What “Yes, And” Means for Our World Premiere

Aileen Christian • January 21, 2026

At Encore, we believe in trying new things.

That belief is why we’re presenting a  world premiere of an original script . No safety net of familiarity. No roadmap of how it’s been done before. Just imagination, collaboration, and a willingness to take a creative leap together.

Choosing a new, original work is a bold act. It means trusting our young artists, our creative team, and our community to step into the unknown and build something from the ground up. It’s a reminder that theatre isn’t just about repeating what’s been done, it’s about discovering what  could  be.

For me, that idea connects deeply to one of the first rules we teach in improv:  “Yes, and.”

“Yes, and” is about acceptance and possibility. It’s saying yes to an idea, and then adding to it. It’s choosing curiosity over fear, collaboration over hesitation. It’s not knowing exactly where you’re going, but trusting that together, you’ll get somewhere meaningful.

Presenting a world premiere feels like a collective “yes, and.”

Yes, we believe in our students.
And we believe in taking creative risks.
Yes, this story is new.
And we’re excited to see what it becomes in the hands of our cast and audience.

On a personal level, “yes, and” has shaped how I approach new challenges. Trying new things can be uncomfortable. It can feel risky to step into unfamiliar territory. But Encore has taught me that growth doesn’t happen by waiting until everything feels safe. It happens when you say yes, and then keep going.

That’s what this production represents. A community willing to say yes to something new, and then build it together, one rehearsal, one discovery, one brave moment at a time.

Tonight, as you watch this world premiere unfold, you’re not just seeing a new story. You’re witnessing the power of creativity, trust, and the courage to say  yes, and .   Thank you to our Sherlock in Wonderland cast and crew families for being part of that journey.

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