When I saw the Our Country’s Good open rehearsals advertised on Twitter, I jumped at the opportunity to see Max Stafford-Clark and Out of Joint at work. Having heard all the horror stories imaginable of the dreaded rehearsal room, I wanted to see what is expected of professional actors for myself. Max began by welcoming us to what was the first day of a paying open rehearsal in England, and addressed the fact that open rehearsals are a way of funding theatre as well as educating. I really hope that other companies see the benefits both financially and educationally, as I can’t tell you how insightful it was to watch actors playing parts and working with a director you can only dream of, and with no pretence or façade. There is a scene early in Our Country’s Good where Ralph has to audition convicts to be in his play. Max told us, “Directors know when you walk through the door whether they like you or not,” joking with the actors, “You’re all here because I chose you!” The cast then discussed whether they can tell when a director likes them in an audition, stating that they sometimes get a...