Nearly there...

This will be a quickie--

We are well into Tech week... costumes are going in, lights and sound are headed in at the end of the week and the actors are more than ready... Just a little tired and playful this week.  

Here is the Early Rehearsal Trailer!  Created by Anthony Chiles.

Last week was eventful, as I broke my foot backstage.  Literally, breaking a leg (well, a foot) for my show.  Supposed to be off it for 6 weeks, but the show makes that impossible and as when I am in production, that is the most important thing to me...  My cast and crew are working extremely hard to make things so much easier on me... As are my friends and family, who have definitely gone out of their way to make sure I can get done what I need (particularly a director friend who has his own competing show to worry about.)   Without these people, this show would have halted.  Because of this injury, I do not get to jump in and play Hippolyta on understudy night... I was actually looking forward to this, as it was the only female character in MIDSUMMER I have not yet played!  Ah well...

Now, for the cast and crew update!  There have been a few changes and alterations as the cast has grown and developed...

Director - Lisa Howard-Welch
Assistant Directors - Kelly Bennington & Mary Sullivan
Directing Intern - Katie Paeg
Production Assistant - Abby Reisenger
Stage Managers - Juliet Howard-Welch, Kelly Bennington, Abby Reisenger
Costumer - Roberta Stocker
Sound - Larry Coressel
Fight Director - Josh Katawick
Set Design - Geoffrey Moss
Choreography - Lisa Howard-Welch
Fight Captain - Austin Smith
Dance Captain - Kelly Bennington
Photographer - Lisa Bernheim
Light Board - Chris Stevens


Theseus - John Fredland
Hippolyta / Titania U/S - Kelly Bennington
Hippolyta U/S - Michelle Graham
Puck - Josh Katawick
Titania - Rebecca Baker
Oberon - Bengt Gregory-Brown
Hermia - Jacinda Bridger
Lysandra - Chelsea Carey
Helena - Judy Shaw
Demetrius - Austin Smith
Bottom - Daniel Wilson'
Quince - Connie Strait
First Fairy - Abby Reisenger / Juliet Howard-Welch
Snout / Moth/ Ensemble  - Lisa Bernheim
Cobweb -  Katie Paeg
Starvling - Adam Hardy
Flute - Patrick Taylor
Snug - James Michael Fazio
Sprites - Xander Gregory-Brown, Kenny Neal
Changeling - Silas Neal
Ensemble - Jon Dowler, Ralf Paeg,  Mary Sullivan


That's it for now!

Into the Woods....

The journey is underway!

Rehearsals are going strong, as research continues on my part.  So much more to learn and investigate, as my vision and concept evolves and the incredible views of my actors help to spark new ideas. 

The cast is adapting beautifully and most of the show is blocked... hard to believe, but it is nearly time to move onto choreography and working rehearsals!  That is where the fun begins for the actors... and myself!  The skeletal portrait which is now onstage is beginning to flesh out... that is always the most fulfilling and exciting part for me. 

Much of my old theatre company, W. Shakespeare & Co.'s Regency stock stock has been pulled and will be utilized in the show.  Always makes me smile to see some of those older dresses and costumes on new actors and actresses, thinking 'Jenny wore that in Romeo and Juliet', or 'Rob rocked that coat in Beauty and the Beast.'  Yes, the wonderful memories of WS&Co are especially rife at the moment, particularly since A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's DREAM was the first show we did after the company was founded in 1995.  I think often of Jennifer Hirsch and Erin Aycock  (WS&Co's Helena and Hermia) and where they are now --- Erin, an attorney in NY and Jennifer, a working actress.  I miss Matty Smith and his amazing Puck and great sense of fun.  Janet Wasson's adorable Quince and Rob Signom's overwhelmingly fabulous Bottom.  Yes, I miss and think of this cast often, even though I have directed and performed in productions of AMND many times since.

Well, back to the show at hand... I am so blessed with one of the most talented and versatile casts I have ever worked with and I will take a few moments today to introduce some of them to you!  As more BIOS and photos come in, you will be meeting more of the cast!

