Creating Instant Ensembles

In honor of 15 years of theater programming at the Phillips, actor Craig Wallace shares how a staged reading comes together.

Craig Wallace has appeared in multiple productions with Folger Theatre, Ford’s Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Arena Stage, Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Everyman Theatre,  Studio Theatre, Mosaic Theatre, Round House Theatre, and Woolly Mammoth Theatre. His regional credits include Actors Theatre of Louisville, Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Shakespeare Santa Cruz, Hangar Theatre, among others. Craig holds a BFA from Howard University and an MFA from Pennsylvania State University, and studied at the Royal National Theatre in London. 

I have participated in three readings at The Phillips Collection dating back to 2010—organized by Ann Greer [the Phillips’s theater consultant]—each of which has been an absolute privilege. I read scenes from Permanent Collection by Thomas Gibbons, a fascinating and racially charged play that was based on an actual conflict over how The Barnes Museum in Philadelphia would be managed after a regime change, and I was also part of readings on two different occasions that were commissioned and premiered in response to Jacob Lawrence’s Migration Series. These short plays addressed themes of migration and immigration. I have vivid memories of what I have enjoyed about these experiences. 

On the day of the rehearsal and performance we all gather in a foyer at the Phillips…some of us know each other, some of us don’t, but we’re all happy to be there. We are led into a room where we’re told how the day will progress, and then we’re invited to look at the art on display that is the theme or our reading. We are also asked to share what we’re feeling as we absorb the art before us. Remember, we’re not quite an ensemble yet, so this moment is vulnerable and exciting. Next we go into the space and rehearse the reading. These few hours are all about the work: we are coming together, honing all of the technical and emotional needs necessary to bring the piece to life. Then, it’s dinner time. Ann and The Phillips Museum have provided a meal for us before the performance. This is my favorite part of the day. This is when I hear, “Now I remember where I know you from” or “I’ve seen you forever, but I’ve never had a chance to chat with you” or “What a beautiful night; it’s so great to be here.” It’s the final part of us coming together.

And then, suddenly, like magic, after having seen the works of Jacob Lawrence and then rehearsing the reading and then communing as artists at dinner, we emerge as an ensemble, ready to deliver the reading to an audience. These have always been really special days, and I’m so appreciative of these readings and how they create instant ensembles. Can’t wait until the next one…

Stay tuned for our next staged reading on October 16, with Craig Wallace as part of the ensemble!