"The course of true love never did run smooth."
— Act I, Scene 1
Please note: unlike our other theatre programs, this advanced course for ages 14-21 has selective entry based on audition. In the event that you are not accepted into the course based on your audition, you will be invited to participate in another teen production course or have the option of a full refund.
Are you ready to bring one of Shakespeare’s most beloved plays to life? A Midsummer Night’s Dream production course is your opportunity to shine on stage, refine your craft, and immerse yourself in the enchanting world of fairies, lovers, and mischievous magic.
We are inviting auditions to assemble a strong, dedicated group of performers who are passionate about theatre, committed to professional expectations, and interested in pursuing performing arts as a post-school option.
This course is ideal for experienced performers who have worked with Budding Entertainment, other theatre companies, or in school productions.
Held on Saturdays in Acton ACT in Terms 1 and 2 from 4pm-6pm, this program is designed to challenge and inspire participants, with time set aside during classes to also explore acting techniques and discuss the broader performing arts industry.
This course culminates in two public theatre productions.
ABOUT THE PLAY
As four young lovers flee to the forest, they find themselves entangled in a magical feud between the Fairy King and Queen. Meanwhile, a group of bumbling craftsmen attempts to rehearse their play for the Duke’s wedding, only to be caught in the fairies’ spellbinding mischief. Chaos, confusion, and comedy ensue as mistaken identities, love potions, and one very unfortunate donkey-headed man lead everyone to question what’s real and what’s a dream.
Why This Show?
Universal Appeal:
Whether you’re a lover of romantic comedies, a fan of fantastical stories, or simply seeking a good laugh, A Midsummer Night’s Dream has something for everyone. Its layered plots intertwine hilarity with poetic beauty, creating a show that resonates with audiences of all ages.
Unforgettable Characters:
Meet the star-crossed lovers tangled in their own romantic misadventures, the bumbling group of amateur actors attempting the most chaotic play within a play, and the otherworldly fairies led by the mischievous Puck and the regal Oberon and Titania.
Magical Setting:
From the bustling court of Athens to the moonlit woods filled with enchantment, the play’s settings transport audiences to a dreamscape alive with wonder.
Themes That Endure:
Shakespeare’s exploration of love in all its forms—passionate, unrequited, ridiculous, and transformative—remains as relevant today as it was 400 years ago.
ABOUT THE CHARACTERS
The Lovers
A quartet of passionate, lovestruck, and occasionally confused mortals:
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Hermia: Bold and defiant, she’s determined to marry the man she loves—even if it means running away to the forest.
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Lysander: Hermia’s devoted sweetheart, charming and earnest, but not immune to magical meddling.
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Helena: A hopeless romantic, hilariously dramatic and fiercely loyal, she chases after unrequited love with wit and heart.
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Demetrius: Torn between Hermia and Helena, he’s both arrogant and comically bewildered as love potions turn his world upside down.
The Fairy Realm
Magical, mischievous, and utterly enchanting:
5. Oberon: The powerful and commanding Fairy King, orchestrating chaos with an air of majesty.
6. Titania: The regal Fairy Queen, fiercely independent but hilariously duped into falling for a donkey-headed mortal.
7. Puck (Robin Goodfellow): The ultimate trickster, mischievous and playful, driving much of the magical mayhem.
8. Peaseblossom, Cobweb, Moth, and Mustardseed: Titania’s loyal fairy attendants, delightful and quirky, bringing charm to every scene.
The Royals and Court
Elegant and commanding, grounding the play’s wildness:
9. Theseus: The Duke of Athens, wise and measured, presiding over the lovers’ tangled fates.
10. Hippolyta: The Queen of the Amazons, dignified and sharp-witted, a voice of reason amidst the chaos.
11. Egeus: Hermia’s stubborn father, set on forcing her into a loveless marriage—a catalyst for much of the drama.
The Mechanicals
A hilariously inept group of amateur actors trying to stage the worst play ever:
12. Bottom: The show-stealing weaver who’s transformed into a donkey and becomes Titania’s unlikely love interest. A role bursting with comedic gold.
13. Quince: The overworked and underprepared director of the Mechanicals’ play, hilariously trying to hold it all together.
14. Flute: The reluctant actor cast as the leading lady (Thisbe) in their play, bringing endless laughs with his exaggerated performance.
15. Snug: The timid lion whose roar is anything but frightening.
16. Snout: The earnest but clueless actor portraying a wall (yes, a wall!).
17. Starveling: Playing “Moonshine” with unwavering seriousness, despite the absurdity of the role.
Why This Play is a Performer’s Dream
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A Role for Everyone: Whether you shine as a romantic lead, a comedic genius, or a quirky supporting character, there’s a part that lets you showcase your talent.
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Range of Performance Styles: Dive into physical comedy, poetic dialogue, or whimsical magic—this play has it all.
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Endless Opportunities for Creativity: With so many unique roles, every actor has a chance to bring something fresh and personal to their character.
CASTING PROCESS
- Enrol in the production via the form at the bottom of this page.
- After enrolment, you will receive an automatic link to download audition monologues. Students film a video of themselves performing ONE monologue and >> upload to this Dropbox << by the deadline of Sunday 2 February 2025.
- During Class 1, tutors will run further audition activities including ensemble activities and cold reads of different characters.
- Based on the videos and Class 1 observations, roles will be assigned and scripts and roles emailed to performers prior to Class 2.
CLASS SCHEDULE
CLASSES VENUE:PLAYING FIELD STUDIO,
BARRY DRIVE, ACTON (next to the Conservation Council).
Saturdays Starting 15 February 2025
Term 1, 2025 (Saturdays, 4pm–6pm):
- Saturday, 15 February 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 22 February 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 1 March 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 8 March 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 15 March 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 22 March 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 29 March 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 5 April 2025, 4pm–6pm
Term 2, 2025 (Saturdays, 4pm–6pm):
- Saturday, 3 May 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 10 May 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 17 May 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 24 May 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 31 May 2025, 4pm–6pm
- Saturday, 7 June 2025, 4pm–6pm
FINAL SHOWS:
- Saturday, 14 June 2025, 6pm
- Sunday, 15 June 2025, 6pm
Venue: Belconnen Theatre
Tickets: $15/$25
RESOURCES FOR PERFORMERS
National Theatre - A Scene from the Play (Puck and Titania) - Video
National Theatre - A Scene from the Play (The Mechanicals) - Video
Full Play Recording - Brooklyn’s Theater for a New Audience
Original and Modern Translation of A Midsummer Night's Dream (PDF)
ENROL HERE
