Obama, state of the union, our fundamental democratic right "A right to hope"

Great rehearsal.  Great life moment to be in the presence of such amazing people
Rehearsal Structure:
I read an excerpt from "Night Circus" where a young woman, Illusionist, auditions - and her act is an amazing mix of what is possible and what is not/ but she makes the impossible possible. While keeping the magic of that conundrum.

We then took time for a 7 Minute Free Write (continuous writing for specified amount of time: rules - don't edit, just write, even if you write "I don't know what to write", don't worry about grammar, spelling, making sense.  It is a brainstorm that will not be shared unless you chose) Free Write Topic: Imagine your circus/vaudeville act.  Who are you? What do you do? Why is it special, unlike all others?

After the Free Write, partnered up.  One person to be interviewed about their act, the other to interview with a "yes" and encouraging, generous attitude.  The idea being that with that kind of positive support, you will find even more delightful imaginings.  Interviews lasted for 3 minutes, then time to write down new ideas, then switch roles.

After that (which is posted here) each Ensemble/Activate member shared their "act".

Super highlight for me: one Ensemble member commented (and I am paraphrasing) "We got to laugh, to imagine. To remember we can imagine.  We don't have to move into 'grown up' so quickly."

I have been so prone to crying lately.  I almost lost it again when that was stated.  This is the second time this week a student has referred to this "grown up" prison.

I am startled, shocked, outraged that these beautiful young people are being robbed of the opportunity to imagine what they could be in this so important juncture in their lives when they should absolutely being totally imagining only the absolute wildest possibilities. How can you make a difference in the world if you don't imagine yourself making a difference?  How can you stoke the fire of youth that will carry you through your (meaningful) life if you don't have these four years to dream Big, Bold, Beautiful and Controversial?

Thank you my brilliant Ensemblers/Activators - Go Forth With Courage.  Dance through fire and create walls of water - and challenge those who doubt that what you imagine can absolutely be.