On April 20th, our group gathered outside of class for a rehearsal that felt somewhere between a casual hangout and a low-key performance lab. It marked that interesting in-between space—post-workshop but before the dress rehearsal. There’s something about being away from the structure of class that lets people breathe differently, and this session really reflected that.

We didn’t make any major changes to the script or staging that I can recall, but what stood out was the energy and honesty in the room (or, technically, outside the room). Aaron, in particular, really opened up in a way that was both raw and powerful. His expression of frustration with his father—both as a character in the play and perhaps in real life—cut through the scene with clarity and weight. It felt less like “acting” and more like truth-telling. That kind of emotional transparency shifted the tone for all of us, encouraging a level of vulnerability that’s rare even in rehearsals.

It’s also when the weight of the process began to settle in. We were expected to rehearse for two hours outside of class—a reminder that this isn’t just a classroom assignment, it’s a production. There’s something motivating (and slightly daunting) about that shift in expectations. It asks more from us, but it also offers more in return: more room to explore, more chances to connect, more opportunities to dig deep.

As we inch closer to the dress rehearsal, it’s clear that the work is becoming less about lines and blocking, and more about presence—about showing up fully, emotionally, creatively. If this session was any indication, we’re on the right track.