A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM
By William Shakespeare
Auditions: Sunday, December 6 at 7pm and Monday, December 7 at 7pm
Callbacks (by invitation only): Wednesday, December 9 at 7pm
There will be a first read-through on December 15th. Rehearsals will begin on January 3, 2027
CENTERstage Productions announces open auditions for Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream, directed by Peter Risafi.
Shakespeare’s most popular comedy takes us on a magical journey to Athens on the night before the Duke’s marriage. It’s in the woods beyond the city that the different worlds of the play collide. Four lovers who are on the run, a band of workmen who are rehearsing a play for the Duke’s wedding, and the King and Queen of the fairies who are in the middle of a lover’s spat, all meet up for fantastical and funny encounters in the woods.
This production will explore the fickle nature of young love, the complexities of mature relationships, and the gap between the working class and the privileged all in one incredible night in the forest outside the city.
Location: The CENTER for Performing Arts in Rhinebeck, 661 Route 308, Rhinebeck NY
Director: Peter Risafi
Assistant Director: Harrison Mark
Producer: Kerry Dotson for CENTERstage Productions and Peter Risafi
Stage Manager: Rachyl Grussing
Performance Dates: March 12 -21, 2027; Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30PM, Sundays at 2:30PM. Additional Saturday Matinee on 3/20 at 2:30PM and school performances at 10am on Friday, 3/12 and Thursday, 3/18.
Please be prepared at the auditions to list all conflicts during rehearsal period.
Seeking: We’re looking for an ensemble to play 15 characters. There will be some doubling of roles. Many roles can be cast against gender stereotypes.
We strongly encourage women, persons of color, and LGBTQ+ individuals to audition. We are dedicated to diversity, equity and inclusion in all areas of our work.
Prepare: Monologues or speeches from Midsummer Night’s Dream or any Shakespeare play or sonnet.
Specific sides and monologues will be provided for callbacks.
Questions: contact the Director at peter.risafi@gmail.com
Casting Breakdown:
The Royals: The rulers of Athens and the Fairy world.
Hippolyta/Titania: Hippolyta is about to marry the Duke of Athens. A queen in her own country, she has been conquered and brought to Athens to marry the victor. Titania is the queen of the Fairies and is feuding with her partner over the future of a small child.
Theseus/Oberon: Theseus is the Duke who has brought his captive enemy back as a bride to join the kingdoms. Oberon is the king of the Fairies and tries to get his way no matter what the cost, especially with his love, Titania.
Robin Goodfellow aka Puck: Oberon’s constant companion who is charged with carrying out all his king’s plans and schemes. A magical sprite, with mischievous powers. Puck is fascinated with the mortals he encounters.
The Athenians:
Hermia: A young noblewoman in love with Lysander.
Helena: Hermia’s best friend who has an unrequited love for Demetrius.
Lysander: A rich young nobleman in love with Hermia.
Demetrius: A rich young nobleman who pledged love to Helena but abandoned that love for Hermia.
Egeus: Hermia’s rich father who wants Demetrius to marry Hermia.
The Local Workmen: They are hoping to perform a play as part of the Duke’s wedding festival:
Peter Quince: A carpenter who is writing and directing the play.
Nick Bottom: A weaver who views himself as a theatrical giant and always plays the hero roles. He later becomes entangled with Titania and the fairy world.
Francis Flute: A bellows mender who is the youngest of the group and plays the leading lady roles.
Snout: The tinker. A strong supporting player for the group.
Snug: The joiner. A shy and inexperienced actor.
Starveling: The tailor. A bit of a snob, he has grudgingly agreed to be in the play.
The locals will double as Fairies in Titania’s entourage.