A Midsummer Night's Dream

Directors Concept: The script was chosen from the WA Drama Curriculum set texts lists and I have decided to do A Mid-Summer Nights Dream, by Will Shakespeare. I have, however made a few adjustments that I believe to be exciting and original. I wish to follow in the footsteps of Baz Luhrmann, director of the modern version of Romeo and Juliet. He kept the Elizabethan language but set the characters in a modern era. Setting it in a modern context makes it more relevant, interesting and relatable for students. Recently on one of my prac experiences, I was asking some students about Romeo and Juliet. The only thing they could really tell me about was the Luhrmann version and Leo DiCaprio. I think that this is easily applied to A Midsummer Night's Dream and will be effective and educational. How I wish to do this is by making the forest that the fairies live in a nightclub called 'The Wood' and all of the magic that happens in the play, a result of drug/alcohol trips. This will allow me to include a strong anti-drug message that applies to many of the students who would be about to go on leavers. I think that 2012 is a perfect year for this production as it coincides with the YoH Festivals theme of Substance Abuse and will attract teachers and students who are participating. We should get heaps of high schools involved and will be offering workshops to participating drama classes. Audition Information: Date: 16th March 2012, 3pm Venue: ECU Campus, 16.236*. You can park at the visitors parking zone off central ave – go to ecu.edu.au for a campus map and info *Note: Even though the auditions are held at ECU, it is not an ECU production. Any one of between the age of 18-26 welcome and no prior theatre experience is required. We want this to be an enjoyable, educational and rewarding opportunity for all involved. Requirements: You will be required to perform a pre-rehearsed scene from any Shakespeare play lasting 3-5 mins. This can be either ensemble or a monologue. he fun doesn't stop there though,you will be placed into groups and given rehearsal time to practice to present a Midsummer's Excerpt in the modern translation. Rehearsal times and performance dates: As you will see below, the play is broken into four character groups. Each character group will be required to attend one evening rehearsal either Monday, Wednesday or Friday between 6-10.30pm. The rehearsal schedule will be given out at the first rehearsal. All cast members will be required to attend a Sunday rehearsal between 5-10.00pm. The show will be performed on the 17,18,19,20,21,22 of September, 2012 at the Dolphin Theatre, UWA. Characters The Royals: Theseus Hippolyta Egeus Philostrate The Lovers: Demetrius Lysander Hermia Helena The Fairies: Oberon Titania Puck Cobweb Mustard Seed Peaseblossom Moth The Tradies: Bottom Quince Snug Snout Flute Starveling Note: - This is one of Shakespeare’s most famous comedies – notes on all the characters are readily available online - We are mainly looking for young actors between the ages 18-26 to meet the requirements of the grant we applying for Information Session: There will be an information meeting on the 9/03 at 3pm in building 16.236. It will basicallyl discuss the concept, characters, auditions and answer any questions you might have. Feel free to come along! Contact Information: If you require any more information about the production, feel free to contact: Caity Stafford – Director – caity_stafford@hotmail.com Katie Clarkson – Assistance Director – katieclarkson@hotmail.com Kelly Mandin – Stage Manager – kdmadin@our.ecu.edu.au Emily Godfrey – Producer – egodfre0@our.ecu.edu.au