JOSH KATAWICK      

Puck/ Fight Director

Josh spent last summer in the Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey's Professional Training Program.  While there, he appeared as Hector in Troilus & Cressida. He most recently played Benedick in Clark State's Much Ado About Nothing, and previously appeared in the title role of Stageworks' Hamlet and the Springfield Arts Council's The Music Man. Past credits include principal and featured roles in Titus Andronicus, Taming of the Shrew, Glengarry Glen Ross, I Hate Hamlet, Dial M for Murder and A Streetcar Named Desire.

 ALLISON HUSKO      

First Fairy/ Puck Understudy

Allison Husko attended the University of Southern California where she studied acting and film production. While at USC, Allison was accepted as a student abroad at the British American Drama Academy, London,
where she spent a year as an advanced acting student. Favorite productions while at University include: Macbeth (Lady Macbeth), Measure for Measure (Mistress Overdone), Othello (Desdemona),The Three Penny Opera (Jenny), Angels in America (Harper) and The Rover (Callis). Allison is a member of Free Shakespeare! She was in their production of Hamlet and was Titania, Queen of the Fairies, in their summer production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Allison has also been seen as Sonya in the 08’ Futurefest production of Heartland, which took the top award and as Madeline Livingston in Sinclair Community College’s spring production of The Women of Lockerbie. And was Elizabeth Proctor in SCC’s fall production of The Crucible. She is currently rehearsing a professional run as Annelle in Cincinnati at the Covedale Center for the Performing Arts in their production of Steel Magnolias.

 

REBECCA BAKER       

Titania

Rebecca loves community theatre and has been in numerous shows produced for the Springfield Summer Arts Festivals. Onstage, she's done roles like Mrs. Paroo in The Music Man, Morgan in Camelot, Mrs. Pearce in My Fair Lady and Mrs. Sowerberry in Oliver. She's also directed and worked backstage, as a member of the Ohio Lyric Theatre. Her first film role was as Maria in Hudson Taylor. Rebecca teaches theatre at Cedarville and is one of the directors there. She's also a speech therapist, and helps as a vocal coach. She's thrilled to be part of this show, work with Lisa and all the cast!

KELLY BENNINGTON

Hippolyta/Titania US/Asst. Director

Kelly is a 29-year-old native of Beavercreek, Ohio.  Kelly currently works as an associate attorney for the Law Office of Joseph C. Lucas, LLC in Centerville, Ohio.  When not practicing law, Kelly enjoys theatre.  She recently served as Assistant Director, Stage Mangaer and member of the ensemble for A Streetcar Named Desire at Xenia Area Community Theater and has previously played the role of Evelyn Frye in Close Ties, Anne Conroy in The Octette Bridge Club, Corrie Bratter in Barefoot in the Park,  Caitlin O'Hare in Over the River and Through the Woods, and Babette in Bathroom Humor.  Kelly current serves on the Dayton Ballet Associate Board, the Associate Board for the Dayton Area Chapter of the American Red Cross, the Steering Committee for JumpsArt, and the Executive Board for the Cannery Art + Design Center

Midsummer Role call...

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

Some final general notes about a couple of character groups: 

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. 

Hand in hand, with fairy grace, Will we sing, and bless this place... Titania, Oberon, Puck and the Fairies

The way to read a fairy tale is to throw yourself in.
~W. H. Auden 

When I was a little girl, I always believed in fairies and sprites. I knew they lived at the bottom of the garden, were always there to make wishes come true and were very, very mischievous.  They were my invisible friends (though at times, I may have convinced myself I could see them), my confidantes, my dream weavers.  Yeah... I had a an overactive imagination. 

Shakespeare seemed to agree... at least about the mischievous part.  The fairies and forest creatures he has has brought to life in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT's DREAM do have more to offer than traditional fairyland myth and mayhem.  Yes, the fairy creatures  in MIDSUMMER do live in an ethereal world, based on Greek myth and theory... BUT, they are also very human in their actions, emotions and reality.  They fight like humans... they play like humans... they think with a mortal slant... they have memories as a human mortal does... they retaliate and connive like a human might... and, clearly they Feel like a human.  Pain, elation, sadness, jealousy, joy, happiness...  It is all there.

