The Ensemble

An ensemble is a group of people working so closely together that they move and think like one giant person. No one is more important than anyone else, and they all rely on each other to keep the story alive. This shows us that we are stronger and more beautiful when we are connected.

We are stronger and more beautiful when we are connected. The flock has no conductor. The bread has no star ingredient. The ensemble is not a group of soloists being polite. It is one organism with many hearts. When the heart rates sync, the I dissolves and the We is born.

The ensemble: the shift from I to We. In performance theory, a collective organism where the inter-subjective field between performers creates presence greater than the sum of parts. Connects to systems theory and sociology: high-functioning teams synchronize physiological states (heart rates) through shared goals and rhythmic action. The ensemble is not a technique. The ensemble is a technology for unity.

SOUND: Several people singing in harmony: many voices becoming one sound.

SMELL: A kitchen where many ingredients are cooking together: separate becoming whole.

TASTE: Bread where flour, water, and salt become something new: ensemble on your tongue.

TOUCH: Holding hands in a circle and feeling the pulse of the group.

SIGHT: A flock of birds flying in a perfect V-shape: no leader, all leaders.

BODY: Leaning back against a friend and feeling them hold you up: trust as a physical force.

Music: Old Town Road (feat. Billy Ray Cyrus) [Remix] by Lil Nas X

Music: You and Me by Lifehouse

Music: Work by Rihanna

Part of Theater & Performance — ART — Education Revelation