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It is time to start considering how you might want to participate in the Theatre and Performance program’s fall production of Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare.Ìý The production will be directed by Tim Welham.ÌýTim has cut the script so that it runs for 90 minutes instead of its regular 2 ½ hour running time.

This play is a light-hearted comedy that explores love, magic, and mistaken identities. Set in contemporary times and in a magical forest, the play follows the romantic misadventures of two couples, the schemes of the fairies, and a comical group of amateur actors preparing a play for the Duke’s wedding. Tim is proposing a reimagined version that centres women and explores queer love and desire. Two possible casting changes will be a feminine Lysandra replacing the masculine Lysander, and feminine Nikki Bottom replacing the masculine Nick Bottom. This allows two of the catalysing relationships in the play (Lysandra with Hermia, and Nikki Bottom with Titania) to be same-sex relationship.

Midsummer Night’s Dream is comprised of 20 roles. Depending on the number of students auditioning there is a chance of doubling (i.e., one actor plays more than one character). Two roles will be filled by capstone students.Ìý The remaining roles are open to UÀ¶Ý®ÊÓƵ students from any faculty.Ìý Auditions will be held:

Wednesday, September 3 from 5 – 9 p.m.Ìý

Thursday, September 4 from 5 - 9 p.m.Ìý

Sign up  for an audition slot.Ìý You are to prepare a short (20 – 25 lines) Shakespearean monologue. Once you sign up you will be given a package of monologues from which to choose. You may also choose your own provided it is from a comedy and in verse.

The monologue should be memorized.Ìý It is not mandatory, but it is welcome.

Each auditioner will have approximately fifteen minutes for their audition. The director will watch your monologue, offer some direction, and see how well you respond. Please read the play before your audition.Ìý Copies of the play can be obtained from Janelle (jrainvil@uwaterloo.ca)

Students who are cast in the production will be enroled in either THPERF 306-001 or 316-001. The instructor of record / acting coach is David Leyshon.Ìý Rehearsals will be Tuesdays and Thursday from 5:30 – 9:30 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. (with a 1-hour meal break in the middle).Ìý Class with the instructor of record will be Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. – 4:20 p.m.

There are senior production positions such as Heads of Departments (Lighting, Carpentry, Wardrobe, etc.) and stage management, for which students who have completed THPERF 243 and/or THPERF 244 can apply.Ìý These positions are either 0.5 or 1.0 credits depending on the position and number of hours required.Ìý Submit your application .

Our design team for this production is:

Set & Props designer – 

Costume designer – 

Lighting designer – Paul Cegys

Sound designer – TBA

Paul Cegys will be the instructor of record. Students accepted will either be enroled in THPERF 306-002 or 316-001.

Deadline to apply is July 2.Ìý We will make offers by July 11.Ìý If you are planning on auditioning, you are also able to apply for a production position.Ìý If you are cast, you then have the choice as to which you would prefer to do.Ìý You can pull out of production and there are no hard feelings.Ìý If you are not cast, then you have a back-up.Ìý You can still be involved in the production.Ìý

There is a group of students who work as dramaturgs.Ìý This position is a 0.5 credit course commitment.Ìý Student dramaturgs will work with course instructor, ´¡²Ô»å²âÌý±á´Ç³Ü²õ³Ù´Ç²Ô to create context for the creative and acting teams, as well as work on audience engagement for production.ÌýIt is possible to do both this position (Dramaturgy) while also acting or doing a production assignment.Ìý You can enrol directly into THPERF 306-003 during the enrolment period.Ìý If you have any issues, please contact Katie Honek.

If you have any questions about production participating, please feel free to contact Janelle (jrainvil@uwaterloo.ca).Ìý