The excitement surrounding our upcoming performances was impossible to miss this week. As the ensemble gathered for our final dress rehearsal, conversations buzzed with anticipation about opening night, the sign up sheets being up, and the opportunity to finally share months of work with others.

We began the evening with check-ins and the ring. Several ensemble members offered powerful reflections about resilience, growth, and the importance of continuing forward despite challenges. One participant shared that she has recently begun speaking openly about parts of her past as part of what she described as her healing journey. Another reflected on the significance of the program itself, expressing gratitude for the creative space the ensemble has built together over the course of the season.

The rehearsal began shortly after and immediately revealed both the excitement and nerves that naturally come with being so close to performance. The ensemble worked through the full production, continuing to refine timing, entrances, exits, and character choices. Throughout the evening, performers experimented with accents, comedic moments, and new bits of business, finding fresh ways to bring humor and personality to the story.

Several ensemble members stood out with particularly strong work. The energy throughout the production remained high, and many scenes landed with confidence and clarity. New jokes emerged, familiar moments grew sharper, and characters continued to deepen as performers embraced their roles. The growth of the ensemble over the course of the year was evident in nearly every scene.

At the same time, the rehearsal served as an important reminder that live theatre is rarely perfect. We encountered missed cues, forgotten materials, and moments that required quick adjustments. Rather than becoming discouraged, the ensemble used those moments as opportunities to learn. Conversations throughout the evening focused on preparation, trust, and supporting one another when things do not go according to plan.

One participant shared her excitement for next season and already has ideas about future roles she hopes to play. Another thanked the facilitators for their commitment to the group, reminding all of us how much these relationships matter.

By the end of the evening, the ensemble completed the run on time. While it may not have been the strongest rehearsal of the process, it was perhaps one of the most important. It reminded us that theatre is not about perfection. It is about showing up, trusting the work, and moving forward together.

With performances just days away, the ensemble is ready. The nerves are there. The excitement is there. Most importantly, the joy of creating together is still at the center of the work.

We closed the evening in the ring, looking ahead to opening night and everything that comes next.