In this production, I will be looking to bring these characters to life with all the mystery and magic of the fairy myth, while still achieving a sense of humanity, both in physicality and emotionality.  Costuming will not be the typical chiffon and wire wings.   Titania, Puck and Oberon will be in period dress similar to the mortal characters, yet each will have a distinct set of traits which costuming will assist them in pulling out in performance.  As with the other characters, auditioning actors have asked me for some clues about what I will be looking for.  As I stated in the last post about the Lovers (and probably will again for the Mechanicals), I am looking to create a production that will...


"...address many facets of each of these characters, without falling back on the stereotype of actor portrayals gone by...  I have already been asked many times about the actor requirements and technique structure I am looking for in the actors looking to play one of these roles. For the record, stereotypes, egos and short sightedness have no place in one of my productions.  

WHAT I AM LOOKING FOR - THIS PRODUCTION and the ACTORS
Of course, as always, I am looking for strong basic technique with clear, articulate voices and confident, motivated movement.  Not necessarily trained, seasoned actors, but artists with the pliability to be molded, taught, opened up to new concepts. Actors with a strong and professional work ethic, willing to look beyond what other actors have done before in other productions.  I will be looking for actor chemistry within couples, groups, and the cast, as a whole.


I want a fresh approach to these characters and a new look at the possibilities, without threatening Shakespeare's original intent.   Yes, we are setting in the Regency period and in doing so, I would like to look at the challenges that these characters faced, with a realistic approach -- it wasn't all cream tea and balls, now was it?  Of course, I would love to bring a little modernity into the production, as well..."

CLUES to the Fairies IN THIS PRODUCTION
Yes, I have a very specific vision for each of these characters.  This vision is still developing and most certainly shall continue to do so once we enter the rehearsal process in a month or so.  Each of these characters is iconic and I am hoping to find the actors that truly embody the concept, without falling back on the stereotype of past performances.   

Without a doubt, the Fairies must have incredible vocal strength and ability.  Vocal level, emotional conveyance and handling, breath control, technique... all aspects I will be looking for in the actors who ultimately get the roles.  Strong, motivated, and connected movement is also important.  Like the lovers, there will be some combat and period dance.  Ideally, I would like Titania to be able to sing.  Without giving away everything about the play (I do expect auditionees to be somewhat familiar with the play) or the conceptual aspects I plan to use, I will share 10 little clues about what is to come for these characters in this production:

1. Puck is a bit of a Puppet Master and will control many aspects of the show.  He/she must be able to handle animated, sometimes awkward, energized movement... the entire show!  
2. Titania must be able to 'stop traffic', both with her presence and her voice.  She must have a charisma that pulls all attention to her.  She is an 'Earth Mother' type of character, who takes control, is the ultimate power.
3. Titania is in control of Oberon, though they do have a definite 'give and take' and then take revenge type of relationship... But, Titania and Oberon's relationship is a symphony of emotion and they do belong together.  They are compatible and work in harmony...
4. My Fairies will NOT have wings!  They will have physicality and costuming indicative of 'who' they are, what they are... They will come alive from 'nothing'... sometimes inanimate, sometimes ethereal, others corporeal and highly animate.
5.  The Fairies and Sprites MUST have a great handling of movement (or strong dance ability), as they will be challenged by awkward positions and sometimes 'crazy' movement and blocking.  
6. The Fairies will likely be onstage most of the show in 'some capacity'
7. Like the Lovers, there will be the potential for combat and a little 'Fight Club philosophy' pending the physical experience and ability level of the actors cast
8. You WILL want to take a little look at the world of Jane Austen
9. There will be a lot of scope for actor input within the concept 
10. Open your Minds -- Immerse yourself into the world of the unseen... read a fairy tale, do some visualization, believe in the unbelievable.   Let your imagination run free...

 Now, take a little time to digest these things... Soak up some information on the Regency period (roughly 1810 to 1820) and look for more to come!

 Next Time - Midsummer and Me....