What I liked
The cast and crew maximized the minimal resources given (venue, budget, show duration, etc.), and used the narrative to cover the gaps. The preview instructional video was excellent.
I want to give a special shout out to Katelyn Schiller as Ellie who pulled off the performative equivalent of walking a tight rope blindfolded—acting both artificial and gradually empathetic, emotional, and human.
What I didn't like
Only two minor nitpicks—I would have liked to have Nick, playing the scientist, to wear a button down, white-collered shirt or a lab coat, just to sell the illusion of a scientific study a bit more.
And the drink beforehand wasn’t necessary—water would have been fine (save the budget).
My overall impression
The Pod reminds me of childhood adventures pretending the closet was a spaceship. The show is very well designed, crafted, and acted—professional adults launching a kid’s beloved fantasy.
