A stand-off between Jack Cade and his Rabblement, and the Stafford Brothers

Today’s Date: Friday, June 27, 2025

Show Title: Henry VI, Part 2

Director: Mili Koncelik

Staff Crew: Sarah Clayton and Sara Bateman (RDAs); Madeleine Cook and Allison Monfalcone (Interns)

What we did

Today’s rehearsal was super busy. We started by reworking a few scenes to smooth out transitions and pacing. Then we moved into a music rehearsal—and let me just say, these kids definitely have some bones in their closets (come see the show and you’ll understand the reference). After that, we had fight and intimacy call to review key moments of choreography and staging before launching into a full run-through of the show. Today was also our big, completely off-book day, and the campers handled it really well! As we head into the final weekend before performances, we’re hoping the campers can rest, recharge, and prepare to bring these incredible plays to life. Oh, and… horses? Stay tuned.

Quick and Quotable

• From the play

• • • “If you go forward: yield, or die.” – Stafford’s Brother (Act 4, Scene 2)

• From the director

• • • “I’d rather you overlap than underlap.” – Mili

Production Insights 

Hey, so—lines. Kind of important. And also, sometimes super hard to learn, especially when you’re working with Shakespearean language. Mistakes happen—it’s totally normal to miss a word or mess up a line now and then (even the professionals do!). And as an actor myself, I get how frustrating it can be to get called out in line notes for mixing up just one word. But here’s the thing: every word in the script was chosen by the playwright for a reason. Each one carries meaning, rhythm, or intention—and even a seemingly tiny change can shift the tone or meaning of a line. That’s why directors emphasize memorization and getting off book: it’s not about nitpicking, it’s about honoring the text and staying true to the playwright’s intent. Learning lines might be tough, but getting them right gives the actor more freedom—and gives the story the clarity it deserves.