MIDSUMMER is packed with fun and challenging characters to indulge in. We have touched on some of the aspects of each over the last couple of months in the run up to auditions... But, now as we quickly approach the beginning of casting, it is time to have a quick look at the full list & basic casting info.
- PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS
- Titania F-Age 25 to 40
- Oberon M- Age 25 to 50's
- Puck M or F - Age 18+
- Lysander/a F or M - Age 20+
- Demetrius M - Age 20+
- Helena F - Age 18 - 30
- Hermia F - Age 16 - 30 (Must sing)
- Bottom M - Age 25+
- Quince F or M - Age 25 -50+
- FEATURED CHARACTERS
- Theseus M Age 30 - 60
- Hippolyta F Age 30 - 60
- Egeus M or F Age 30+
- Flute M Age 16+
- Snout M or F Any Age
- Starveling M or F Any Age
- Snug M or F Any Age
- First Fairy / Peaseblossom F Any Age
- ENSEMBLE CHARACTERS
- Cobweb M or F Any Age -- Strong movement needed
- Moth M or F Any Age -- Strong movement needed
- Mustardseed M or F Any Age -- -- Strong movement needed
- Mortal Attendants & Country folk Up to 3, Age 16-60's, M or F
- Sprite M or F Any Age -- Strong movement needed
- Musician & Singers M or F Any Age -- At least one accomplished musician (cello, violin or other stringed instrument.)
- UNDERSTUDIES
- Up to 3 Understudies will be chosen - Will likely be placed in the ensemble during the run, but will perform at least one performance
LOVERS - Combat experience is a plus, Strong movement skills, with excellent stamina and ability to lift and carry easily. Hermia will likely be shorter than all the other lovers, with a very high energy. Of course, voices must be strong and handling of the language natural and effortless.
FAIRIES & Sprites- The Fairies and Sprites will be on stage much of the show and most MUST have very strong movement or dance ability. These will be the actors given a large amount of freedom for expression. One actor may be cast to play one of the fairies as 'Awkward', so not all fairies require strong movement. Fairies will be very high energy. Will likely be part of the transitional forest scenes and may be given Improvisation opportunities.
PRINCIPAL FAIRIES - Titania, Oberon and Puck will carry the action of the show and control much of what occurs. All should have extremely strong and leveled voices, with natural handling of technique. Titania and Oberon 'command' attention when onstage and must be able to 'fill' the State theatre vocally, without effort. I would like to cast older actors (30's & 40's), but am entirely open to age if a younger actor auditions who fits my vision. Puck must be able to 'free' up all constraints and let him/herself go. Puck will be the one 'puppetmaster' of the entire show and will be onstage or in audience view nearly the entire performance. Very high, but focused energy is a MUST. Strong movement.
MECHANICALS - My favorite group, the 'clowns' will be a very diverse company of actors. Along with the usual technique abilities, I will be looking for actors to fill fun characters, ripe for development and exploration. I will be looking for special skills, fun personalities, high energy. Movement experience is a plus, as is singing (for Bottom), but not essential. The Mechanicals are almost a company within a company, so I will be looking for a group of people who truly gel together, yet keep their own diversity.
THESEUS & HIPPOLYTA - Both actors chosen should have strong vocal ability, along with a strong physical presence. Both are warriors, so physicality should reflect this. The war of the time, was the Napoleonic War and this should be remembered. These two warriors, though still strong, need to have a strong devotion and dedication to each other. Movement is important and combat (or some other combative sport) will be used with them during the show. They will be given additional transitional scenework, in addition to what is written in the script.
EGEUS, ATTENDANTS and COUNTRY FOLK - This ensemble group, like the fairies and sprite, will carry much of the transitional and incidental scenes we orchestrate into the show. Remember, we are setting in the English Regency, so I will be using a full array of character types, from gypsies to ladies and gentlemen to townsfolk. They will be used in the Ball dance, as well as all group scenes... Some of the women will be used as singers... and the understudies will also be in this group. Some will be given attendant lines and there will be an opportunity to flesh out the transitional scenes somewhat with Improv.
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