As the TS Eliot US/UK Exchange team return to the rehearsal room, Dan Baker explains how the experiences of the week thus far have reinvigorated the rehearsal process

Day Four in New York.  It's time for us to remember why we're here.

Having had a hectic few days dashing around New York and acclimatising, today saw us return to the grindstone and rehearsing for our showcase pieces.  Amongst all the excitement of meeting some amazing people and learning about how theatre exists in New York, the showcase had drifted to the back of our minds for many of us - but it was important we didn't forget that presenting our work is a key factor of the Exchange.

The showcase represents a great opportunity to show an invited audience of New York theatre professionals what type of work is being made in London today, and having already got a sense of how different the culutures are it's going to be fascinating to see the reaction our work gets.  In order for it to be up to the standard required, though, it was essential that we rehearsed whilst in New York - if we only rehearsed in London and then had a break before performing that would be incredibly risky, and undoubtedly the experiences we've already had this week will shape the work created in some ways.  Re-entering the rehearsal room, there was a new energy and an understanding of the context in which were are performing - and I think it was channeled into the work done.

Part of today was spent doing a bit of prop shopping - which meant shopping in New York; not a bad thing in itself.  Granted, I couldn't nip into Primark for costume stuff like I would in London, but that in itself isn't necessarily a bad thing - instead I strolled the streets Downtown delving into all manner of quirky shops to find the bits and pieces we needed.  Although it was slightly disappointing to not be able to be in rehearsals, it was important to add those finishing touches to the production elements of our showcase piece - and the needs of the production will always come first.

It wasn't all about rehearsals today, though - a handful of us producers also squeezed in a meeting at Manhattan Theater Company (MTC) to learn more about their work, in a meeting facilitated by US producer Alex Barron.  MTC are a great company, who produce a broad spectrum of work both on and off-Broadway; it was interesting to hear about how they strike the balance between artistic merit and commercial viability, and how some really great shows have struggled even with celebrity casting.  Getting such an insight into the tastes of New York audiences definitely felt like something which would be useful to know.  And, as a bonus, myself and UK producer Vicky Graham shared an elevator with Tim Minchin - who struck up a conversation with us over the quite awesome M&M Chocolate Brownie I was eating.  I doubt many other people have been in that position - but I think Tim was upset I didn't offer to share my food with him...

After returning to rehearsals for a final run, I then ventured northwards to meet with some friends for dinner.  Having people I know in the city is a really nice feeling when you're in a foreign country, and it was great to catch up with them and find out what they've been up to - as they work in theatre, they had a lot of insight into the business here and gave some good pointers about potential ways to work in New York in the future.  Having left them, stuffed after some fine grilled cuisine, I retired home - and now for sleep, before tomorrow's showcase extravaganza...