The Importnace of Workshopping

Looking back on todays class I am reflecting on the importance the process of workshopping can be. We all want to believe that the art we create is perfect and we are pushing ourselves to our limits but it takes the point of view of the people watching it to help us realize that we can always push ourselves further.

Our piece has made such an evolution in the last week, from text based to movement based and last night I left rehearsal thinking something was still missing from the piece but I couldn't put my finger on it.

While performing the piece today in class, in a not for marks performance, I was able to put aside nerves and just feel the piece. I immediately picked up on parts that were not polished enough or things that were not coming accross clearly. Then when we received feedback people expressed what wasnt clear and it helped me fill in the blanks of the piece.

The process of workshopping allows for a stakes free environment to get feedback and improve the piece without fear of failing. Its comforting to have the chance to bounce ideas off the group and establish things that need more work.

Today was the first time that I felt the environment of true collaboration. We each seemed to have a vested interest into each others pieces and the feedback was given in a way to provide room for growth in each piece. It made me see that we all have a sense of responsibility for each individual group piece because we were all becoming a part of them.

I was really impressed by all of the pieces today, I feel like this is some of the best work I have seen from some of the people in the class and I feel the most invested in this piece than any other this term.

Does workshopping give us the reminder to explore deeper, and if so, when do we know we have explored enough? When is the piece ready for performance?