A Midsummer Night’s Dream Auditions
ABOUT THE SHOW:
A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM is a classic Shakespeare comedy featuring lovers, fairies, and more! When Egeus’s daughter Hermia insists on marrying Lysander, jealous Demetrius and his lovesick devotee Helena pursue the couple into the forest. There, King Oberon and Queen Titania of the fairies feud against each other, with the lovers caught in the crossfire. A ragtag acting troupe ends the show with their “tragical comedy” Pyramis and Thisbe.
In this (thoroughly) staged reading, the emphasis on the show is comedy! Memorizing lines won’t be necessary, but rehearsals will focus on developing characterization, exploring humor, and learning to react off each other. Most roles are double cast, so keep in mind both roles when selecting audition material.
Directed by Devin Griffin
Auditions: Sunday June 14 and Monday June 15 from 6:30-9:30 pm
Callbacks: No callbacks; offers will be made following the conclusion of auditions
Audition Info:
Considering ages 18+ for most roles, but 15+ for a select few as noted below. All races, ethnicities, and genders are encouraged to audition. Auditioners should perform one (or two) of the four provided monologues. The monologue does not need to be memorized but should be performed to highlight character work and humor.
For any questions, please contact
Executive Director Kendall Kiker at md@flowertownplayers.org
To register for auditions, you must do both of the following:
CHARACTERS and DESCRIPTIONS
THESEUS/OBERON
Stage Age: 30s-50s
Theseus is the Duke of Athens, set to marry Hippolyta of the Amazons. King Oberon of the fairies feuds with his wife Titania, while his manservant Robin (Puck) is the catalyst for much of the play’s confusion. Both characters have a regal bearing and a commanding presence.
HIPPOLYTA/TITANIA
Stage Age: 30s-50s
Hippolyta is in love with her betrothed, Duke Theseus, while Queen Titania spurns her husband, the Fairy King. Falling victim to Oberon’s schemes, Titania falls in love with Bottom, an actor-turned-ass. Proud, stern, romantic, seductive – both women bring melodrama and comedy.
HERMIA
Stage Age: 18-30
Hermia is dedicated to her love, Lysander, but her father Egeus is determined she should wed Demetrius! When love potions go wrong and Lysander pursues her best friend Helena, Hermia goes through all the feelings: fear, confusion, anger, and quite a bit of indignation.
LYSANDER
Stage Age: 18-30
Lysander dotes on Hermia despite her father’s hostility towards him. Yet when they escape into the forest and fairies interfere, his adoration turns to scorn. Lysander is a romantic at all times, even when he seeks to fight Demetrius for Helena’s hand.
HELENA
Stage Age: 18-30
Poor Helena is in love with Demetrius, but he wants her not. When the fairies make mischief on everyone’s affections, Helena finds herself the object of desire for both Lysander and Demetrius – a fact she refuses to accept! Helena believes everyone is in on the joke, including her (short) friend Hermia!
DEMETRIUS
Stage Age: 18-30
Demetrius doesn’t seem like the nicest guy in town. Rejecting Helena, chasing Hermia, he’s a proud young man who seems annoyed that nothing is going his way. Enchanted to love Helena once more, Demetrius has his final showdown with fellow suitor Lysander
EGEUS/QUINCE
Stage Age: 40s-60s (Any Gender)
Egeus wants his daughter to marry Demetrius and will execute her if she doesn’t obey. Quince is the leader of the actor troupe, doing their best to keep Bottom and the others in line for rehearsal. Both are authoritative figures who aren’t as dominating as they’d like to be.
BOTTOM
Stage Age: 20s-50s (Any Gender)
Bottom is truly a thespian, ready to take on any role in the play Pyramus and Thisbe. Falling victim to a fairy plot in the forest, Bottom’s head is transformed into a donkey’s, scaring away his troupe. Head in the clouds with a touch of arrogance, poor Bottom hardly knows what to do when Queen Titania falls in love with them.
FLUTE/FAIRY
Stage Age: 15+
A simple man, Flute is chosen to play Thisbe in the troupe’s performance. Initially bothered by the casting (he’s got a beard coming in!), Flute surprises everyone with a powerful, emotive performance in front of the Duke’s wedding party. The role is double cast with one of the fairies in Titania’s train.
SNUG/FAIRY
Stage Age: 15+ (Any Gender)
One of the acting troupe members, Snug represents “Lion” during the play. They are slow of speech and thought, but they don’t lack in heart. The role is double cast with one of the fairies in Titania’s train.
SNOUT/FAIRY
Stage Age: 15+ (Any Gender)
Snout is the actor who eventually represents “Wall” during the play. A bit nervous, they do their best! The role is double cast with one of the fairies in Titania’s train.