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.

One ensemble member captured the feeling in the room, saying:

“You have been a light, and this is the best group we’ve had since I’ve been here since 2022.”

As the conversation naturally shifted toward The Comedy of Errors, the room filled with stories from the performances.

“I got a lot of good feedback. People were stopping me on the walk.”

“Thank you everyone for all your work.”

“Thank YOU.”

“I had a lot more fun on Thursday.”

The ensemble reflected on the audience’s reactions, the laughter, and what they learned from performing Shakespeare for others. They also had an honest conversation about the beginning of the play and what might make future productions even more accessible for first-time audiences.

“The first 10 minutes of the show is boring. They didn’t know what we are saying. That’s why we should do No Fear.”

“I propose that the first part should be action at the beginning. Rearrange it.”

“It’s like when you’re reading a book. If you don’t like the first chapter, you put it down.”

One of the most moving moments of the evening came as participants reflected on their own personal growth throughout the season.

“I have stage fright. I’m a shy person. I got out of my scaredness and my fear. I never thought I could act. I’m happy that I got out of that shell. I’m comfortable. I was able to show my acting skills—to show myself. I’m happy that I conquered that.”

She continued by sharing the impact the performance had on her family.

“She was proud of me because I pushed myself. I’m proud of myself. My mom said this is what I wanted for you all along, you seeing your worth.”

Another participant reflected on the commitment required to complete a forty-week process.

“Doing it for 40 weeks is a long time, it’s like making a baby. I considered quitting and this made me stay.”

Another simply added,

“I am so proud of everyone.”

As the conversation continued, Fisher-Grant asked two questions:

Did you get what you wanted out of Shakespeare this year?

What is your gift to the group?

The responses revealed just how transformative the season had been.

“I got more than what I wanted this season. I got more than a production. I made life-long friends.”

“I got way more. A bunch of friends. I feel safe. I can act. I feel safe to share.”

“I got way more. You have expectations—is this going to work? It was incredible.”

“Before I joined Shakespeare I lost the ambition to act. I got my ambition back. I got my courage.”

“The energy of everyone came together to make the production what it needed to be.”

“I got more out of it than I anticipated. It helped me adjust to being here in these last 10 months.”

“I got out a lot that I transfer into my everyday life. It has helped me be confident in myself. Get out of my head. It built my confidence and I got that from Shakespeare.”

“Coming out of my shell. I consider you guys family.”

“It helps the time here move forward. It brings things together. I always wanted to be the voice of audiobooks; because of this I can be the voice of audiobooks.”

One ensemble member reflected on her behind-the-scenes role this season and the pride she felt watching the production come together.

“I get to be a costume designer. This was the best play I have seen of Shakespeare. You guys did that. Everyone was on time and it ran smoothly and we moved. We was a family. We came, we saw, we conquered.”

She ended with perhaps the most important reminder of the evening:

“If we sit in here and say someone is terrible, we’re talking about all of us.”

The facilitators also answered the questions.

Fisher-Grant reflected,

“Everything in my life changed this year. I have planted my roots here.”

Santillan shared,

“I’ve been to Oregon Shakespeare Festival—this was better. People outside can never imagine how important joy is. I never struggled to get out of bed for this.”

Morris reflected,

“I didn’t like Shakespeare. I got advice on adulthood—tips and tricks. I got to be with people.”

As I shared my own reflection, I realized how much this ensemble had shaped my first six months as Director.

“I fully believe in the healing power of theatre… I wanted to explore the power of theatre and create a space where people get to be brave.”

We closed the evening with one final ring for the season, celebrating Morris and Santillan with send-off whooshes before turning our attention toward the summer project.

The season may have ended, but the work continues. The courage, friendships, laughter, service, wisdom, spontaneity, and family that this ensemble named as their gifts will carry forward into everything we create next.