We go to the theatre to be truly present: with ourselves, with each other, with the actors, with the space, and with the story. But what is presence? It’s such a tricky word, filled with salesmanship and buzz. I first experienced presence by accident (or let’s say providence). I was ushering a group of college students around the Southeastern Theatre Conference in Atlanta, Georgia, when a volunteer asked if I would like to attend the Patsy Rodenburg Masterclass. I had heard a