments. A particularly funny moment came when one participant hid behind a tree during the jailer scene, bringing laughter to the room.

“She could definitely do the entire show in Italian speed.” – April 30

This session was full of energy, experimentation, and discovery as we pushed the pace of the show in new ways.

After gathering and checking in, the group discussed upcoming props and long-term ideas for costumes, including possibilities for future funding and resource-building. The conversation reflected the ensemble’s continued commitment to problem-solving and making the work their own.

“All of it was impressive.” – April 28

The session began with the group arriving gradually, settling into check-in and the ring. As we moved into reflection, much of the conversation centered on the recent Volunteer Appreciation Event.

The response was overwhelmingly positive. “Did I die good?” one participant joked, sparking laughter. Others shared, “It was nice,” “It was fun,” and “All of it was impressive.” Another added, “It was pretty moving.” The group took pride in the work they presented and the impact it had.

“There is a lot of great scene work happening.” – April 16

This session brought us back into the heart of rehearsal, with a full run of Comedy of Errors and continued work on Hamlet for the Volunteer Appreciation Event.

After check-in, we began a run at 6:32, with ensemble members stepping into roles and supporting one another throughout. Even with overlapping work happening in the space, the focus remained on building the world of the play and strengthening each moment.

“I like that we get to write our own pieces.” – April 14

This session shifted our focus toward imagination, authorship, and the future of the ensemble’s creative work.

After gathering and checking in, many members transitioned into Volunteer Appreciation Event rehearsal, leaving a smaller group to reflect on the summer program. What followed was a rich and generative conversation about what the ensemble values most in their creative process.

“I’m Not Going to Go Out Like That!” – April 9

This session was grounded in detailed scene work as we continued building The Comedy of Errors. After some initial discussion and planning, we jumped into Act 4, Scene 3, where the group brought strong instincts and clear character choices. The scene developed quickly through repetition, with each pass adding more specificity and confidence.

We then moved into Act 4, Scene 4, focusing on staging and physical storytelling. The ensemble worked through the mechanics of the scene – particularly moments involving movement and coordination – offering ideas and adjustments to make the action clearer and more dynamic. The work required patience and collaboration, and the group continued to refine it together.

“How Do I Act That?” – April 7

I arrived a bit late, waiting on materials for our Hamlet work, but the group was already gathered and ready to begin. After a quick check-in, we dove into Act 5, Scene 1 of Hamlet, with ensemble members stepping into the Gravedigger scene and immediately finding moments of humor and rhythm in the text.

We spent time discussing how to adapt the final scene for a smaller group, problem-solving together and identifying what could be trimmed while still honoring the story. From there, we shifted back into The Comedy of Errors, continuing our work through Act 1, Scene 2.

“I want to do the gravedigger scene.” – April 2

This session was rooted in joy, collaboration, and the kind of play that reminds us why we do this work.

After a longer check-in filled with warmth and connection, the ensemble shifted focus to preparing for the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Event. What began as a logistical conversation quickly became a creative one, as participants imagined what they wanted to share.

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