Feature: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM at University Of Texas At Arlington

Hey there BroadwayWorld! This week I got to catch up with the cast of A Midsummer Night's Dream that is opening THIS WEDNESDAY at the University of Texas at Arlington! Now, this is one of the most friendly and hard working casts I have ever had the pleasure of interacting with and you will be sure to see that through their performance! A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of William Shakespeare's most performed plays even though the comedy was not well received in his time! The piece portrays the events surrounding the marriage of Theseus, the Duke of Athens, to Hippolyta, the former queen of the Amazons. These include the adventures of four young Athenian lovers and a group of amateur actors (the mechanicals) who are controlled and manipulated by the fairies who inhabit the forest in which most of the play is set.

I got to take a few of the actors aside during their tech week to ask them what their favorite part about being in Midsummer at UTA was, here are a few beautiful replies from some amazing people:

"I really appreciate the language, this is the first Shakespearean show I've done. Discovering the language and discovering the meaning behind it, not necessarily the 'No Fear Shakespeare', that can only get you to a certain point, there is a lot that is left open for interpretation by the actor. I really love finding those discoveries. Our director, Felicia (Bertch) has played my character Helena before, so she knows when I am getting my lines wrong - haha - it's great. We are kind of going through it together, she says, 'well when I played Helena, I thought about this' and I tell her what i was thinking and she goes, 'wow, I didn't even think about that'. So it is kind of wonderful, we get to collaborate. It is really interesting to see, we have the same language, the same meaning behind it but just different interpretations and I think that is really cool, definitely my favorite part. Almost like a treasure hunt."

-Bethany Doolin

"The people are amazing, there are so many oppertunities for me to observe other actors, especially since that is what I am here at school for, to grow and learn from others. I have also made so many good friends that I love to spend time with outside of rehearsals this whole experience has just been awesome."

-Darcy Doyle

"Definitely being part of such a large cast because it gives you the chance to work with a lot of people where as other plays do not offer that opportunity. We really have room to grow and experience different types of group work, just gaining this true sense of comradery throughout the cast."

-Karla Zamora

"I have really had this great opportunity to make new friendships and really help build this great community in the cast. That has probably been the most meaningful part of this show. I just love Shakespeare and I am involved in Dramaturgy for this show so I have done a lot of research; so ultimately, besides the text being fun to read and explore, I really like the experience of bonding with my fellow cast members."

-Kaylee Killingsworth

"This is a really big cast, the theatre department at UTA is so close-knit that working with everyone is like a big family game night almost. We get to hang around and play with our friends all the time and what is better than that?"

-Zakk Shortes

"This is my first Shakespeare show ever. I have always had this, respect for Shakespeare but I have never had the education or proper training to do it. Felicia (Bertch), our director, has given me the knowledge and experience to execute my role in Midsummer the best way possible. I am just really thankful to be a part of this show."

-Bradley Atuba

"Being able to work with a lot of people I had not gotten the chance to work with yet since our department is growing so much every year. It has been really fun getting to know so many different people. Also, I get to wear a skirt - kilt - haha!"

-Austin Bender

"Mostly because I am one of Titania's faries, I would have t say my favorite part is our lullaby. It is a really fun meld between a scene and a dance, and we choreographed it - of course with adaptations made by Felicia (Bertch). The main part of it was created by us. Just being able to do that on stage and take pride in it is awesome, definitely my favorite part."

-Gage Anderson

"I love all the friends I have made, everyone here is so nice and kind. I feel like we kind of made our own community or little neighborhood together in the green room - haha! It is so great. I love our director and crew, the lighting is just great. I'm the youngest (11), I'm the baby, I'm fabulous!"

-Connor Moss

These are just a few voices from this incredibly amazing cast you can come out to see! A Midsummer Night's Dream runs November 15th at 8:00 pm through November 19th at 2:30pm and tickets are selling fast!!! Tickets run $10.00 for general public, $8.00 for seniors and can be purchased at www.utatickets.com OR at the box office prior to the show. I guarantee this is an experience you do not want to miss. Shakespeare's comedy, worlds colliding, dancing and live music! Now, that sounds like my kind of night!

University of Texas at Arlington

502 S. Cooper Street Arlington, TX

www.utatickets.com

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