Talent Needed for "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Play

This role will be played female-identifying. Actors of any gender may audition. Hermia is Egeus’s daughter, and she comes from a wealthy family. She is in love with Lysander, and she’s willing to defy her family and custom in order to marry him. She’s been betrothed to Demetrius by her father, so she and Lysander have decided to run away to be together. This role may involve light, comical fighting and has the potential for onstage intimacy (kissing, physical embrace).

Helena is in love with Demetrius, and she’s desperate for him to return her affections. She and Hermia are very close. Helena is sensitive and affectionate. She is self-conscious, devoted, and persistent. She often laments her unrequited love and is willing to humiliate herself for Demetrius's attention, yet she remains loyal and hopeful. This role may involve light, comical fighting and has the potential for onstage intimacy (kissing, physical embrace).

Lysander is Hermia's lover, who faces obstacles due to Egeus's opposition. His plan to elope with Hermia drives the lovers into the enchanted forest. Lysander is romantic, idealistic, and resourceful. He is deeply in love with Hermia and willing to defy authority for the sake of their love. This role may involve light, comical fighting and has the potential for onstage intimacy (kissing, physical embrace).

Demetrius is initially in pursuit of Hermia, though he once loved Helena. His fickle nature and eventual enchantment by Puck create much of the romantic confusion in the play. Demetrius is persistent and somewhat arrogant, but his character evolves through the play. Under the influence of magic, he becomes more genuine and affectionate toward Helena. This role may involve light, comical fighting and has the potential for onstage intimacy (kissing, physical embrace).

Oberon is the King of the Fairies, who orchestrates much of the magical interference in the lovers' lives. His desire to punish and reconcile with Titania leads to several of the play's key events. Oberon is powerful, manipulative, and commanding. He can be both vengeful and compassionate, showing a range of emotions from jealousy to kindness. This role has the potential for onstage intimacy (kissing, physical embrace).

Character age: undetermined and flexible, but will match with the casting for Oberon. Titania is the Queen of the Fairies, initially at odds with Oberon. Her enchantment and subsequent infatuation with Bottom provide much of the play's humor. Titania is strong-willed, proud, and nurturing. Despite her quarrel with Oberon, she shows a tender side, especially in her care for the changeling boy.

Puck is Oberon's mischievous servant, responsible for much of the magical mishaps. Their actions drive the comedic confusion and ultimate resolution of the lovers' conflicts. Puck is playful, mischievous, and witty. They enjoy causing trouble and revel in the chaos they create, yet they ultimately help to restore order. Ideally, this actor will have the ability to do very physical onstage work including climbing, crouching, etc.

One of the fairies serving Titania. They attend Bottom when Titania falls in love with him due to Oberon's enchantment. Peaseblossom is loyal, obedient, and gentle. They fulfill their duties with a cheerful and willing demeanor.

One of the fairies serving Titania. They attend Bottom when Titania falls in love with him due to Oberon's enchantment. Cobweb is helpful, attentive, and diligent. They are eager to please and quick to assist Bottom and Titania.

One of the fairies serving Titania. They attend Bottom when Titania falls in love with him due to Oberon's enchantment. Mote is delicate, friendly, and dutiful. They embody the ethereal and whimsical nature of the fairy realm.

One of the fairies serving Titania. They attend Bottom when Titania falls in love with him due to Oberon's enchantment. Mustardseed is kind, eager, and accommodating. They, like the other fairies, are dedicated to serving and ensuring Titania and Bottom's comfort.

Quince is a carpenter and the director of the Mechanicals' play within the play. He organizes the group and assigns the roles for their performance of "Pyramus and Thisbe." Quince is earnest, practical, and somewhat overwhelmed by the task of directing the play. He is patient and good-natured, despite the challenges posed by the other craftsmen.

Bottom is a weaver and one of the Athenian craftsmen (the "Mechanicals"). He is transformed into an ass by Puck and becomes the object of Titania's enchanted affection. Bottom is bumbling, confident, and comically self-important. He has an exaggerated sense of his own talents and is oblivious to his absurdity.

Flute is a bellows-mender who plays Thisbe in the Mechanicals' play. His discomfort with playing a female role adds to the comedic elements of the subplot. Flute is reluctant, modest, and humorous. He is initially hesitant about his role but ultimately embraces the performance with enthusiasm.

Starveling is a tailor who plays Moonshine in the Mechanicals' play. His portrayal involves holding a lantern to represent the moon. Starveling is practical, unassuming, and dutiful. He goes along with the group's plans and performs his part with straightforward simplicity.

Snout is a tinker who plays the Wall in the Mechanicals' play. His role involves creating the illusion of a wall separating Pyramus and Thisbe. Snout is earnest and somewhat literal-minded. He takes his role seriously and tries to contribute meaningfully to the performance.

Snug is a joiner who plays the Lion in the Mechanicals' play. His role is minor but adds to the humor and charm of the amateur performance. Snug is simple, timid, and eager to please. He is concerned about remembering his lines and delivering a convincing performance.

Theseus is the Duke of Athens, who represents law and order. He is preparing for his marriage to Hippolyta and presides over the play's opening and closing scenes, symbolizing authority and stability. Theseus is fair and rational, often portrayed as a benevolent ruler. He values harmony and order, and his decisions are guided by reason

Egeus is Hermia's father, who wants her to marry Demetrius. His insistence on obeying Athenian law causes conflict and drives Hermia to flee into the forest. Egeus is rigid and authoritarian, embodying the strict adherence to societal norms and parental control. He is inflexible and determined to have his way.

Hippolyta is the Queen of the Amazons, betrothed to Theseus. Her presence highlights the themes of love and power, and she symbolizes strength and loyalty. Hippolyta is calm, dignified, and composed. She demonstrates wisdom and grace, often providing a counterbalance to Theseus's authoritative demeanor.

Philostrate is the Master of the Revels for Theseus, responsible for organizing the entertainment for Theseus's wedding to Hippolyta. He introduces the Mechanicals' play and provides comic relief through his skepticism of their performance. Philostrate is dutiful, efficient, and somewhat critical. He takes his responsibilities seriously and provides a voice of reason and humor amidst the play's chaotic events.