Description:

Big Noise Theatre is excited to announce Non-Equity auditions for Shakespeare's A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, accepting both in-person and self-taped submissions.

Directed by Jared Sheldon
Assistant Directed and Movement Choreographed by Sara BenBella

Audition Dates: Friday and Saturday November 18 and 19 from 6:30pm-10pm with callbacks on Sunday November 20 from 12pm-4pm. Video submissions will be accepted until Friday November 18 until 6:30pm. Performers who submit virtually and are invited to callbacks are encouraged to attend in person. If they are unable to, a virtual callback option will be offered.

Location: Music Theater Works Rehearsal Center, 516 4th Street, Wilmette, IL 60091

Synopsis: Hermia and Lysander run to the woods to escape Egeus and Theseus' decree that Hermia shall marry Demetrius. Helena reveals their plan to Demetrius and he takes chase. Upon which, Helena takes chase of him. Meanwhile, a crew of rude mechanicals prepares a play for Theseus and Hippolyta's wedding day. In the woods, Titania and Oberon are quarreling over the fate of a changeling boy. Oberon instructs Puck to retrieve a flower that can be used to charm anyone into falling in love with the next person they see. Shenanigans ensue when both Lysander and Demetrius fall in love with Helena, and Titania falls in love with Bottom; whom Puck has transformed into an ass. Eventually all is restored, the lovers connect with their true loves, and the mechanicals close us out with the comically tragic play of 'Pyramus and Thisbe.'

Important Notes on Casting: While the characters of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM are written on a gender binary, with specific gender identities in mind, casting of this production, however, will not necessarily follow the gender identities as written. Folks of any and all gender identities are encouraged to audition.

It is important to note for this production that the two actors playing Hermia and Demetrius will be a cis-presenting couple, while the two actors playing Hermia and Lysander will be a queer-presenting couple. However, all other roles are open to any actor that fits them best, regardless of gender noted in the script.

We urge actors of all races/ethnicities, body types, gender, and physical ability to audition. We can only cast so many people, but our doors are open to everyone.

Music and movement will be heavily implemented throughout the show, especially by Puck and the other supernatural creatures. Please note in your submission email if you have movement experience, or if you play any instruments, and what your level of expertise is.

Pay: Big Noise Theatre's ticket policy offers performers three options: traditional comps, a $100 stipend, or a commission on tickets sold. More details available at auditions.

COVID-19 Policy: All cast and staff must be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 for in-person auditions, rehearsals, and performances. Proof of vaccination and booster status (as applicable) must be provided at auditions (if attending in person) or the first rehearsal (if submitting virtually). This information will be verified against a physical vaccination card, photocopy of vaccination card, digital record of vaccination, or a printed record from your vaccine provider. Performers must remain masked at all times until their audition, at which time they will be provided a clear face shield to wear. Staff will be fully masked at all times.

Safety at Rehearsals and Performances: Big Noise Theatre intends to have mask-free performances of this production. Due to the ever evolving nature of COVID-19, BNT and the production staff will follow the latest local and CDC guidelines for rehearsals and performances and will partner with cast and staff to ensure the safety and comfort of all involved. Presently, masks that cover the lower half of the face including the nose must be worn at all times during rehearsals.

Big Noise Theatre is committed to diversity and encourages all its staff to engage in a policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive model of inclusion. As such, Big Noise Theatre encourages performers of all ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with disabilities, to attend every audition.

All auditions may be recorded on video.

Character Breakdown:

Theseus/Titania
The Duke of Athens. Engaged to marry Hippolyta/Queen of the Fairies

Hippolyta/Oberon
Queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theseus/King of the Fairies

Egeus/Peter Quince
An Athenian Courtier, father to Hermia/A carpenter, and leader of an amateur dramatic group

Lysander
A gentleman in the court of Athens. In love with Hermia

Hermia
Daughter of Egeus, and in love with Lysander. Ordered to marry Demetrius.

Demetrius
A gentleman in the court of Athens. Set to marry Hermia; previous courted Helena.

Helena
Close friend to Hermia, and in love with Demetrius

Nick Bottom
A weaver who plays Pyramus in the amateur play

Francis Flute/Peaceblossom
A bellows-mender who plays Thisbe in the amateur play/Fairy

Snug/Cobweb
A joiner who plays a lion in the amateur play/Fairy

Tom Snout/Moth
A tinker who plays a wall in the amateur play/Fairy

Starveling/Mustardseed
A tailor, who plays moonshine in the amateur play/Fairy

Robin Goodfellow (Puck)
A sprite in the service of Oberon. Must play at least one instrument.

Two Additional Fairies/Understudies

Strong movers for any of the fairy roles are highly encouraged.