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“If you want something different you gotta do something different.” – September 1 & 3

September 1 marked the first session of a new Shakespeare season, and after a summer spent creating and performing original work, the ensemble returned to Shakespeare with curiosity, humor, and a willingness to experiment.

After check-in and the ring, we shifted our attention toward the season ahead. Before jumping directly into King Lear, we spent the evening exploring monologues and scenes from several Shakespeare plays, giving ensemble members the opportunity to try characters, discover objectives, and simply play.

“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!

“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.

“I’m the Duke and I run this.” – March 31

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.

“We Can’t Go Wrong With These Choices.” — March 26

“Use Your Brain Outside the Box.” — March 24

“Use the Silence to Emphasize the Error.” — March 19

“Someone Backstage Should Knap the Slaps.” — March 17

“If We Cut All the Comedy, All We Get Is Errors.” — March 12

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.