This weekend we were a performance of “Taming of the Shrew” by a group of 13-18 year old homeschoolers (our youngest daughter is the assistant stage manager).  Now maybe I am biased, but they put out a quality performance that rivals ANYTHING that is available in the Twin Cities.  The Minneapolis area has more live theaters per capita than anywhere in the U.S. (outside of  New York City) and is the third-largest theater market in the country.

This is the 5th play I have seen by CB Productions.  The acting of each cast member is superb.  Each production has been just as good as this one.  I have seen the same actors in lead, major, and minor roles.  Once the have had a lead role, they are just as gracious in a lesser role the next time around.  There are no superstars, just a lot of depth.  How can these productions be so good year after year?   This is not an advertisement for CB Productions, but there is something going on here.  I love to observe what makes them tick.

I was able to watch about 20 minutes of the group working together before today’s performance.  It is probably my favorite part of the whole process.  Before each performance, they get together as a group and go over “notes” from the last performance.  These notes are a collection of reflections of what went well and what did not from the last performance.  Then they all rate that performance from 1 to 10.   Each person is a integral part of this whole process.  Also, they pray before each performance.  They form a circle, hold hands, and one person prays for that particular performance.  Lastly, they play team games to loosen up before each performance.  The do quirky, fun, and physical things to get the blood flowing.

Back to today’s performance.  When I watched the prelude to today’s performance, I saw them do something I had not seen before.  They were standing in a circle and they went around as each person told the group about what value the person, just to their left, brought to this production.  It was very moving.  Each person was able to hear something good and positive about another person.

What they do to build teamwork is foundational for their success.  They do it over and over.  The kids run the show, they have input, they make decisions, they are all valued.  By the end of a performance run, each person feels like family.  It is very emotional time on the last day because each goes their separate way for the year and for some, it is their last production.  The whole thing is like a microcosm of life played out before you.  It is a beautiful thing to watch.

On Wednesday, I will take about how this teamwork mentality is foundation for success at work as well as home.  Till then . . .