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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!

“You threw me off ‘cause you’re playing a woman!” “You’re playing a man!” – January 22

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.

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

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

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

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

Thurgood

The Nacirema Society

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“You threw me off ‘cause you’re playing a woman!” “You’re playing a man!” – January 22

“Laughter is medicine for the soul.” – January 20

“Laughing helps the soul.” — January 15

“I need to act.” — January 13

“I Just Want Him to Be Funny.” – January 8

“We Don’t Have a Lot of Color Here—I’d Love to See That.” – January 6

“It’s Time for Some Serious Laughter.” – November and December Recap

“We Don’t Consider This to Be a Gift!” – October 30

“Straight Up!” – October 28

“With Shakespeare You Get Lost in the Sauce” – October 21 & 23