This session was the last night of blocking before dress rehearsals begin. The ensemble continued to focus on staging while also readjusting casting, taking note of costumes and making the finale feel grand. 

Before the blocking began, the group spent time discussing theatre, including favorite plays, playwrights, and copyright casting. They also discussed why the ensemble focuses on Shakespeare during the fall production.  One ensemble member shared her love of Shakespeare, saying,

“I appreciate the fantasy of Shakespeare. I love a tragedy…give me sword fights!”

After check-ins and the ring, the ensemble returned to blocking the third part of the production. Participants worked through scenes, revisited moments that needed clarification, and continued making adjustments wherever necessary. 

As blocking continued, the ensemble began solidifying costumes and identifying additional props needed for the production. Participants also worked through music cues and two major dancing scenes. 

For the finale dance, the ensemble was split between using the original song written in the final piece and a line dance. Ultimately, they decided to incorporate both. These decisions brought the different elements of the production together while allowing space for everyone’s ideas.

With the challenges and chaos of blocking over, the ensemble now looks ahead to next week’s dress rehearsals where they will see all their hard work come together on stage.